Mele Kalikimaka 2011!!!

Hello all,

Mele Kalikimaka and Aloha from Hawai’i!

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year. The snow (and yes the Big Island has snow… it’s on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa as I type this), the cool weather in windy Waikoloa town and the festive music on the radio reminds me of all the great memories of Christmas’ growing up. It isn’t quite the same as a white Colorado Christmas, but enjoying the remarkable geography of the Big Island sure gives it a run for their money. This time of year is a most joyous occasion, from the food and fun, and we are glad to be sharing it with Andrew and Haley, as well as the rest of the Waliszewski clan, Bob, Leesa and Trevor. We’re preparing for a great Christmas here in Hawai’i, but we miss each and every one of you on the mainland during this time!

Kelsey and I are so thankful for everything going on in our lives right now. We are able to play to our hearts’ content as I spearfish as Kelsey chases the wind kiteboarding. My work as a Team Leader (assistant manager) at Target has been quite the growing experience, but has been an enjoyable ride and one that seems to be getting better and better as I stay on and learn how to be a manager in the world of retail. It’s nothing that I thought I would do, but I love working alongside of the awesome crew at Target 2412 in Kona and enjoy seeing how I can help a business operate! Kelsey’s job is just kicking into full swing for the winter Whale Watching season. Imagine being able to take boat trips to watch amazing humpback whales play in the warm Hawaiian waters, and then get paid for it! Her work at Adventure X Rafting keeps her very busy, but it also keeps her in a place where she thrives - working with people to provide visitors and kama aina (locals) with a remarkable trip to see some of God’s most amazing creatures up close!

In all of the busyness of this season, we hope that this season finds you all enjoying time with family and friends, and full of the expectation of real meaning of the season. I have been so in awe at the unfair, minding-blowing move of God that happened all that time ago when the King, the creator of everything wrapped on human flesh to begin His campaign of redemption. When the Father sent Jesus to the world, the entire earth was waiting for His arrival, as it now waits for His return. And what a glorious day that will be! Kelsey and I hope and pray that you may experience the arrival of Jesus in your lives in new ways in 2012!

Gloria! In excelsis Deo!

David and Kelsey Poole

Merry Christmas. Just today, David and I were talking about this whole "politically correct" movement saying "Happy Holidays". I encourage you, no matter the "politics" never take Christ out of Christmas. How easily we forget how much this little baby changed history. How much this little baby came to change our lives, if we let Him.

Well an update on our lives...
A little shout-out to my hubby who has blown me away this week. Besides working a 39.5 hr week at Target, he changed the spark plugs on my car and fixed my window wiper fluid device:)
He also spray painted our dining table a brown, no longer its original ugly cream color. He currently is making a homemade pizza and bread which friends of ours, the Perkins, taught him to make on Monday during our trip to Hilo. Not sure what has gotten into my husband, but I'm loving it! Call him cook, mechanic, and painter.

Thanks to my aunt, Haley's mom, we have a little Christmas tree which we have decorated. I don't think it will ever feel like Christmas here in Hawaii.

Haley, on Saturday, saw her first whale on our boat, Adventure X Rafting. Starting Dec 20, we are stopping dolphins and switching to Whale Watching...something we are very excited about! Witnessing these 80,000 lb animals breach, is absolutely incredible!

Well may you draw closer to Jesus this Christmas season!

Kelsey

Our New Home....number 5

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Aloha,
So we have moved into our 5th place on the Big Island found in the beautiful community of Waikoloa Village. We also have extended our family to Haley and Andrew Hendrickson (my cousin/sis and her hubby). We all thought we would give this idea of community living a shot. So far...we love it!
I must say, that when they first arrived, they had this "deer-in -the-headlights-look" about them. To suddenly up and move from your homestate to a brand new state/ at one time a different country...talk about CHANGE. However, after a good night of sleep they seemed to wake up refreshed and not so overwhelmed. To read about their experience (and for WAY better pictures as Haley is a photographer), check their blog out at:

hendricksonsinhawaii.blogspot.com

Haley's first day on the boat will be tomorrow with me as we Swim with Dolphins with 15 guests~ Looking forward to having her on board.

