Dodgin' Bullets and Solvin' Mysteries

Saturday certainly was a unique one. At 5:30 in the morning, we woke up to pounding on our door and a man's voice calling, "Adam and Meghan!" We soon found out from more than one person that a tsunami warning had been issued for Hawaii, and it was planning on hitting at 11:30. We had to pack backpacks with food, and we had limited water containers. I was sooo grateful we had just gone grocery shopping and had stocked up on lots of easy to grab food. We also packed up our tent, some clothes, and bedding.

The news said it was expected to be worse than the tsunami that hit Big Island in the 60's (which, too, was caused by an earthquake in Chile...odd coincidence). We drove up the mountains a bit to Hawaiian Sacred grounds, where the Hawaiian studies had a farm they kept. It was a little valley area, and we were not to climb on the surrounding walls because they were very sacred. We were a small community of about 200 people, and the "leaders" told us they expected us to be there at least until nightfall, if not spending a night or two there. Adam helped some men dig a pit for a latrine area while Rachel and I listened to the radio. It was such a hot and sunny day. I hadn't packed any shorts and I was exhausted. We set up our tent and tried to sleep while we were waiting but it was just too hot.

It was such a bizarre feeling to know that, basically, people around the world were waiting to see what would happen to us, ME, on Oahu. If our little island was going to be taken out....that it could be me people see on the news as a "disaster-struck area." It was so humbling, and was actually a blessing in disguise.

I know that what the prophets tell us is REAL. Never leave your car with less than half a tank of gas. Never go without some sort of food storage - as much as you can manage. Always have a few gallons of water on hand. Realize that times will only get worse. It is happening - these are the last days. Who knows, maybe the next time this happens, it won't just be for "practice," and maybe we won't have an 8 hour warning - like those in Chile. My heart truly goes out to them because we were close to being in their place. But somehow, we were spared. Scientists know what they are doing, they estimated disaster. Yet....they were wrong. The Lord is in control and he protected us. But one day, it may be our turn for disaster, and we must be prepared- physically and spiritually. I'm so grateful for all the prayers that were said for us.

.....The All-Clear call came around 2 pm. We were so relieved and so exhausted. We went home but kept our car packed in case anything else should happen. We slept for a few hours. However, we knew that our show must go on - we still had a party to host! It was a small dinner party for a combined birthday celebration for Adam and I. We had our favorite people over and had a murder mystery! It was so much fun and everyone's characters actually really matched with their personality. What a riot this crowd is!
My fav part was when Nate ran outside, trying to dodge the police (he was just following the script!) and Ben tackled him down, right in front of a huge crowd of the Japanese club that was holding a meeting in the yard outside our apartment! They probably thought we were crazy! Then, when Keola (Gigi) and Ben (Lloyd) were arguing about wishing they had never married each other, Nate pointed out that our neighbors probably had their ears pressed against the wall, wondering what Adam and I could be arguing about! So much fun!