On my way to the Kona airport from our hotel yesterday, I watched the sunset in the car with my family. The ocean was glittering, the sun disappearing was straight ahead, open road, volcanic rock on both sides of the car, the shadows of pom trees against the clear orange sky, and my 3 cousins singing in the back to 101.5, Hawaii's "jahwaiian" station. It was a special moment when I realized how lucky I am to be from Hawaii.
I have an exciting announcement: Today I woke up feeling like a local again! With the help of my massive and loving family, I realized how appreciative I should be that I am from Hawaii. Although I love living in Portland right now, there is some indefinable and integral part of my self is being from here. Though I am not Hawaiian, I am from Hawaii and I couldn't explain that to people who aren't from here. Hawaii is a truly special place.
