Day 2 in Hawaii!

Another amazing day in paradise! Today we traveled an hour and a half to Punaluu Black sand beach and had a chat with two Hawaiian activists. The first activist (Pali Kapu Dedman) also is a fisherman and a coffee farmer. He spoke very passionately about some of the problems with the way the limited land here is being used. He showed us a steamboat dock that was destroyed by a tidal wave and never removed, it is just out on the pier. He spoke to us about how changing the environment changes you as a person and that is why a lot of the natives are having problems with all of these changes they stated that some of these changes have ruined their spiritual connection and they are now unable to enjoy and pray the way they once could. Even individual owners are blocking off public property to try and make some money. He made a very valid point that endangered species have laws to protect them and land to live on but Hawaiians don't have either. Then Rocky (the artist/activist) told us some history of what makes them unique. After we listened to these men we went to the beach, the water was too cold and strong for me, it was pretty cloudy by the time we were able to swim anyways. I did get to see some sea turtles on shore resting. Today was a slow laid back day and I am still exhausted. I wish I had my friends and family here to share this experience with. By the way, the girl here in the picture with me is Heidi my roommate! She is amazing, we get along great! Look hard for the picture with the sea turtle.
L

Arrival to Hawaii

Oh Heyy,
So I finally made it to Hawaii! After a whole day of flying and running through airports! Today was the first time we did things as a class and we had three guest speakers and were able to walk around downtown Hilo. First we enjoyed the company of Mililani Trask who is an attorney here and is also involved with the UN and has TONS of interesting stories that really hit home and meant a lot to me. After we ate lunch we took the drive to Akaka Falls and hiked down to see the biggest waterfall I have ever seen. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was, I just wish we could have gotten closer! Then Craig Severence spoke to us about a current problem with the native against some rich people trying to take their land from them. It was very moving. Then we took a walk down to the black sand beach by Prof Onagas' mother's house. After dinner we went into a classroom to listen to Major Kim talk about his outlook on the world. He was very interesting and was completely original, gave me a whole new look on life and word peace. Enjoy some of these pics, check Facebook if you want more!
Love yas!
L

Summer Plans

Oh Heyy~ So I don't really have a reason for a blog just yet, but I don't feel like getting out of bed to do laundry, so here I am making my blog a month too early. These pics are of some of my best friends who helped me become who I am: Holly, Sarah Shook, Braelyn Shook, and Mommy. I am currently a senior at MSU. I am working as security and in the inter-group relations lab in the psychology department at MSU. I have a really busy summer ahead of me, I have to study for the GRE, I am working at Linwood Corners, I am going to be moving next weekend, and I am studying in Hawaii starting June 28th (my sisters birthday). The last to-do is why I started a blog, a prof going with the group to Hawaii suggested we make a blog and write in it every night so we don;t forget all of the cool things we did on our trip. Well, I will try to do just that and keep this updated with fun things I am doing this summer (I will save you from blogs about the GRE as much as I can). See you around!!
L