Tuesday – Outside, the summer sun gave contrast to the deep blue sky and white scattered clouds which in turn deepened the colors of the five tall stained-glass windows inside the sealing room at the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple. Sister Hardman and I sat amidst other family members as our oldest grandson stood by the alter with his new bride gazing into eternity, their image reflecting back and forth between the large parallel mirrors between which they stood. Before the ceremony, the officiating sealer powerfully spoke of eternity and the new eternal family being created. Every word enriched our souls. At the alter the groom and bride in turn had accepted the covenant with joy and then the sealer pronounced the blessings. On this occasion my mind had caught hold on a phrase, a six-word phrase that clarified, comforted, lifted, and renewed my hope in Gods promises to me and Sister Hardman. It was a sacred moment in the temple. A moment of joy. This along with the wonderful events throughout the day including family photos, flowers, luncheon, stories, family, friends, and the reception, made for a special day (see pictures).

Wednesday – Another uplifting day, this time physically. After taking our wonderful Virginia family to the airport and giving hugs of love, Joan and I took a ride up Provo Canyon to the Sundance Resort. Holding on to our hats when necessary, it was a mostly calm summer day as we slowly and peacefully ascended the mountain on Outlaw, Stairway, and Red’s lifts with a light breeze in our face. The backside of Timpanogos to our right, the ski resort below, and Heber Valley out to the east always brings our hearts to the familiar places we have lived and visited most of our lives. It was peaceful and spiritual to view God’s creations. We not only indulged in the view but in a shared smothered sweet pork burrito at the Bearclaw Cabin. We descended that day on the same lifts, but our spirits and emotions remind elevated. Thank you Heavenly Father for thy beautiful creations.

Thursday – It was July 24^th, Pioneer Day in Utah. Back on Maui a week before, we had already enjoyed a Hoedown in our home ward in Kahului, performed pioneer music, told a few ancestor stories, and called dancing for a polka and the Virginia Real. But it was our last day in Utah for this trip and the yard could wait no longer. So, I mowed and edged and trimmed and raked so it could survive another couple months with minimal attention. But, to round out the holiday, we joined the Gardner’s for a walk along the Murdock Canal Trail at dusk to hear and see the celebrating fireworks all over Utah Valley. It was noisy, fun and beautiful. On the way back we caught a special view of the nearly completed and brightly illuminated Lindon Temple (see picture). After our mission, we look forward to serving regularly in the Lindon Temple.

Friday – It was travel day and not everything goes right all the time! Melanie took us to the airport, we found some breakfast at Freddy’s, then waited to board our flight. We got nervous when they announced that it was a very full flight, as having purchased cheap seats, we would be the last to board and find a place for our luggage in the overhead bins. Sure enough, passing through the gate we were ‘selected’ and our bag was taken and tagged through to our final destination. Since we had a six-hour layover in San Diego, and since we arrive late in the evening in Maui, would we ever see our bag again? Or was it not having a choice that gave us stress. Well after two beautiful flights separated by lots of touring in the San Diego airport, we arrived many hours later to find our bag being the first one to arrive at the Maui carousel, a tender mercy. Oh, did I mention the wonderful conversation we had with another couple on the plane? This eased our stress.

Saturday – To recover from yesterday’s long flight and prepare for tomorrows long drive we sank our bare feet into our favorite Kihei beach walking along as the gentle waves broke and, like Timpanogos a few days earlier, the sounds of creation once again sank into our hearts. We reviewed our previously prepared sacrament meeting ‘talks’ and rehearsed our musical number. We have driven, and survived the Road to Hana many times and even stopped at the little branch chapel to admire it’s remoteness and beauty, and stretch our legs. This trip would be specifically to speak in church and provide whatever other support they needed. We prayed for help and guidance as we prepared.

Sunday – We left Wailuku several hours before the meeting as we knew that along the way the Road to Hana sometimes experiences delays of weather, construction, or a fallen tree across the road. But the journey was pleasant with no delays except a little rain. Arriving a half hour early the several chapel doors were wide open letting in the humid breeze, but no people in sight (see picture). We walked in and around the small building as members and visitors arrived. We were warmly greeting (literally), and took our places on the stand. The Polynesian brethren at the sacrament table reverently blessed the extra-large pieces of delicious Hawaiian bread and set a humble spirit for the meeting. Joan introduced us, told a background story, introduced the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), and invited all “to find a life of peace, freedom and even joy, encircled in the arms of God’s mercy. Jesus came with healing in His wings…” We reverently sang, “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” accompanied by our violin and guitar and felt God’s love for all in the room. I gave my message which included my testimony, “We live in a beautiful, but fallen world and many of Gods beautiful children are falling. But I have every confidence that the eye of the creator is on all his creations. It can be no other way, as his love is infinite and intimate…” After sacrament meeting Sister Hardman and I were asked to speak to the youth, which we did prayerfully and by the Spirit. It was a special experience. After eating several helpings of the amazing banana bread platter that was passed around as everyone left, we gratefully made our way through the rain back home to our apartment in Wailuku.

Monday morning – Treating ourselves to the joy of service, and physical labor, we joined with 30 others packing 910 boxes of donated food for those in need across several islands (see pictures). The Maui Food Bank conducts various food collection, re-packing, and distribution services throughout the year. This was a lively group of young adults from several organizations working together in service. It was a joy to work and sweat and do something good together (and to get some good exercise).

Monday evening – In the afternoon Sister Hardman and I studied Step 7 of Healing through the Savior, 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program. Step 7 states, “Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove our shortcomings.” At 6PM, we conducted this week’s support meeting. As usual, there was a spirit of love and compassion. We had prayed that we would be able to bear testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and it’s applicability to the principle being taught, “Humbly asking God to remove our shortcomings.” The blessings came and the spirit was present and we bore witness of the power of the Savior to comfort, heal, and help us overcome our weaknesses as we Come unto Christ. Some of the participants were very pleased to share their thoughts and progress.

We are so grateful. Seven Days, Seven Special Moments