[Pastor Steve, Bob & Susan, Kathy, Danette and Gay & Randy; Bob and Susan with our group]
We participated during the special music section of the morning service and then a concert in the evening. In the morning service, when Kathy (Blankenship - no relation to Bob & Susan) Gilliland appeared - it was a joyous reunion! We thank Pastor Steven Sholar for allowing us this opportunity.
Our evening service was full of poignant moments! Not only was this our last concert - but Lavell and Maryann Mayo drove down once again from Indianapolis - and gave us DVDs of our St. Matthews and Shelbyville concerts. They had visited Olivet this past February and wanted to thank us for having made their visit to our church so welcoming. Well you know, if Roger Honda is the first one you see, he will definitely make you feel you're at the right place (Roger - the Mayos send their appreciation). We also had a chance to visit with new friends Arhlene Sturm and her 3 children, Rachel, Elijah and Michaela. Arhlene is originally from Makaha, but her career has kept her on the mainland. Since Ahrlene knew Kanaka Waiwai - after the program was over and most of the people had gone home, we danced while Ahrlene sang with Randy and Gay.
[Randy & Gay with Maryann & Lavell; Randy & Gay with Arhlene & her children]
After another round of tearful goodbyes - as we were about to leave, Earl Ogata shows up - and what does he have? Homemade bentos (rice, ume, nori, shoyu chicken, teri beef, fish, spam, chicken long rice and taegu - all homemade) for our 2.5 hour ride back to Louisville. I guess you can take Earl and Darlene out of Hawaii, but you can't take Hawaii out of them! Thank you Earl and Darlene! And we're happy to say that Bob's directions got us safely back to Louisville!
[our group with our Nicholasville hosts: Susan, Bob, Janice & Darlene; the Ogata Bento]
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