3D - Do Da Dishes

On September 2,3 and 4, 2004, Westside Eagle's Pop Warner football teams and cheerleaders had a fundraiser at one of Kona, Hawaii's big events, The Lilioukalani Canoe Race. The only food booth set up at the pier on Ali'i drive for that weekend. People were there from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. and at times people stayed back to do security making sure the equipment were safe.

It was my first year helping out: from set-up, food preparation, cooking huge loads of rice, taking orders, serving food, watching some of the parent's children, driving to and from the plaza for pick-up and drop off of things needed...it was a busy but a great weekend.

As a staff of Youth With A Mission's Holoholo Ministries, I had prayed for opportunities to meet people from the community and the church I had been attending called Solid Rock Ministries. It turned out to be God's answer to prayers. I met choken (a lot of) people. I came as a stranger and additional man power but left as a part of the ohana. I left more blessed than when I came. Also grateful with the new connections I had made that I know didn't end after the fundraiser or that weekend. It was hardwork but well worth the circle of kisses on cheeks, hugs, smiles, and future greetings to come. I didn't need to talk much...all it took was a smile and a good attitude washing the dishes...and an openness to doing what needed to be done.

Who would have thought that doing the dishes would open doors into the hearts of people in the community? No longer just a face...now we know each other's names.