One of the joys of my job is having the freedom of serving on a few non profit board. I beg to differ in that the profits and rewards are overwhelming. It's not measured in dollars, it's all about heart. This year with The Wolfhounds of Schofield Barracks and Peace Bridge provided yet another refreshing of my purpose and soul. These are the moments that life is made of and I cherish every moment.
For the 54th year, the Wolfhounds brought children over from the Holy Family Home of Osaka, Japan for a two week stay.
It seems as soon as the crowd gathered, the children were in the building and all the excitement began. This was the first year that only three made the trip out, but it didn't diminish the feeling that charged the air. There is so much love and tradition behind this relationship that has withstood the test of time.
After all the ceremony and proclamations, (That day was proclaimed Wolfhound Day by Mayor Carlisle), we took a pic and got the children on their way.
But not before getting a quick lesson on making "shaka" by Lt Col Don Brown. He and his men were magnificent and models of the living tradition. This is the longest relationship the US Army maintains in its entire history!
After a few days, it was finally my turn to host the group. Frist stop, Neal and family at Menehune Mac. They've been awesome partners every year.
I got to meet the legendary Easy Smith and we fast became buddies.
We got a personal tour by Neal and everyone got to make their own box of chocolates. This tour is also available for large groups and birthday parties. Good to support local business that has a lot of heart.
Even I got to make a box. No matter how many times I do this, it's always fun.
Then it was our turn. Here they are, making their own take home souvenir from our factory.
We played music, danced and hung out until it was time for the next stop. Before they left, we armed each one with an ukulele as we always do.
We rounded out our day at the Waikiki Yacht Club and the children got to take a private boat ride around Ala Moana Harbor. The folks there are wonderful.
I know I post the same story every year, but it never gets old for me. Once you see the faces, it all makes it worthwhile. Last December, I was fortunate enough to visit the home and the children all remembered me. Needless to say, that made my insides burst with joy.
Alas, time flies by too quickly and the day comes when they need to depart back home to Japan. It's bittersweet sorrow. They get to be a part of a family for two weeks and the bonds of love are something that last a lifetime. Many of them claim that this is the most significant thing to happen in their lives - even as adults. Life is not bad at the home, but it doesn't get rosier once they leave. Japan still has some social prejudice that they need to overcome.
Together with the Wolfhounds, we aim to help create more opportunities in the future. Log on to:
www.wolfhounds-peacebridge.org to see how you can help.
Source: http://kaleookalihi.staradvertiserblogs.com/2011/09/04/wolfhounds-and-holy-family-home-2011/
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