Blessings in Disguise

The recent encounter with Hurricane Iselle has left the East Side of Hawaii Island whirling.  Strong winds and heavy rains did much to batter the forests of this community.  Most hard hit were the families in the Puna District, especially those communities that were built under the canopy of the tall trees such as the fast growing Albizia.  Fallen trees cut travel, communication, and utility operations.  Some families are still without electricity.

Despite the heavy damage, there was no loss of life.  That alone is a miracle considering the falling trees, and fallen electrified poles.  What is equally amazing is how people have come together to help each other...neighbors, communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations.  People helping people.  I was much touched by a young adult who commented, "I don't have much money to share with others but I can make ice to share."  The Hawaii county administration and workers have been doing a phenomenal job.  The utility companies have been working around the clock to bring some sense of normality to people.  The response of the people without power has been equally gracious, people taking only what they needed.  Once their electricity was turned on, they offer others ice.

There have been instances of stupidity in the midst of the chaos:  The theft of the Red Cross truck, looting in the community, and the senseless vandalization of the Ali'i Ice Company during a time when ice was so needed by families.  But good has overcome evil in the formula.  The confounded moronic behavior of these criminals seems to be an anomaly when compared to the outpouring of love, concern, and assistance of thousands and thousands of people.

What becomes evident is that we were greatly inconvenienced by the storm.  Most of us can continue to go to work and to live.  We were without electricity.  We had to conserve our water.  We had to conserve our cellphone batteries to continue to have communication.  We got to sit at home during the evenings, watch the candle flicker, and talk to each other.  This was a very humbling circumstance.  We were back to the basics in life.

The thing to remember is that there are people who live like this in the world 365 days a year...water is a five mile journey from the house.  Food is gathered or hunted for the day.  We are so lucky to have conveniences of running water, electricity, telephone communication, and cars.  This experience has been an excellent reminder of how blessed we are.  That these adversities are blessings in disguise.  Let's learn from the experience.

Gratitude from Adversity

     Our daughter Sunny and her husband are hard working parents of three little boys, 7, 6, and 1.  Byron works two jobs and Sunny works full time and is taking courses to improve her work options.  Last Monday, a fire in their condominium in Wailuku, Maui turned their world upside down.  But instead of cursing their predicament, Sunny is filled with gratitude and is praising God for his presence in their lives.  What?  Gratitude and Praise for a fire?

     There are no random coincidences in life.  Things happen as part of God's plan for our lives.  The fire flared up after Sunny and Byron were at work.  The two older boys were at their summer program.  The baby was at the sitter's house.  Their downstairs neighbor noticed the fire and called the fire department.  By 8:30 am when Sunny got a call, the fire and police departments were already at the house.

     Had the fire occurred in the evening or early morning hours, this family might have been trapped as the fire was in the kitchen which is next to the front door.  They live on the second floor and did not have ladders to safely transport all three boys down.  His timing was impeccable and the safety of the family was assured.

     Now what is left is for the family to go through the rubble to salvage whatever is possible.  Loving family members, and friends have offered help to this family.  Many people are praying that the aftermath of the fire with the insurance and paperwork will be favorable to them.  What else can one do but be grateful.  It is funny how things in life do turn out.  E mililani kakou!  Let's all give thanks and praise to God.