Megan's Graduation

Our May highlights were Megan's graduation from seminary and from Kahuku High School. We began our Hawaii public school affiliation with Lindsey entering kindergarten in 1985 and ending 23 years later with Megan's graduation--thus 23 of our 24 years here in Hawaii.

Megan was one of the speakers at the seminary graduation; since they were studying the Old Testament she was asked to identify someone one from that book whom she admired and why. She chose Jonah and shared how initially he didn't want to do what the Lord wanted him to do but was able to overcome and served as an example. She was confident and powerful in her delivery--of course, we were proud!

Seminary Graduation, Sunday, May 18, 2008

Kahuku Graduation, Thursday, May 29, 2008

Lots of leis!

It was a good evening and the reality that this was our last high school graduation made it more eventful. Now Trevor starts kindergarten in the fall so we'll be watching and supporting on the sidelines as Lindsey begins her adventure into public schools with her children. I have a strong feeling she'll also be involved with the programs like we were as well.

Megan's next adventure is LDS Business College in the fall and then BYU Idaho in January! Three college graduates, one to go!

SIFE--Chicago and Nauvoo (May 14-19)

My last post was when we were in Palmyra and enjoying all the church history.

On our return, I stopped in Chicago to meet with the BYUH group to attend the SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) conference on May 14-16. I met our delegation of 19 students there who were busily engaged in preparing for the competition and enjoying some of the downtown Chicago sites when I arrived. This was the hardest working group I have advised, lead by an outstanding president, Al Doan. Their presentation and report were phenomenal, the judges were complimentary, and they received First Runnerup in their league, putting them in the top 40 in the country. Actually I think they would be in the top 25 at least, based on some of the other presentations we saw. (pictures to be added later)

From there, we drove to Nauvoo; most of the students hadn't been there before and it's fun to take groups to Nauvoo--much to see and to experience. We left after the awards assembly and arrived safely at about 12:30 a.m., traveling in four separate cars, and pulled right up to the temple for pictures and reflection.

After some sleep, we spent the day on Friday touring Nauvoo and Carthage--the group enjoyed some play time and some serious moments as they walked the "Trail of Hope," attended a session in the temple, and visited the Carthage jail.

Trail of Hope, where the pioneers walked, leaving their Nauvoo homes

Nik and Jordan ready for a ride

Our BYUH SIFE "Pioneers"

This was a quick but memorable trip as we then returned to Chicago (airport) for our 8 a.m. flight. We left Nauvoo about 12:30 a.m. Saturday and arrived in Chicago around 4:30 a.m., in time to check everyone in and to get to our gate. After an all day flight, we were glad to be home and greeted by family and friends.

Next year's officers and members have already begun planning for next year with the hopes of doing even better in Philadelphia in 2009.