We will forever remember each individual in humility and genuine kindness
We felt all eyes young and old on us as we sat at one of the round decorated tables in the cultural hall. With his kind and genuine smile, our bishop stood before the ward and expressed gratitude for our service. It was a little uncomfortable, but these eternal friends were so, so authentic at love, aloha, and genuine kindness. They titled the event, “The Hardman Hoedown” and insisted on one more evening of reflection, song, and dancing before our departure.
Pololu Valley
While eating refreshments, our bishop narrated parts of the youth Lehi Stake Trek video so other ward members could sense what the youth had experienced in Utah on that great adventure a month ago. An ‘open microphone’ was offered to several who wanted to express their appreciation and love. Again, very humbling. We wanted to divert praise to the Savior. Sister Hardman and I performed one of my songs about the return of the Savior called, “When Earth Meets Heaven.” We expressed our love and bore our testimonies and then Sister Hardman chose to sing a song she wrote long ago called, “Eternal Friend.” The guests were quiet as she sat in front of them with guitar in hand and beautifully sang this song which is very special to us. “You’re not just a friend, you’re my literal brother too…” We are eternal friends, and now we have many more eternal friends.
With the Hanks family
The next day we taught our youth for the last time as their Sunday School teachers. We love these kids. “We have learned that God is very patient and honors his covenants.” We discussed the Come Follow Me lesson about the seventy years the Jews had been away from Jerusalem, captives. We reflected on how The Lord inspired the Persian King Cyrus to let those who wanted, to go back and rebuild their temple. We considered the opposition they faced and how they applied their prayers and methods to move the work forward and how that relates to the announced Kahului Maui Temple, not yet started just outside our meetinghouse. Each youth listened and participated with the same child-like faith that we have come to love.
Kona Temple under construction
Prior to these weekend events, as a final road trip, Sister Hardman and I visited for the first time the Big Island of Hawaii. Each night we were hosted again with humility and genuine love by a friend we had met in our service. Her faith and testimony amidst life’s challenges raised us to new levels of love for God and the Atonement of Christ. Her hospitality, ukulele and singing, fresh pineapple and melons, conversation, and friendly counsel was beautiful. Another eternal friend. During our road trip we visited Kona, Hawi, Maunakea, Captain Cook, Hilo, and Hawaii Volcano National Park. At the national park we overlooked the great Kilauea Caldera and crater, the lava bed which occasionally collapses and has recently elevated due to huge lava fountains blasting into the sky. It only emitted smoke when we were there but the magnitude of historical events were obvious and humbling. We also hiked near the Kilauea Iki Crater and wondered at the devastation and power of past events there. What an amazing planet we have been blessed with.
Hawi Ukulele class
Kilauea crater
During our Hawaii visit, our friend shared one of her favorite talks by President Nelson which includes, “Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy…” (The Everlasting Covenant, President Russell M. Nelson, October 2022)
Our Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) support meetings continued on Monday night. Each meeting requires emotional strength and love as we read and hear about heavy burdens and God’s power and love. Since these are confidential and anonymous meetings, we can’t state names but we will forever remember each individual in humility and genuine kindness.
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