Ahhh... Saturday afternoons at the beach. It can't get much better than this. (but, really, you know I don't mean that...) I tried snorkeling at Salt Pond Beach today. It was cloudy and murky, so I couldn't see much, but I noticed a round, black, white-spotted fish I didn't recognize, and a couple other fish I saw at Ke'e. I want a simple field guide for snorkeling, so I can post pictures of the fish I see, even though I can't take them myself. I spent the afternoon doing homework (ie. reading books I love, like Pele's Wish by Sondra Ray) and banishing the Northwest's unique brand of whiteness I've exemplified for the past few years. But let's back up a little...
Wednesday, I spent the day working with Jacqueline again and she was so happy to hear I want to learn how to sew. We've already come up with lots of projects to work on together, including dresses for my cousin Kati Rose, shirts for Zachary and my cousin Josh, dress pants, and puppets for Storybook Theatre. She's fond of my meticulous, detail oriented work and she says she can tell I have seamstresses in my lineage. (She's right.) She's the one of the most candid, relaxed, sincere women I've ever worked for and I'm so happy to be working for an entrepreneur again instead of an institution or corporation.
Thursday was my first day in Kindergarten. I have the pleasure of visiting Mrs. Godsill's class of 24 children, between the ages of 4 and 6. The majority of culture represented is Filipino, with many Hawaiians and Japanese and very few Caucasians. The newest student is Filipino and doesn't speak any English. The first day I spent just trying to learn names and feel the rhythm of the schedule (which is go, go, go with this age). It was a quiet day of observation, mostly.
In the afternoon, I stopped by Storybook Theatre to talk story with Mark about my research and intentions on Kauai. We discussed how I might fit into the Theatre, which will include running the gift shop once a week, assisting him with upcoming workshops (Story Presentation, geared towards parents and teachers – exactly what I want to learn!), making puppets with Jacqueline, and occasionally doing paid office/secretarial work as needed. It was wonderful to spend an hour with him, although I left feeling like I sounded scattered and disorganized and completely unfocused after trying to explain the multitude of directions I feel pulled in. However, he was very aware of the spirit behind my intentions and appreciated my open minded approach to this infinitely complex world of Hawai'i. He is a kindred soul in many ways, and I feel honored to work with him.
Friday, I went to Kindergarten again. I was able to call many more students by name and they have started calling me Miss Rachel. Mrs. Godsill had me lead a center (groups of 5 – 6 kids at a time) where we drew maps of our homes and labeled the rooms. I learned so much about the various cultures! Some families don't have kitchens, they cook outside. Many families sleep in every room in the house, so that 'bedroom' loses significance. The kids share beds with mothers, siblings, aunties, etc. I was disappointed that the fire drill happened during my chance to teach, but we had fun anyway. I am so fulfilled by this age group and the absolute magic I see behind their eyes. It was only my second day, but Beth, the volunteer coordinator, mentioned that the school was hiring Educational Assistants and that if I applied, I could be paid to work with Mrs. Godsill five days a week! I went home and put my resume & references together right away.
Friday afternoon, I finished To Steal a Kingdom, by Michael Dougherty. It is the most honest account of Hawaiian history that I've read or heard of yet. One of the members of the Hawaiian Kingdom Government that I met recommended it to me. Dougherty uncovers the truth about the incredible level of control the missionary/business men held over the Hawaiian monarchs, from Kamehameha I to Queen Lili'oukalani. This is the first and most important book I would recommend to anyone interested in Hawaiian history.
That evening, I sauntered down to Hanapepe for the Friday night Arts Walk. I missed it last week because I attended the New Moon gathering instead. I had a fabulous time, meeting artists and seeing my new friends. I received a free massage from a therapist with his chair set up in front of Storybook Theatre. I listened to a fantastic Hawaiian musician who played everything from Van Morrison to Iz to Bob Marley. I met an artist who divides his time between Hanapepe and Taos, New Mexico (where I spent the summer). Anna, the artist at Storybook, invited me to Thanksgiving dinner at her home. I walked home that night, feeling so grateful again for the beautiful home I've found on Kaua'i. I really feel like I belong here, in a way that doesn't conflict with the way I belong to Olympia. And although I've been considering moving to Maui in January, I am feeling myself more and more committed to deepening and investing in my relationships here by staying in Hanapepe until April. I am so happy here...
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