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[A photo from our luau!]
Our friend Sandi came and visited us recently. Sandi and I went to preschool together. During her stay she treated us to a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center! She was such a grateful guest. At the end of every day she thanked us for an amazing day. We were refreshed and blessed by Sandi’s visit as well. I asked her to write down some thoughts and here is what she wrote. Thank you so much Sandi for coming to visit us!
I started thinking about visiting the Bakers in Hawaii in early 2014. After getting through those thoughts of “It’s too expensive” or “It’s too far away,” I decided to go for it!
I am so grateful I did. It had been way too long since I had last seen the Bakers (at least three years), and it was wonderful having quality time with them. The school Jess was teaching in was postponed, so both she and Jim were able to spend most of their time with me.
It was so refreshing to spend time with Jim and Jess. They are dear friends and ministry partners from Mission Meadows (a camp we all used to work at), so we spent time reminiscing about the past but also shared about dreams for the future. They are people who are actively seeking God and walking in obedience in what He speaks to them. I found it inspiring to hear stories of how God has been and is using them to bless whomever they come in contact with. They are people of radical hospitality and generosity!
During my stay, Jess made it clear that we would accomplish everything I wanted to do on the island. We went over and beyond that, visiting at least 9 different beaches in 12 days, going surfing, snorkeling, participating in a luau, and eating many Hawaiian specialties (make sure you try an acai bowl if you ever get to Oahu!).
I was blessed to be a part of the YWAM Honolulu base during my stay as well. Jim and Jess live in community with some terrific people who are also passionate about serving young missionaries. I was able to participate in a small group for female YWAM staff, join in on worship and family nights, and accompany the staff to a political/worship rally of some Christian men running for office in Hawaii. I loved being a part of their community and was reminded how valuable community is in our individualistic society.
Overall, this vacation was a huge blessing. I felt incredible peace and a deeper connection with God than I have felt in years. He spoke some great promises to me while I was there, and I feel as though He’s given me a new confidence in Him as my Provider. I also slept like a baby while I was in Oahu – that never hurts anything!
Thank you Jim and Jess for opening up your lives with me and sharing the wonderful blessings of Hawaii!!
