Translation: Beautiful Land

Guess what. I have been lucky enough to be offered essentially free lodging and a writing job in Hawaii! And I almost blew it.
I have always liked change, to move around, to visit and explore new places and things. I am not afraid to travel to places I have never been before, and I've become enough of a people person that I think I can thrive in entirely new environments. All of this I thought I was.
Until I was offered this amazing chance to write for the Moloka'i Dispatch on the island of Moloka'i. The interview went great, but afterwards I felt like crying. Only partially because I was worried about the cost; the editor-in-chief, Todd, said I should make sure I am financially ready for this and to make sure I have enough in savings. He's right, I won't be able to live solely off the $40 per week grocery stipend. So, for the next two days, I did cry. I nearly talked myself out of the internship, convinced that the financial burden was too much and that others would agree and talk me out of it. But man, was I wrong!
My parents were unbelieveably supportive. They pointed out that this is a step forward in my career, that opportunities like this were rare - and offered to help pay for my trip. I am so grateful that even after I graduated and should be on my own, they are still willing to help. Although it happens rarely, my pride almost got in the way this time. I didn't want to keep accepting money from them, but I had to realize its not about pride on either part.

So! Off I will go in two weeks! Two weeks to get student loans sorted out, credit cards paid off, piles of laundry and lots of research. I'm currently learning Hawaiian vocabulary and local lingo to help adjust; it's true that Hawaiians are distrustful of outsiders, but I think we'll come together if I show the proper respect to their culture, heritage and customs.
I'm also starting research on my special project. I'll be in charge of categorizing and cataloging the research on Father Damien deVeuster, a Belgian Catholic missionary who helped the leper colony on the island in the late 1800s. The colony still exists, with no active cases, and Father Damien is being canonized for sainthood next month - the reason for my project. This is quite honestly a dream of mine, to be able to combine both journalism and history.

Until next time, most likely when I'm on the island (squee!), A hui ho'u!