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