Hauʻoli makahiki hou!
Aloha mai, Ethnomads - Keili here!
I hope your new year is off to a great start! My sister & I have a tradition of going to Disney every year to start the year off strong and it was such pure fun. I know Chris enjoyed some peace and fireworks from the top of his valley in Palolo. Seems like there were quite a few accidents and unfortunate tragedies in Hawaiʻi due to fireworks and drunkeness… Reminders of how fragile life is and to practice caution when using gun powder.
Other updates:
The last few weeks I was able to go spend quality time with my family up in Big bear and attempt some snow-less snowboarding :) Then saw friends in LA and got to see OHMA perform live (most amazing show of my life). I also got to go visit my cousin in LA who is about to get married in May! So it has been very exciting.
Anywho, don’t know about you but I did a lot of vision board-ing and manifesting on the 31st. Unfortunately I did not have any grapes, black eyed peas, or red panties on deck (I actually didn’t even stay up till midnight). However, it was great to take time and reflect on all we have accomplished and worked towards this last year.
Sailing across the Pacific on a 26ft catamaran is a bucket list item that very few have let alone check off in their lifetime! We were blessed enough to successfully cross the passage despite hardships, weather, and lack of new equipment. We tasted pure freedom, pushed our faith further than we ever had before, and confirmed the presence of those who have gone beyond.
This trip empowered us to take many leaps of faith throughout the rest of the year; Chris and I moved into new amazing hale, I started a kapa internship and masters program, Chris did (I think) 5 art shows in one year, probably more honestly… Most importantly we got to spend time with the people we love most our families and friends. Through ʻAʻĀ we have encountered more friendly strangers and even more new adventure buddies than I thought were left out there honestly. Many of whom are reading this right now! So thank you for taking part in the adventures for the last year and I hope you will stick around to see us grow in the new year. We have many big plans ahead and hope you will come along!
Love,
Keili
As always this post is dedicated to my mother Illa, it is unbelievable that you were not here to spend this year with me. I pray that you follow me and share these moments still. Mahalo nui loa from the bottom of my heart to all those who continue living their dream and uplifting the world with positivity despite heartbreak. Love you always.