Andrew is hoping for a job with Aflac...however...a job opened up with our competitor Whale Watch boat...hmm?? A spy maybe??:)

Kapule seems to have adjusted well. This outdoor kitty thing is quite new for her, and she will squawk about it for a while. However, today I haven't seen her since this AM, so she may be out exploring her new territory...i hope. I tell you its been more of an adjustment for me...wait til we have kids...I'll be a nervous wreck! Mom and Dad, don't know how you did it!

Speaking of mom and dad, my folks and Trevor show up in 16 days! They'll be spending 11 days with us on the Big Island...and I may or may not have a surprised up my sleeve for them:)

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for praying for us as this adventure continues!

Kelsey

We are moving...again!

Well, as always a lot has happened in the past few weeks. Time flew by, and I didn't realize that 3 weeks had passed since my last post. Yes, David and I are still alive and well, just continuing to live this adventure called...LIFE.

So, as stated in the title, we are moving...again. This will be our 6th place to have lived since we moved to Hawaii. Just call us house-hoppers. From our last move, almost everything is still in boxes since we knew it was only going to be a temporary place. We have signed a 6 month lease (with potential for a year), and are moving into a 3 bedroom house in an area called Waikoloa on the Big Island. My cousin/sister and her hubby will be moving here on the 30th of Nov, and we'll be sharing the house with them. A new chapter in life for both couples, and a chapter that we are very much looking forward to. Haley and I always talked about living together, we just didn't know it would be with our husbands...in Hawaii...working on a whale watching and dolphin swim adventure boat...Wow, God is good!

So come visit!! We'll have an extra room.

Nothing too new to report work wise. David and I are both continuing to love our jobs and God is stretching us to be management material:)

My folks come to visit in 4 weeks along with my brother, a Senior at Notre Dame btw. Looking to go to Law school after college. It will be great to have a lawyer in the family.

Haven't kited in about 3 weeks. Let's just say there are several grumpy kiters on the Big Island right now. We need some wind. Blow Makani blow!!

David and I had access to a condo for a couple days. We invited our friends, Art and Donna, to come over and spend some time resting and relaxing. What great fellowship. Although this condo is 10 minutes away, it was a great retreat from the "norm" of life.

I am about to finish out my sentencing of a suspended license. *sigh* Can I just say, I am a lucky gal to have such a great hubby. Not once did David complain about taking me to work at 5:30 am, or picking me up after his work and being late to hockey. I tell you, if roles were reversed, I'm sure I wouldn't have been so gracious as he has been. (I'm working on that). I am a very blessed gal!

Well email me at kelsey.poole09@yahoo.com if you want our new address.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Kelsey

Trials

Today at church our pastor talked about Trials and God's Discpline out of Hebrews 12:4-11. No one likes to be disciplined, but we see discipline as a form of refinement although, sometimes painful and uncomfortable. God allows trials in our lives, and through the trials, if we let him, He'll make us more like Him. Thankfully, trials are only temporary, and usually the outcome is more of God's blessing in our lives.

As we are a couple months away from the end of the year, I have to think that this year could have been called "David and Kelsey's Year of Trials" as both David and I went through some not so fun stuff. However, we have to trust that God truly disciplines those He loves, and through discipline comes a refinement of character. Last Tuesday, I pleaded "no contest" in my excessive speeding court case. After talking with an attorney who advised me not to make the judge more irritated and that really it was a losing battle, I decided to plead no contest and hope for the best. Well the "best" still consists of a hefty fine, 15 days suspended license, Community Service, and a driving class...not what I had in mind, especially when I have a hard time believing I was going that fast (you should see the car I was driving, can it get up to 88 is the question?). Well anyhoo, what's done is done, and I have to think that this is a trial that God has allowed in my life to refine who I am. I have a pretty amazing husband and some awesome friends who are taxing me around for the next 2 weeks. I tell you, for a pretty independent woman to have to suddenly become dependent...it is a stretching experience for me:) Also for someone who felt invincible to the law and often sped (not 88), finally realized that we do need to honor the law and authority God has established and has learned a valuable lesson, thankfully not at the expense of a life or property... Probably what God had in mind...? But how do you explain trials in someone's life who doesn't know Jesus? Is it an opportunity to come to know and rely on Jesus as Lord and Savior?? Is it another way for God to make it clear that we can't do life on our own?
Thoughts?

