Day 7: Last day at Volcano & Tab's Wedding in Kona

  Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States
Saturday, November 3, 2007

This morning I packed up all my belongings and said goodbye to my little cottage.  Following morning prayer was an amazing and inspiring keynote address which I had more energy to type and share about.  I'll save that for either a future entry or a deep meaningful conversation when I return home.  The workshop I attended on Lent/Easter was more of a music-sharing session where we sampled new music that could be used during those seasons.  I enjoyed another lovely lunch with my new friend Eric, and then since a number of us had to leave the conference early, they gathered us together and the remaining attendees sent us off with a blessing.  I was actually almost moved to tears by the words shared in the blessing, and maybe the experience seemed especially touching as they had those of us leaving stand in the inner circle facing out, and those blessing us facing inwards with arms stretched out, so we were looking at one another during the prayer.

I stopped by my host, Ira's gallery with pick up a couple things I asked them to hold.  Once again I was moved by his wishes for me to be well, filled with peace and happy.  I don't know what it was that made these moments seem especially genuine and special.  Was it that they were new acquaintances or friends who so freely and genuinely wished for my happiness?  Maybe it was just the language or way they expressed themselves?   Maybe in general I felt the Spirit really working through these people who were strangers to me just a day ago.  My corny self couldn't help but listen to "May the Road Rise to Meet You" a few times as I drove away from Volcano, thinking about all these people I only got to know for a day or less, and may or may not see again.

In an attempt to get myself out of a sappy mood, I searched the radio for some good island music as I drove to Kona for Tabatha's wedding.  The drive itself was pretty uneventful.  I arrived at the Hilton Waikoloa with about a half hour to spare before the wedding.  The resort itself is pretty crazy, and I'll let you check it out for yourself: www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.  

Wedding 9

 

Wedding 11: The Happy Couple

The wedding ceremony was in the gorgeous setting of the "Palace Gardens" which overlooks the ocean.  Tabatha looked beautiful and I have the pictures to prove it!  After some champagne, cutting the cake and pictures, we hopped on a boat which took us to a restaurant at the other end of the resort for dinner.  We had a GREAT time and the food was excellent!   I also drank my first strong but tasty Maitai...probably not helping my tiredness.

Wedding 23

Wedding 24: The Ladies

So now I'm at Tabatha's parents' condo and I'm ready for bed.  I think everyone else is already asleep.  I post pictures from the wedding in the morning...