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