Work hard, play hard

There is a season to work hard, and then there is a season to play hard. Our boat company hosted over 1500 people during our 3 month peak whale season. That was a lot of work! Enjoyable work to say the least, but work...we were busy.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are in a 6 week dry dock. Well it is forced play you might say. Yes, there is still work to be done, and there's a lot of pressure to be back in the water, but "it is what it is" and now is a season of play too!
So I've been doing just that, and when David, Haley and Andrew can join me...we all go play. You only live life once, right?

A few weeks ago, friends from Hilo came over to camp and scuba. David and I have never scuba-ed, so Chris so willingly and patiently taught David the art of scuba. David was thrilled about this new way to experience the water. He even caught a fish too. I never eat the fish he catches, because when I see them "whole" and their sad little eyes staring at me as they sit, forever, in the fridge or ahem cooler... waiting to be cooked...they suddenly have a name, and a family, and...well need I go on? I sat with the ladies on the beach and played with the pooch...and Jackson, the newest edition to our crew...almost 1 year old. It is so fun to see Chris and Heather as parents. They are doing a great job at it too:) I'm a true believer that parenting is one of the hardest jobs in life, so kudos to all you parents out there. And thank you to our parents for putting up with the amazing and hard times we threw your way.

Well Haley and Andrew leave in about 3 weeks:( We are excited to see where the next adventure takes them. As for us, our plan is to hold on to our rental for another couple months unless another rental opens up or maybe we even buy? We have already been pre-approved for a loan, and tis the time to buy in Hawaii. So whatever door God chooses to open up we'll follow, we just hope He really makes it clear. The picture of Haley and Andrew is at a fresh water pond literally feet away from the ocean. Amazing to have fresh water and salt water so close together. Feels great to get in after a long hike through the lava fields.  We are looking for possible new roommates...interested? Email me kelsey.poole09@yahoo.com

As for work, there's always potential to expand, grow, and change. That's what is scary and that is what I love about my job. Casey and I went 4Wheeling to investigate some expansion to our business. Despite the business side of things, it was so great to be up at 11,500 ft again on a mountain overlooking the prettiest coastline in the world! So refreshing, and so needed!! It was also my second time 4Wheeling,  I wouldn't say I'm the best driver;/

On Saturday, all 4 of us went snorkeling at a place called MahuKona. From the highway, Haley's highly trained and professional whale watching eyes spotted a momma humpback and baby. They performed, breaching, tail slapping/slashing, head lunging, for about 45 minutes. Amazing that it is almost May and  there are still whales around. When the baby is big enough, mom and baby will start making their trek to Alaska. Pretty amazing to be nursing a calf and making a 2500 mi journey. It's no wonder that females lose up to 40% of their body weight. Now that's a diet! God is pretty amazing.

So a random thought, but yet one I've been thinking: What sets humans apart from animals...why is it that we have feelings, a conscience, emotions, responsibility, creativity. I believe it all points back to a God. A Creator God. A God who so loved His creation and He decided to make Man in his image. Man reflects God. Man is not God, but points to a God. Our reflection of God sets us apart from other life. That's a privilege, an honor, and a huge responsibility...what does he want from us then?? Why not make us like the rest of the animals out there? I have to think it is because this Creator God which I believe so strongly in...is a relational God. He wants a relationship with you, and me...

to be continued...

Go work hard, and play hard this week.

Kelsey

Happy April!

Wow,
Sorry it has been a while. Time is a flyin. Well to update you on our past month, let's begin:

My mom came at the end of March. It was great having her here. We celebrated Haley's 24th bday with pedicures and paddleboarding. Haley, Andrew, my mom and David went down into Waipio Valley (related to the Colorado incline). They played with the wild horses in the valley and enjoyed the beautiful beach and waterfalls.

Haley and Andrew are leaving us at the end of May:( Hawaii has been a great adventure for them, but they feel that it's time to leave. Not sure what's next for them, but we are thrilled as they continue on in the adventure. However, we are VERY sad to see them leave.

As for David and I, we still feel that the Big Island is our home. As for the roof over our heads, not sure if we'll keep the house we are in or downsize or...? Who knows, praying God will make that clear.

David and I both love our jobs. The other day Casey (my boss who is cutting the Mahi Mahi in the pic above) took Kim (one of the crew) and I on a holo holo boat trip (play day). We went out to fish, but ended up finding the last of our Big Island whales. About an hour into the trip a Mama humpback whale and a keiki (baby) whale put on quite a show...just for the 3 of us. It was awesome. I kept thinking that was a God thing.

For Easter, some friends of ours, Heather and Chris and their 10 month old Jackson, came over for the weekend. It was so great to spend time with them. Once again we realize how much we miss our old stomping grounds...Hilo. Miss our HMC family and friends:)

David is done with the night shifts at Target and he is back to working "normal" hours. He seems to be happier.

Well, lots of randomness. But that's life.

Love you all.
Kelsey and David and Kapule