I grew up crossing oceans and love learning about the Creator through the diversity of cultures.
I have such a cool job. I get to hang out with international students, build friendships, go on island excursions, lead Bible studies, host dinners, and go on trips and retreats. While the activities of InterVarsity staff life are pretty exciting, what I like most is the incredible people I get to meet. Today I … More Umbrella Hero
We circle up in plastic chairs under the kukui nut tree. The kane (men) blow the conch shell to begin our service and the kahu (pastor) gives the oli (chant) to invite the Presence of God to be with us. We hug and greet everyone; forehead to forehead and nose to nose as we share ha (breath). … More The Hawaiian Church / Ka ‘Ohana
In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churchmen stand on the sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard many ministers say: “Those are social issues, with which the … More DON’T count the cost
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. – MLKJr in his letter from the Birmingham Jail Potentially one of the greatest logical fallacies is that another’s injustice exists in a vacuum … More Injustice for all
While perusing the books at Goodwill the other day, I stumbled across this treasure. It is a photographic gem of Hawaii’s beautiful mixed children. Opening with a descriptive introduction and cute poems, it contains page after page of photos of cute kids in Hawaii with an accompanying list of ethnicities they represent. Some have two … More Ethnic Kaleidoscope
When I think of American immigrant stories, I think of my early ancestors who came from Europe, or the wave of Chinese immigrants in the last century, or the recent influx of immigrants from Mexico. Rarely would I imagine an immigrant who looks like me but grew up in a completely different cultural context. My … More Nalisniki and faith
Tonight I took part in a gathering of activists who want to see a FREE HAWAII, meaning, a Hawaii with the freedom to self-rule as the Sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii. In the room are activists who have gone through numerous arrests, some serving prison time, others still battling in court. They are warriors who have … More Aloha is…
I am honored to stand with the citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom as they seek to protect what is sacred. Mauna Kea, one of the highest peaks on the big island reaching above 13,000 feet, is considered the piko or navel of the island archipelago; it connects the Hawaiian people to their past. But as … More My first protest
Today my heart is grieved. I’m feeling the weight of last week’s massacre at a Kenyan University, a college friend who attempted suicide today, and students protesting with a hunger strike in front of my Alma Mater, Simpson University. Without a doubt, the spiritual battle is at hand. Let us take up our armor and … More Truth lies bruised at Simpson’s door
Over the next few days I have the pleasure of hosting some of my friends who work with InterVarsity in California, James and Tatiana (who is 8 months pregnant!). As I adjust to my new life in Hawaii and develop new relationships, it’s a joy to cherish old friendships in a new place… I love … More My Roots in Ukraine
crossing oceans bridging cultures 