WEEK 1 OF PASTOR'S SABBATICAL LEAVE

Today marks the first week of my sabbatical leave. It has been a whirlwind of activity, primarily because of my family's focus of my son Jacob's graduation from Christian Liberty Academy. He graduated last Saturday, May 30th, 2009 and it was a special day, to say the least! Both his grandmothers were present, my mom and Karen's mom and stepdad were here to celebrate the joyous occassion. I must admit that the venue at New Hope Christian Fellowship was most enjoyable due to their air conditioned auditorium--it was quite comfortable! We had barely enough time after the sweet fellowship to prepare for Jacob's grad party at our church later that evening. I was quite impressed by the incredible work of the Junior class and their families to decorate the New Hope fellowship hall and serve the 17 Senior graduates and their families to a wonderful pupu lunch. It was more than just appetizers but almost a full meal served by willing servants. The food and the service was unbelievable! Thank you CLA Juniors! May your graduation be just as memorable next year as you made it for us this year! A special thanks also to the dedicated faculty of Christian Liberty; what more can be said as to the high commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and to every student. It was so evident that the love of Christ permeated every aspect of the graduation ceremony.

I must say that the joy began at 2:30AM that morning when my mom and I got up to make makesushi for Jacob's grad party. In all, I believe we rolled 25 rolls of sushi and the highlight of that memory was my "messup" on the very first roll where I forgot to put a sheet of nori on the su or bamboo wrapping device. My mom is quite proficient in making sushi where she has provided our family numerous times and special occassions with her tasty sushi. Later that morning, around 4:30AM, Karen's mom woke up to help roll several of the sushi so she could see how it was done. Several of the rolls were not wrapped properly where the rice spilled over but no worry, we just ate those and kept the good ones for the party, which everyone seemed to enjoy. I'll share more about that later on.

Our church also sponsored a graduates luncheon where 7 graduates were honored, given their cross pens and listened to their plans for the summer and fall. We were quite proud of each of them: 5 high school and 2 college graduates were honored: Hilo High: Joseph Davis and Jon Miyazono(who did not attend the luncheon); Waiakea High: Colby Miyose; Christian Liberty Academy: Jacob Tomita & Justin Pang; University of Hawaii at Hilo: Karl Sunagawa; and California Baptist University: Jamie Drake. Well, I need to get ready to attend the 10:30AM worship service at Kinoole Baptist Church.I had two major goals this past week: 1) to start walking every morning(happened only 3 of the 7 days) and to have my quiet time with the Lord(happened 4 days, hope to do better this week). Pray for me, everyone! More later on today about Alden and Jamie's wedding, how the Tomitas helped this fine couple start their married life with the Lord and with family and friends surrounding and supporting them.