WEEK ONE: TEMPLE AND RAIN

We have been here in Hawaii now for just over a week.  We worked at the Laie Temple Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 until 8:00pm.  We were trained for a couple hours on Tuesday and then set out on our own.  We were both able to do some training of new Ordinance Workers which was just a little intimidating since we are just learning our way around the temple ourselves.  By Friday we felt a little more at ease.  The temple is now closed for their two week maintenance schedule so we will have some time to reflect on our responsibilities.
We have tried to get out and walk each day for our exercise.  We have to go either early in the morning or just before sunset because with the humidity, it is quite hot. Monday morning we walked for about a mile and a half before we were caught in a rain shower.  Having no choice but to continue, we kept walking to our two mile mark and turned around.  The rain stopped about half mile from home.  Yes, I was quite a sight.  Looked like I had taken a dip in the ocean.  One thing I have learned is that it rains a little every day here.  It may be a downpour for 10 minutes--then it is finished.  It is raining now, even as I am writing this post.
We are so close to everything in the community so we can walk to BYU HI, the grocery store, PCC, Church, Temple etc. However, if we want a Walmart, a mall or Costco we drive for an hour or more depending on traffic.
We found out last night that we can volunteer to work at the PCC for a couple hours each week or two weeks and get free admission.  I think we will do that just to use our extra time wisely.
Oh, one other fun? little fact.  Geckos are all over.  Today I went to the kitchen to get some water and-you guessed it-there was a tiny one scurrying across the cupboard. Now I am NOT fond of having crawly things in my house but Larry said they eat the bugs-which could be a cockroach or something.  I just hope I don't see it again.  So really there are three of us living in the tiny apartment now.  Maybe more.
One of the things I am learning while being here is the humility of the people.  They don't feel a need to try and outdo their neighbors when it comes to material things.
They are happy with what they have.  Some of their houses are very small and in need of attention but as long as they have family they are happy.
So much for this week.  Hopefully I can stay dedicated enough to update my posts each week.