Answered! - Kona Q&A - Volume I

Wow, thank you for the questions! This format is very fun for me, and I hope you enjoy it as well. Let’s do it again soon!

Q: Do you have a spare room?

A: If by “spare room” you mean “extra space on the floor,” absolutely! The housing situation for unmarried people is effectively a hostel. We sleep 10 to a room (with one shower), but I can’t complain because my roommates are wonderful! We range in age from 27 to 74 and flew in from six countries: USA, Canada, Switzerland, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

Q: Who are you hanging with?

A: I am participating in a program called Crossroads Discipleship Training School (DTS). Our class is comprised of 47 adults — some singles and some couples, some with kids (15 in total) and some without. I spend most of my time hanging out with these classmates, especially my nine roommates and our 10 suitemates.

Q: How did your classmates end up at YWAM Kona?

A: Most of them have a story similar to mine — i.e., they felt a calling from God and quit their jobs or took a sabbatical to pursue it. We have come from 15 countries, and each story has a unique flavor. For example, one couple has been waiting patiently for *28 years* for the right timing. I wish I could introduce you to each of my classmates. They are so special!

Q: Did you commit everyone’s name to memory after your first day?

A: It’s a gift. What can I say?

Q: Any “kindred spirits” as Anne Shirley said in Anne of Green Gables?

A: Yes! My classmates from around the world generally feel like “my people,” and one in particular is quickly becoming a dear friend.

Q: What time do you get up in the morning?

A: I have been waking up without an alarm between 5–5:30 a.m. every day. I am *loving* the quiet and solitude before the day starts.

Q: What do your days look like? How much free time do you get?

A: Fortunately, weekends are wide open. During weekdays, I have very little free time. It really *is* like going back to school! Here is my schedule for a typical weekday:

• 6:30–7 a.m.: Breakfast

• 8–9 a.m.: Worship and prayer as a class

• 9 a.m.–noon: Lecture with guest speaker(s)

• Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch

• 1–3 p.m.: Bible study as a class, breakouts/small groups for discussion, etc.

• 3–5 p.m.: Work duty

• 5–6 p.m.: Dinner

• Evenings: Campus-wide gatherings on Mondays and Thursdays

Q: What are you studying during your training?

A: The overall purpose of these three months of training is to grow our hearts for God and for people. Each week has a specific theme, though I have not seen a curriculum calendar. Week one teaching centered on hearing God’s voice. It was wonderful!

Q: How is your heart in the midst of much transition?

A: I feel *so* at home. Besides my disbelief at actually living in Hawaii, the transition has felt very natural. I am speechless with gratitude.

Q: What do you find the most surprising about Kona?

A: Regarding the town of Kailua-Kona itself, I am most surprised by the number of people living on the beach and the streets. As for the island of Kona, the biggest shock is probably how quickly I sweat through my clothing!

Q: When it rains, does it pour, or is it like Florida?

A: I am living in Kailua-Kona, which is on the west side of the island. The east side allegedly gets significant rainfall and is more of a lush rainforest climate. Our side is quite dry and covered in black lava rock. When it *has* rained a few times in the evening, it has felt like the gentle mist sprayed on broccoli in the produce section.

Q: Do you feel like you’re in the middle of an ocean, or if you're not near the shore is it like any other place?

A: Despite Kona being the big(gest) island, yes, I am still very aware of living in the middle of the ocean — especially when I get outside of town.

Q: Good and bad island food?

A: I eat most meals at our campus cafeteria.¹ They are not particularly Hawaiian. However, I ate a delicious jackfruit taco salad today at Journey Cafe, a local vegan spot. I anticipate becoming a repeat customer.

Q: Do you enjoy coffee? Have you found a local source? How much does it cost?

A: I am not a coffee drinker. My energy is natural! Meanwhile, my caffeinated friends are enjoying all the locally grown and roasted coffee. As for cost, I ordered a seasonal cinnamon chai latte (16 oz.) from Kona Coffee & Tea this morning for $8.50 with tax.

Q: Will you learn some Pidgin?

A: I am picking up very small bits and pieces along the way. Aloha! Mahalo! E Komo Mai! I love that we occasionally sing in Hawaiian Pidgin while worshipping.

Q: How is the pickleball competition?

A: On my first Saturday in Kona, I walked 1.7 miles to the local courts I found on Google for open play. They invited me back the next day for small group play. I accepted the offer last Sunday and joined them again today. Everyone else in the group is a man between the ages of 50–69, but they have been very welcoming² and provided great competition. I anticipate playing once or twice a weekend.

1. I am *so* thankful I was not gluten-free in college. Cafeteria food tends to be quite glutenous! That said, the kitchen is very accommodating of dietary restrictions.

2. I realize this goes against all advice given to women, but I have accepted rides from multiple new pickleball friends. For the record, I share my location with a friend and any personal information I know about the men chauffeuring me. So far, so good! In all sincerity, they are kind and hospitable.