One of the great joys of our ministry life is having long-term relationships with a number of churches that invite us back year after year, allowing us to develop authentic connections with people. The Kalaheo Missionary Church in Kauai is one of those churches that has had us annually since 2015, and that makes returning each year truly feel like we’re “Ohana."

Our first stop once we landed in Lihue was to check in with David and Emily Hazlebeck and their three Littles. The Hazlebecks have always been integral to our coming to Kauai as it was through their company, Global Algae Innovations, that the KMC conference was launched and has been underwritten. It’s always good to spend time with any and all Hazlebecks.

*David and Emily and their Littles fed us delicious poke bowls for dinner.*

And as we were leaving, David noticed that his flips (slippers) were missing and that an unrecognizable pair was sitting on his lanai.

Sure enough, Paul was the culprit—and this adds another illustration to our teaching on temperaments. :)

*Paul didn’t notice that he walked off in David’s much larger and conformed-to-David’s-foot flips. Fortunately, David noticed and the exchange was made. :)*

*Another “Kona Low” system passed over Kauai while we were there and created many waterfalls down the mountains as well as making muddy the river water.*

Friday night the church hosted a marriage evening, and it was a joy to reconnect with many couples/families we’ve grown to love over the years and to meet new ones. The following morning, everyone reconvened for another session on marriage as well as a session on parenting.

The Kalaheo Missionary Church sponsored the conference and wisely provided childcare, which makes it so much easier for young families to attend. It was a sweet time of teaching and fellowship.

*Marcus and Holly have been coming for years and we’ve watched them expand from one to almost four children (their fourth child is due this summer).*

Dustin and Sweden’s story is of coming to Christ after having two children, unmarried, and responding in obedience by getting married and raising their family for Christ. It’s been such a joy to see them grow over many years now. Additionally, Sweden makes us leis every time we’re in town, and these beautiful plumeria leis are from her.

Kahu John and Paula Zimmerman are at the helm of this vital church and we love their hearts and their effectiveness. They are deeply committed to Christlikeness and they’re both very servant-hearted. It was a privilege to partner with them.

*At the end of the conference on Saturday, Camille snapped this photo of the ones still hanging out. How we love these people!!*

Sunday we were invited to fill the pulpit and we always consider that a great honor. This congregation is thriving and growing and has such a great representation of all the generations worshiping together. And Kahu John consistently preaches a gospel-centered message, so it is a well-fed congregation.

Our final formal event happened Sunday night when we spoke to the young single adults who comprise the “Rooted” group. This dedicated group of young adults have chosen this venue in order to develop community and connectedness as they grow spiritually. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening with them, which began with dinner. They twisted our arms to speak to them about relationships, so we did. :) Great interaction with thoughtful questions followed. That’s our jam.

*Sunday morning service was full and vibrant.*

*The “Rooted” group meets Sunday evenings, and combines fellowship over a meal together with teaching.*

It’s always a delight to meet up for meals or walks with friends with whom we’ve developed deep relationships through the years. Bill and Susan Gates are one such couple and we managed to meet up for dinner with them just before we left. Our lives are so rich in relationships!!

*Bill and Susan Gates have been in our lives since 2015 and we’re so grateful for our friendship.*

Though our week in Kauai was unusually “quiet” in terms of hiking/swimming/snorkeling/exploring due to a bout Paul had with cellulitis, we did manage to take a couple of walks on beautiful beaches. We strained to see any evidence of breaching or spouting whales, without success, but it’s always thrilling to see a resting monk seal which we did on this remote beach.

*Monk seal sightings are not every day experiences, so we were very happy to see this guy hanging out.*

Home from Kauai off a red-eye on the 18th, we squeezed in a visit to the just peaking cherry blossoms around the tidal basin at the Jefferson Memorial…at sunrise. Yes, we’re a bit crazy, but it was a true “carpe diem” decision and we did not regret the shortened night’s sleep in order to see this once-a-year parade of beauty and color.

With visions of cherry blossoms still in our heads, we boarded a plane for Nashville on March 27th for Paul to officiate the wedding of Madeline Williams and Shannon Stewart. Madeline is the middle daughter of Grant and Emily Williams, the ex-Patriot couple who started the Patriots Couples Study in 1999. They adopted us as “parents and grandparents” then and we’ve been “chosen family” ever since. Madeline and Shannon came to Engagement Matters in Dec. and it was such a joy to celebrate their Christ-centered marriage on March 29th. It was truly an affirmation of all things good.

An added bonus and blessing for us was staying with Betsy Hasselbeck, one of our dearest friends and a longtime partner (along with her late husband, Don) in the Patriots Couples’ study. We had a blast working together on a beautiful bridal luncheon for Madeline as well as “bustling” Madeline’s dress before the reception.

*We (Betsy Hasselbeck, Emily Williams, and I) successfully “bustled” Madeline’s dress. No small feat!*

And then came Easter. The best celebration of the year: the resurrection of our Lord. There is not a “better news” day than that and we were delighted to host Easter dinner at our home with my sister and her husband, Laura and David, as well as Derek and Julie, Nathan and Rachel. My brother and his wife, Frank and Beth, and their niece Jordan joined us for dessert later. It was a beautiful spring day and our joy was expanded by celebrating with family.

*We loved having some of our family for an Easter celebration.*

We were honored to celebrate another wedding of Engagement Matters’ graduates on April 11! Kaylee Mankins and Nathan White tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on a perfect early spring day and it was such a joy to witness their commitment to the Lord. Kaylee’s parents, Kara and Logan Mankins, were in our Patriots Couples’ Study for many years and have become fast friends. It’s given us such deep delight to see the hand of God move in their family and unite them in following Him. We had a blast celebrating with them and with several of our ex-Pats who were also in the study.

*So much joy celebrating Nathan and Kaylee White as they entered the covenant of marriage.*

*Logan and Kara hosted a beautiful and delicious wedding party.*

It’s been quite a month!!

We’ve celebrated the beauty of God’s creation in Kauai while encouraging marriages and families.

We’ve seen His creativity in nature as Spring unfolds, splashing color everywhere and cherry blossoms take center stage in places like the Tidal Basin.

We’ve celebrated the beauty of His design for marriage with two Christ-centered weddings.

Ane we’ve celebrated the beauty of the Resurrected Christ, which tops them all.

So much joy.

So much hope.

All praise is His!!!