Talking in the car on the way to the beach to kiteboard, I asked David if he thinks he has seen the blessings from the trial he went through at the beginning of the year. During that trial I saw a pretty stubborn man come to repentance and make some big changes in his life. Never perfect, he is, however, a pretty different man from the man I saw a year ago. David recalled these blessings current in our lives: favor at work, financial provision, and a happier marriage. Maybe even more blessings to come?

I always hope that after a trial, life will continue on as trial-free. But that's not the God we serve. God disciplines those He loves. Discipline is a form of God's love...ouch! So if God loves us, I guess the discipline will keep on coming...

Are you a disciplined child of God?

Kelsey

A SURPRISE

Finally I get to share this with you! For about a month, Christina (david's sister) and family were planning on coming to Hawaii to surprise David. Obviously, I had to keep my mouth shut so not to ruin the surprise, and I did!
On October 12, I got David to the airport. I told him I needed to pick up something for Casey (my boss). Little did he know, he was about to be shocked. The "something" I picked up was a car seat, and when he got out of the car to help me put it in the backseat, there was Bella, Pablo and Christina standing there. I've never seen him so surprised!
We went wakeboarding on the Pacific Ocean, spent lots of time at the beach, went to a coffee farm, visited with some awesome Hilo friends, and ate yummy food...it was a very packed 6 days! We loved spending time with them, and were so thankful they could make the trip over with a little 15 month old. I tell ya, little Bella stole our hearts. What a precious little girl as you can probably see from the pictures. Bella loved the water (takes after her aunty), and at 15 months old attempted to body board in some medium size waves with dad. She loved every minute of it. I think she'll be a kiteboarder someday:)

Well, now we are back to routine. The boat is back in the water, however, I'm praying the phones ring a bit more.
I have my "trial" for October 25. I've been advised by an attorney to plead guilty. A tough decision for me since I don't believe I was going that speed, but since I don't feel like paying 3000 dollars for an attorney...its a lose situation at court. Going to trial will only irritate the judge, pleading guilty, may allow me to get the minimum charges. All I have to say, I'm glad I have Jesus as my attorney at the Ultimate trial, Judgement Day. To stand before God and give an account for my life without Jesus by my side...now that's scary. I would appreciate prayers of peace.

Haley and Andrew are moving out here in November. David and I are starting to look for 3 bedroom homes that allow a kitty cat. I also found out, Rachael Scribner, a friend from high school is moving to Kona to be a leader at YWAM. Wow, God is good!! Please help us pray for the ideal house in the ideal location (I have no idea, but He does)

Well...that's all for now! Would love to hear from you all.

Kelsey

we have house mates coming

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So as many of you know or have experienced, I've been on a big sales kick selling the Big Island. I believe the Big Island is a special place and have encouraged many people to pray about moving here (either temporary to give it a shot, or more permanent). Well we found out this past week that my cousin (pretty much sister) and her husband are taking a leap of faith and moving out here for a year. They bought their one way tickets ( for about $315, an amazing deal) and are going to call the Big Island home for a year. I'm so proud of them as I watch them take this crazy step in life. There's a lot not figured out, but they believe God will bless their year here with incredible provision, and I can't wait to see Him provide! (Their picture is above). So November 30 we have housemates...and are currently looking for a house to complete the picture. I tell ya, housing on the Big Island is a lot more affordable shared, now its just finding that perfect home:)

Anyhoo, pretty exciting news. Just thought I'd share:)

Kelsey

A legal battle

First and foremost, could you all be praying for David's Aunt Tracy. They have found a hole in her lungs and she has been in the ICU for a couple days.

