Our "Small and Simple" Efforts Bring Great Blessings to Crawford's Home

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17)

One word could well describe our Service Opportunity at Crawford's Home: genuine. The moment we walked through the doors, the Spirit took over. Our 'Ohana immediately introduced themselves, pulled up chairs, and began "talking story" with these kūpuna (elders). It was as if we knew these people before. One quick glance around the room, and you could feel the presence of service in both word and deed.

Much mahalo to Kana and Christina for being our beautiful hula dancers. We started off with our H.C. Oli and then went into "Hiki Mai" and ended our Hula Kahiko section with our new chant, "Kāwika." Sam stepped up to the plate and joined Kana for a "good fun" time of Noho Paipai with Kai'anui Graham accompanying me on the 'ukulele! We then joined together and sang "He Hawai'i Au" ending our formal portion of the service project.

We enjoyed our time with these often lonely kūpuna who appreciated our company, our aloha, and our humble sharing of hula and mele (music). For the handful of us who went, we walked away with a sure witness of why the Lord has brought us together as a Hawaiian Club 'Ohana. Each of us has talents which we can use to bless the lives of others, and service is the perfect way to nurture these spiritual gifts.

Mahalo a nui loa--thank you, each one of you--who sacrificed your time and your aloha to bless the lives of others. There is something about serving our brothers and sisters that fills us with the pure love of Christ, which is indescribable unless you feel it yourself. As we parted with "Aloha 'Oe," the kūpuna sang along, our voices and spirits unified with one voice, one mana. Though there for only a little while, we created a lasting connection which will echo into the eternities. Next month, we hope you will join us and "feel" the aloha of service for, truly, as President George Albert Smith taught, “It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give.”