Written by: Jimmy and Alice
Here were our highlights of the week:
🚙 Going out on the town in Hilo! Friday we woke up around 5:30 and hung out while it rained. Next we drove to Walmart to get some trip necessities, then we went downtown to see Hilo town and look at or shop at locally owned stores and had about an hour to two to go around in our buddy systems.
Then: Learning new hula and songs as well as getting up and chanting. Every morning we get up at about 5:30 so we can share a special moment with Momi. She chants each morning at the sun to help raise the sun, a cultural tradition that she has been kind enough to share with us.
Finally: Working on the river trail and swimming! Sunday, July 5th, we met Topher, a previous Global Routes OE who lives in Hawai’i. He helped with tidying up and carving out a trail to the river flowing through Momi’s property, along with teaching us about the bases of the moon. At the end of the day Momi and some of the students got the opportunity to swim at the river and enjoy the cooled off water.
What is something you or the group is challenged by this week?:
The difficulties of being away from home and the early rising. With the second week inbound some of the students are feeling a little home sick. Another challenge the group is challenged by is the early rising, although a large majority of the group do enjoy getting up early it comes with its own difficulties.
What has surprised you about your host community,What culture, or destination?
Momi is a very passionate activist who explains her love for the Hawaiian culture. She also takes a passion in teaching drivers Ed so that students can be educated and safe, live and respect the land she inhabits, as well as teach people about the different traditions (dance, language, and chants). The biggest thing that has personally surprises me is the perseverance and ready attitude, today Momi dragged a literal tree down a steep path while I struggled to follow behind. She is an amazing role model and has surprised the entire group because her attitude to everything and amazing example she sets.
What’s the group dynamic like?
The group dynamic is changing every single day through different types of bonding. Everybody is getting comfortable around each other and we can tend to split up into separate groups at times but when we all come together it is truly special. We bond, get along, share stories, and hang out with each other and create a care free fun environment.
