It's you and me, Blog.

This is silly. I've been putting off updating because I wanted to upload a few photos, but I suppose it would make a lot more sense just to update now and upload photos whenever I figure it out. Hmm, that reminds me of the mission. I guess I have a long-standing history of photo-sharing trouble.

Life on the island is treating me very well indeed. I especially love being outside here. I've been waking up naturally around 6 or 6:30 each day which means I can sit out on the patio and watch the sunrise every morning :) I love that. I did that this morning, then went on a hike up to a waterfall with our friend Aaron. I spend most of everyday at the University of Hawaii Institute studying/writing papers/taking online quizzes or actually in Institute class. One of the senior sister missionaries was offering private piano lessons through the institute. I signed up for that so fast! I've only had two lessons so far, but I can already see some progress. I just love fulfilling long-time dreams! I highly recommend it.

I haven't found a paying job yet (which could be a problem), but tomorrow I have my first day of clinical for my nursing leadership class. I'm working with a lady named Aiea who is from Hawai'i and works as a wound specialist for American Medical Technologies (the company my mom works for). She is a masters prepared nurse and also has her MBA plus a lot of leadership experience. Oh, and did I mention how excited she is to bring me on? This is going to be great!

I've been forming a habit this week of going out to the beach after I finish my school-work each afternoon, breathing deeply, and watching the sunset. Today's sunset was exceptional. It started early with the sun trapped in a cloud bank and pouring rays out across the water. Then it slowly freed itself, making a brilliant appearance as a glowing orb above the horizon before sinking behind another set of clouds and turning them all to gold with a Midas touch. That began a symphony of color and motion played out across the whole sky as pink mixed with blue and gray took on a silver hue. Surely the work of the Master Artist.

Not too long ago, a friend of mine shared an artistic observation with me that I also witnessed in today's beautiful sunset. It is poem-worthy, but alas no poem has come... yet. It's the way the clouds at once so dark and ominous light up like fire with the sun behind them. In a phrase, All things turn glorious in the light of the Son.

Perhaps I shall expound upon that another day. It's late now, and I want to get up early.

Love and Blessings,
Deva