Well, I've been holding off writing this for a couple months because I'd thought I would have a whole story to tell you with good news at the end. Instead, I'm still in the midst of it and humbly needing your prayers.
Where do I begin?
Back in July I got pulled over for speeding. When the cop asked me if I was speeding, I admitted that I was.( I was going no more than 15 over...which yikes...is a lot). He then proceeded to tell me that he clocked me going over 33 mph over the speed limit (putting me at 88 in a 55mph zone). The accusation is pretty crazy as the car I was driving would literally be shaking at 88, there was heavy traffic and I was following another vehicle (who must have been going 88 too and never touched his brakes when he passed the cop) However, this in hawaii, is not just a speeding incident...this is a BIG DEAL, in which I now have gone to court twice. It's up there with a DUI... What's at risk? Besides a heavy fine, a 30 day suspended license, and either 36 hours of community or even jail time, (can you imagine me going to jail? Ok, well, let's not even go there for some of you:) it also goes on my record as a petty misdemeanor. Needless to say, this has been stressing me out. I countered a plea bargain today with the state prosecutor, which failed, so I am going to trial on October 25 at 2:30pm. I have given away my right to an attorney (a financial move, hopefully not a dumb one) because I could not qualify for a Public Defendent (and actually probably don't want one after watching him at work in the court room) and other Attorneys are super costly. If I lose the case I don't want the cost of an attorney plus all the other fines and fees attached. So I'm on my own, for now but seeking more legal counsel. In reality its the cop's word against my word with all the other legal mumbo jumbo in between. I've done my research in what the state prosecutor needs to prove so to find me guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
So to find the "good" in "God works out everything for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose" I'm still not sure. I hope to have great news that the case was dismissed after my trial on Oct 25, but I'm also ready for the worst of news (do you think I look good in orange?).
So I am asking my fellow brother and sisters to join me in prayer. I won't have a jury, I just have to convince a really tough judge (who has a reputation of being very egotistical). I feel like the odds are against me, but I have to think I have a God that is for me.

To be continued...
I could use any advice and/or encouragement kelsey.poole09@yahoo.com

Kels

Fall is here, my mainland trip

Can't you see the sister resemblance?


Aloha friends and family (who I just saw:)

I apologize for the long delay in writing the latest blog. As many of you know, I did indeed go to the mainland for 2 weeks to see family and friends. I tell you, two weeks can go very very fast. We dry docked the boat, and David was such a awesome hubby to let me go 2 weeks to Colorado and Indiana without him. I was sad he couldn't go, but thankful he could work and take care of our kitty cat (which by the way, in the two weeks that I've been gone, has forgotten about me so it seems. She now has a ho-hum attitude around me:)

While on the mainland I was able to see a lot of family which was great and just spend time in beautiful Colorado. It was wonderful to see Mom, Dad, Grandmothers, Aunts Uncles, family-in laws:), and my adorable little niece Bella (Pablo and Christina are doing an awesome job as parents). I also loved seeing my cousin/sister Haley and cousin in law/brother in law Andrew. Haley and I were able to spend a lot of time together, which was so special and much needed. In high school, Haley and I, who were once really close, seemed to live in separate worlds. Thankfully, since college and especially since being married, God has been able to bring our worlds back together again, and she truly is a sister to me. I loved seeing and hearing what God was doing in her and Andrew's lives. Haley even talked me into putting feathers in my hair. Who knew that feathers was a fashion, not in Hawaii...yet. Overall, a lot of decisions to be made in the near future, and I'm excited to see what God will do:)

