Connections With Kahiau
Lifting over 30 pounds of wrapped books didn’t just bring me joy in my heart, the experience made me realize how important it is to connect with the Hawaiian value of kahiau. Because these books were all donated with love. And kindness. And generosity. These books were chosen by your keiki to give selflessly and without expecting anything in return to the keiki impacted by the wildfires in Lahaina, Maui.
On my way to the post office!
This learning experience was provoked by our guest speaker and parent, Coral Balubar, who is also my teaching colleague. She took time to share her heartfelt personal connection with the community members in Lahaina. As I sat with the children on the rug, listening to her share a story and talk about her family who continue to rebuild their lives after such devastation, I held back tears thinking about how we are all connected here on the islands. Maybe we don’t know someone personally impacted by the wildfires on August 8, 2023, but my colleague and friend does, and it ignited and inspired me to teach the importance of how connected we are. It takes one act of kindness to pay it forward and spread joy in the smallest ways. And, sharing books is a platform into the hearts and imaginations of children who continue to process this life changing experience so close to our local community.
C.Balubar sharing her connection as our guest speaker.
As I made my way to the post office to send the gigantic box to the recipients at Kamehameha III School, I made sure the letters the children wrote were on top. In the midst of December’s performance practices for our winter concert, our visit from Santa, and sharing cultural projects to deepen our knowledge of unity and diversity, it made me realize how important it was to pause and reflect on the importance of teaching our children at Mid-Pacific the value of kahiau. We enthusiastically purchased books together on Scholastic with my points (your children are great shoppers!). But, it was the letter writing process that was almost more important to me as your child’s teacher. I wanted these letters the children wrote to allow a space to connect with other children beyond our local community. I wanted the children who receive our package to feel a connection as well. This experience of writing letters and sharing empathy to children in need was a wonderful experience for all of us indeed.
Hopeful for the school’s future.
“You Are Loved” as the book title in the illustration.
What I appreciate more than anything are the smiles on your childrens’ faces as they posed for our picture together, gathered together around our classroom Christmas tree, with books they love. Thank you for your support in this vision of bringing our classroom together for a common goal. My hope is that we continue to embrace opportunities to give selflessly to make our community truly special.
We are so fortunate to have families at Mid-Pacific Institute who feel connected with kahiau. Mahalo nui loa.