Hi everyone! Well, I just got my family off to the airport, got word from Karen that they are on the plane leaving and so 5 1/2 hours today, they will be back in Honolulu, then to Hilo and back to the Tomita homestead. Alden and Jamie have commented that our cat Daisy has not warmed up to them while we have been away(realistically, we have had Daisy for almost eight years and she still has not warmed up to us either so we tell everyone who housesits for us that they should not expect much when it comes to being friends with Daisy--of course, everyone except Layne because for some strange reason, Daisy loves Layne and sits on his lap, comes to him day and night, etc.) Although we haven't talked much with Alden and Jamie, Karen has talked to them several times and each time, they have not mentioned Mie, our rabbit. Maybe we will find that he passed on to that Rabbit haven in the sky or because he is so gutsy, he will outlive us all! Last night, we drove in to Los Angeles and stayed at the Marriott Courtyard for the night(actually only seven hours until my family had to catch their flight). We were reminded that if we drove the 2 hours to Los Angeles from Canyon Lake, we may take anywhere from 3 1/2 to 4 hours, barring any traffic accidents. so we took their advice and decided to drive in and stay overnight one block from the airport and got an incredible rate from Priceline.com. This hotel is quite nice and offered the Tomitas everything that we needed for the night. Praise the Lord for His provision! Since the hotel offers complimentary internet service, I decided to return and spend the two hours to catch up on blogging, email, mapquest for my visit next week to Tim Logerquist, Steve Pope, Tracy Cook and others that I will interview with: my quest is to discover what theses pastors know to develop their congregations into spiritually and relationally healthy churches, the same purpose to which Gail and I have committed ourselves here at Kinoole. It has been wonderfully challenging the past several weeks but now the hard work begins, to utilize the time alone(beginning today) to hear from God. The scripture that comes to mind today is from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD. . ." It is my heart's desire to find out for myself God's plans for Kinoole because this is still His church and we are and will always be His people. Amen? Amen and Amen! thanks again for all your prayers, especially my driving here in California, people are crazy or perhaps I am slow, used to Hilo driving. Take care, everyone! I love you all! Daniel