Another gem on my trip was to stay with Dani and Ryan during our stay in Indiana. Dani, one of my amazing friends in college and has been an amazing friend since college... even got to visit us in June, was one of my bridesmaids back in 2009. She and Ryan are now working at the same Christian school in Indiana, and I am so happy for them. Back in May, my folks and I decided to take a 4 day trip to Indiana to see Trevor and help celebrate his 21st birthday. Dani and Ryan so graciously opened up their beautiful home, and let me emphasize beautiful, and let my folks and I crash for the 4 nights. Let me tell you, I sure packed in a lot of seeing people in those 4 days...and for those who I didn't get to see...I'm sorry...my time was so short:( I guess all the more reason to go back and visit. It was so refreshing to see friends and adopted families (Steenbekes). I was so encouraged by my conversations and catching up with people, so thank you for the joy:) It was very much needed. Trevor, no longer my little brother, was incredible in juggling friends, papers, ROTC, us, birthday celebrations, and who knows what else. It was really neat to meet his roomies, guys I hope he can keep in touch with the rest of his life.

Well, I'm back home. It is good to be home, and it is good that Hawaii feels like home. Some prayer requests, we'd appreciate your help in praying God's will in these areas:
-Finding a more home-like place (we have a lot of visitors coming in the next year, and David and I would love to get a place we can host)
-Car situations, we need to sell a car and buy a good gas car in the next month
- Work, for me...! Pray the phones ring once we are back in the water so we can start booking trips.
-Find a church/small group to plug in
-Figure out other ways we can plug into the community here in Kona
-Our marriage- God has always strengthened us in our time apart, but please continue to cover us in your prayers
-2 unspoken prayer requests

Praise:
David's hours were suppose to get cut these past 2 weeks from 40 to 32. However, each week he still seems to be working the 40 and with the raise that came with the promotion- it has been a huge blessing, especially with me mostly out of work for this month. God provides!!

Opportunity to go back to the mainland. I always consider that a blessing

Despite the economy, David and I have jobs and can survive in paradise!:)

Well, that's all for now. Stay tuned for what's next in the Adventure of David and Kelsey.

Kelsey

Fall just around the corner

Aloha friends and family,
I seem to have a lot of pics of David and the cat, Kapule, sleeping. I guess for a guy who gets up at 4 am needs a nap every now and then.

Just a little update. Most of you have heard about David's promotion. I'm very proud of him, and look forward to seeing the skills and leadership he will develop through this position.

I too am having to learn some leadership skills in my job as well. Although it is easier for me to just do, I've been asked to train our new employees, which has made me step back and re-think all my leadership readings and classes. Although it's not in a ministry setting with a bunch of teenagers, I am learning that one can still use the same skills and ideas. It's been fun as I've been learning a lot in the business world, and really fun when business takes place on the ocean. Now do I get my captain's license is the question?

I am looking forward to being back in Colorado on the 8th of Sept and in Indiana a little after that. Unfortunately, David won't be coming with me. We really felt that he needed to stay because of his new job and the cat. It's a good thing, because it looks like he may be in Hilo training while I'm in Colorado...perfect timing I must say.

My kite ripped about a month ago, and thanks to a fellow kiter from San Diego who volunteered to fix my kite for free, I'm back in the kiting world. It is a very multi-colored kite, but it is working once again which I'm thankful for. Although I was thinking I was becoming an intermediate kiter, I was put in my place quickly by my fellow kiters. So still at the beginning stage, I'm working on toe side kiting and jumps.

Although our life in Hawaii is good, we do miss friends and family. Our hope is to find a community soon over in Kona that can encourage, uplift, and focus us in our faith in Jesus Christ. We are so blessed for our friends and family in Colorado, Indiana, Hilo...now our prayer is Kona. Just because we aren't in "ministry" God can still use our vocations and or recreational activities to love others as Jesus would love them. Please pray for friends in David's and I lives, friends that can keep us focused on Him even in the busyness in life. I was listening to Rob Brendle's sermon on friends...and my heart's desire is to find fellowship like that in our lives now.

For those in Hilo-we'll be visiting this Friday and Saturday (2 and 3)
For those in Colorado-I'll be visiting Sept 8
For those in Indiana- I'll be visiting on the 16th

See you all soon:)

Love,
Kelsey