Got Aloha for a Teacher?
On Saturday, May 19 I was fortunate to take part in a clean up of the Ka 'Ohu Hou O Manoa Transitional Housing Program. Now I have participated part in many clean-ups at the housing program, but this one was particularly special for me as it was my cousin Annie's last one before she headed off to college.
I have had the privilege (and some of the headaches haha) of assisting Annie since the summer of 2009, when she first began as a burgeoning sophomore to organize weekly volunteering at the housing program and with subsequent quarterly clean-ups. Needless to say it has been inspiring to see Annie begin with a personal commitment of once a week volunteering at the housing program and see it grow with each week. She began to recruit classmates and interested adult chaperones, which led to the formation of a Live Aloha Club at 'Iolani, where she attended high school. Annie rarely missed a week and what is the most obvious indicator of this are the relationships she formed with the mothers and their children.
It was thus a little bittersweet to hear that this one would be her last, but I was heartened to hear that her efforts would be continued by another 'Iolani student, Erin. And and after seeing Erin carry out introductions I instantly knew the aloha that Annie started would be continued after she graduated. Needless to say the day went off without a hitch -- the roofs were cleaned, gardens weeded, play areas swept, arts and crafts entertained the kids, lunch was enjoyed by all -- and we all truly lived aloha for at least a morning in May.
Aloha
Energy
Food
Comments posted prior to adopting Facebook comments.
Annie's story is one I'll never forget. Mahalo for sharing Brent.
Mahalo nui loa to Annie for your dedication - your inspirational work continues to ripple through the Kanu community. Mahalo to Brent for your kokua and support, and big mahalos to Erin for taking on the torch!
It would be great to see if Annie can take her experiences here and plant a seed of aloha in her college life! I think she could make the Live Aloha (abroad) Club an example for others to follow!
Brent, thank you for being instrumental in making Ka 'Ohu Hou O Manoa a fertile ground for the aloha spirit. The passing of the "torch" aspect is such an inspirational piece and creates a sustainable link forward. We can learn a lot from your example!