Traditions

People in Hawaii are all about traditions.
So much that it can really affect the normalcy of those who are not locals...but that's another post, another day...
One nice tradition, though, is singing to members of our congregation who move. And being in a military ward, we do this frequently. Those not familiar with this song, Aloha Oi, can borrow Lilo and Stitch from their neighbor or the library, and watch as Nani sings it to Lilo after being told that Lilo is going to be taken by the social worker. I know, a sad part of the movie, but that's the way they say goodbye.
It's a sweet and simple song, wishing the departing good tidings "until we meet again".
I cry every time we sing it.
I cry when we watch Lilo and Stitch.
Dang, I'm crying just WRITING about it.

Well, while the entire congregation stands and sings this song, anyone can come up, hug, and even give a lei to the families. I've never done this yet, because it's very special and not something I would do for just anyone. But this weekend, Lexi and I will be joining in with what I'm sure will be an overwhelming amount of people for a dear friend of mine whose family is moving next week.
Valerie was the first sister in the ward that actually made an effort to make me feel welcomed. She talked to me and was genuinely interested in every word that came out of my mouth. She would call me, just to see how I was doing. If anyone has ever been close to exhibiting the pure love of Christ, that would be Valerie. And she felt the same way about each and every person she met. She could not be more grateful to me for doing playdates with her, even though I loved them just as much. Even when she is angry or frustrated, she is cute! This lady made a full course dinner for our little family when we moved from one house to another, left crackers on my doorstep when I had the 24 hour flu, and gave us a decent amount of canned goods that they couldn't take with them. She serves until she's exhausted, yet doesn't think she deserves it in return. (Some of us have to be sneaky to do so...) On top of that, she's a mother to 6 kids and her husband has a schedule that changes more than a teenager's mind. In a word, she is: AMAZING.
I have seen her do things that most people haven't. I have seen her grumble at an old man who took forever to make a left turn...which if you know her, that's hilarious. We got her to dance with our Kinect this week... so much fun. She was like a kid again! Most people don't see her sassy side, but it's just as fun as her sweet side!
I don't even think I will be able to attempt to sing, since I know just thinking about her leaving brings me to tears. Sure, I've made many other friends since her, and most of them are wonderful in several ways as well. But you can't replace Valerie. Maybe some day we will get meet up again in this Air Force jumble we are in. I sure hope so.

We made her 5 older kids (the youngest is too little) candy leis. This is a tradition for the kids because they don't really enjoy a flower lei as much as something they can eat. They're kids! They aren't necessarily cheap either, so I bought the materials and made my own.

Lexi will get to give Sarah (her little BF) hers, and I've had the next two boys in my primary class and scouts...so by default the rest of the kids deserve one too :-)