redwoods and red dirt 

As some of you already know, I have an amazing opportunity to live in Hawaii for the summer. I am the Au Pair, or nanny, for two little boys, Lucas (9) and Logan (7). They live on a farm north of Hilo on the Big Island. I arrived on the island a few days ago but they still had three days left of school so today I helped their dad on the farm. He is an agricultural scientist trying to see how pines, cedars, spruce and firs, which are all called “conifers,” grow here on the island. I helped move hundreds of conifers, water plants, replant, etc. while walking through the red dirt or mud, I carried plants including the famous redwood sequoias that normally are found in mid California. These trees, now only a few feet high, made me remember the giant redwoods that my family visited when I was a kid. We actually drove through a tree hollowed out with a road going through it. I remember feeling so small compared to the trees. Now I look at these trees wondering how marvelous they will become in years to come when they are one hundred to two hundred feet tall. But after spending the day learning more about these trees and all the conifers that grow right on the farm at home in Minnesota, I realize how much I’ve taken them for granted. Here I’m constantly being reminded of God’s glorious creations. It’s easy to, it’s beautiful and green here. All day, as I moved, potted and watered the plants, I talked to God. I told him I was sorry for taking everything I have for granted. I asked him to help me go through every day with a grateful heart. I asked him to help me be patient. I asked him to give me opportunities to share his love with other people, and give me the courage to actually do it in the moment. And I asked him to show me that he is always there wherever in the world I am. 

By the end of the day, I was tired and covered in red mud. But I was reminded of God’s sovereignty over all. Even though I might only be a small girl on a small island, God is great and powerful and will protect me in everything that I do and everywhere that I go.