Lady Hiva and I sat down to review our goals from 2012 and
to set some more goals for 2013. There are some big goals that we accomplished
and some that…well they need to be on next year’s list too. We always have goals
for each of us personally and some goals for us as a family.
Fulfilling our goals led us on some amazing experiences. We
made it to the ancient ruins of Siem Riep, Cambodia, ate Pho and explored the
Mekong Delta in Vietnam, met family at beaches in Hawaii and Florida, took
cooking lessons, rode elephants, and pet tigers in Thailand, was impressed with the cleanliness and order
of Japan, Trick-or-Treated with Lady’s family in Utah and had Thanksgiving with
mine, and walked through thousands years of history in Beijing.
We participated in several service projects, made new
friends, and loved the life around us. Dustin’s book was published, we were
added to the Adoptions list again with LDS Adoptions, and read thousands and of
pages of delicious books! There were moments when we were full of laughter,
times when we were hugging family, full of tears, and we made memories all
along the journey.
We realize that we have been completely blessed and have so
much to be thankful for.
January:
We experienced our first New Years Eve in Manila. It sounded
like a ward going on outside. Dustin worked with several colleagues to do a
magazine drive for a local sustainable living group that helps women provide
for their families. We were also able to attend the Sealings of several
families for all Eternity in the Manila Philippines Temple.
February:
Our trip to Thailand! The first trip we have taken out of
the Philippines since arriving. It was so great to taste the delicious food and
see all of the beautiful colors that overwhelm your senses. We were able to
take a cooking class from a world class teacher. Bangkok was a city of wonder.
We loved the food, the culture and completely enjoyed bathing with the
elephants, petting tigers and feeding wild monkeys.
March:
We were able to get to know our Embassy Family better by
competing in the Mission Games! And we celebrated Lady Hiva’s birthday on the
much celebrated beaches of Boracay.
April:
Dustin does his first Tagalog video speaking Tagalog and it was
posted to Youtube. We went with several friends from the Embassy to tour
Cambodia and Vietnam. It was so much fun touring ancient ruins in the day and walking
the night markets and to haggle for gifts the rest of the day. Once again, we loved the food and the sites—both
historical and new.
May:
After months of planning, we took a HUGE group of youth to
Youth Camp and were so impressed with their courage and energy. They always
want to do the right thing.
June:
We took a group of volunteers out to Smokey Mountain to give
the children pedicures and clean up their baseball field. The long awaited trip
for R&R back to the States. We spent a week in Hawaii with Lady Hiva’s
family and then another week with Dust’s family in Florida. Both places we left
not quite ready, but memories were forged that will remain with us forever.
July:
July, by far, was the hardest of the year. On our way home
from Florida we found out that Lady’s brother, Moana, had committed suicide. He
was close to both of us and we turned around and went back to Hawaii to be with
the family. It was a sad time.
August:
The year did not disappoint us with a BIG storm. Last year
the storm had come in September, this year it was August. We spent a good two
weeks under water. Crazy times. Dustin’s book came out on e-book versions.
September:
WHITE LILIES IN AUTUMN was officially released September 1.
Several people had pre-ordered it and read it already. It was fun to hear what
others thought about the book. We went on a trip to Beijing and Shanghai China!
It was simply amazing! The history in the country is awe-inspiring. We walked the
great wall and lingered in the corridors of the Forbidden City.
October:
Dustin does several more radio and television interviews in
Tagalog. People now will recognize him wherever we go…that is an interesting
experience. Lady Hiva wanted to have a Halloween with her family in Utah, so we
went. It was fun to make cookies, play games and Trick-or-Treat with the
family. We then spent a few days with Dustin’s family including Thanksgiving
dinner. We left so grateful for our families.
November:
Dustin spoke as a Hometown Diplomat in several schools in
Utah. He also did a book signing. We went on a long horse ride with Beau-D and Madre. That was an experience
of a life time—bruises and torn clothes included.
December:
We found out that we were put back up on the Adoptions list
at LDS adoptions. This time we are listed as a Hawaii family! We attended party
after party after party…just as the Philippines does every year. We gave
Toys-for-Tots away with the Marines, Sewing Machines away to a group of women,
and had a party with girls from a rescue home.
As you can see, it was a VERY busy year. Plenty of
adventures. And 2013 is shaping up to be really promising too!
