Posted on

You’re Invited to MiniChurch

A big part of what we do at Hope Chapel is to grow our small groups. We call it MiniChurch. “Our MiniChurch exists for the purpose of spiritual growth, prayer & support, fellowship, exercising of spiritual gifts, and direct pastoral care.” It’s just a group of friends getting together midweek to reflect on the sermon, share prayer requests, and enjoy one another’s company.

I am blessed to be one of the shepherds. Our MiniChurch is really small, but it’s good. We like to think of it as the “Pound for Pound” MiniChurch.

We meet on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm at the Ward Theater Starbucks. Please join us for good fellowship and good coffee, as we grow in our walk with the Lord. Contact information.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Posted on

Honolulu Academy of Arts

Walked over to the Honolulu Academy of Arts after church today. Admission is free on the third Sunday of each month. It was my first time there since I was a little kid. They recently changed their name to the Honolulu Museum of Art to attract more visitors. There’s a gift shop, café, garden, exhibitions, and special evening events.

Since it was a Family Sunday, there were craft activities and entertainment. There were a number of dance performances and beatbox artist Jason Tom.

I have to say that I was extremely impressed (shocked) with the art collection. I had no idea. When I saw works by Picasso and Gauguin, I thought “no way.” I expected to see a strong Pacific collection, but not art from Egypt, China, and the Italian Renaissance.

I will definitely go back again.

Posted on

Hawai’i State Art Museum

After cleaning house this morning, I decided to take a walk to the Hawai’i State Art Museum (HiSAM.) Not too many people even know this place exists. I only found out about it on Yelp. It’s a nice, small museum in town across from the ‘Iolani Palace. And it’s free.

One of the two wings features contemporary local artists. I’ve always liked that painting on the left by Jean Charlot.

There are metal pieces, wooden bowls, textiles, and even a children’s learning center in the back.

There’s a sculpture garden outside on the museum grounds. I ran into a fellow KS employee who volunteers there. I learned that this museum hosts events such as First Fridays, weddings, proms, and concerts.

But I was so bummed that the café was closed today. It was pretty much the main reason why I went in the first place.

So I stopped by Pho Nam on the way home for my pho-fix. I had a bowl of rare beef & beef tendon pho. Really hit the spot….

Posted on

Europe Trip Day 1: The Journey

Just returned from my “YOLO trip” to Europe with the high school. This trip was a dream come true! There were 40 of us, approximately 20 students and 20 adults. This was an 11-day EF Tour. I kept a journal in my Moleskine notebook….

We left late Monday night, March 19th, and had a 6-hour layover in San Fran.

EF provided us with a city bus tour. We visited the Golden Gate Bridge and had amazing clam chowder at Chowders at Pier 39. We then took a 10-hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany aboard Lufthansa Airlines. This was definitely one of the best airlines that I’ve ever flown on.

I believe that “Day 1” officially began on Wednesday. We had a 2-hour layover in Frankfurt and a 1½ hour flight to Rome. There we met our Tour Director “Javi.” We arrived at our hotel late in the afternoon.

What one word would I use to describe the hotels in Europe? “Quaint?” “Charming?” How about “ghetto.” Haha. Don’t let the stars on the sign fool you. Still, we were all very excited. (And it’s all part of the experience.)

I can’t believe that I’m finally here in Rome….

Posted on

Europe Trip Day 2: Roma

One of my best days ever….

Thursday was sunny and beautiful. The temperature was almost 70˙. And yes, I still can’t believe I’m in Rome.

Our first stop was to the Colosseum. There we saw what looked like a bunch of “USC mascots” (dressed-up gladiators who pose for pics with tourists.) As I walked by, one whacked me on the rear with a plastic sword and said, “Come take a picture little man,” to the delight of our tour group….

Javi then took us on a walking tour through the side streets of Rome. He calls these streets the “Real Rome” where many tourists don’t get to explore.

Most of the side streets are cobblestone and are full of cafés, gelato shops, and neighborhood churches.

There are also these piazzas or squares that are gathering places. Many had obelisks like this one.

Not a bad place to spend a morning….

After walking through more side streets, we turned a corner and came upon the Pantheon. At this point, my brain was turning into mush from seeing so many amazing things. (Click on photo for full size.)

We had some free time at the Spanish Steps. Yes, we walked up the steps. In fact, we did a whole lotta walking on this trip.

This was one of the top two pizzas that I’ve ever had (the one in New York was good too.) Tomatoes just taste different here. Everything is fresh and homemade. This pizza was sliced, then weighed on a scale, and then folded. It was so good. We had gelato for dessert.

We then visited the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi.)

I actually brought a couple of Hawai’i quarters for this….

Dinner was at the La Baia Ristorante Pizzeria. We had bruschetta, lasagna, flan, and live music.

I love Italia….