The Kamehameha Schools Education Technology Services group held its annual retreat this week at the Podium Raceway in Kapolei. It was an amazing two days. Day 1 started off with pule, and then a presentation on servant leadership by Alt Kagesa.

We had a pizza lunch and an impressive spread of refreshments.

Then it was race time. It was an absolute blast! They do a great job at here the raceway. It was a great day of learning and relationship building.

We convened on Day 2 at the Academy of the Pacific (AOP.) After pule, we played a game of Play-Doh charades. Then we were given a surprise challenge. We broke up into teams and were given $25 and 3 hours to perform community service. My awesome team consisted of Erin, Carmen, Kelly, Gary, and Steven. Carmen suggested that we deliver goodie bags to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Because $25 was not enough, we all agreed to chip in our $10 lunch allowance.

We went shopping at Price Busters in Kalihi and Target in Salt Lake. We assembled the goodie bags in the Target parking lot from the back of my truck. We included toys, stickers, bubbles, coloring books, and personally written greeting cards.

We delivered the bags to the reception area. We felt very blessed.

We had lunch at Auntie Pasto’s. Carmen shared about what the Shriners Hospital had done for her daughter. Today was a great day to give back.

We returned to AOP where everyone shared inspiring stories, photos, and experiences. I believe that today, the world became a better place, and we became better people. Ka hana a keu.