Reflections from Hoa ‘Āina’s Annual Report for 2014/15

Aloha Gigi,
Great things continue to happen at the farm. When I think of Na Keiki and the farm I smile. In all my teaching experience working with you was the most rewarding. Going to work was always an adventure with lots of laughter. I still think about dissecting the fish “this is the heart”, walking through the sunflower crop trying not to think about the bugs, having to do the lesson with the chicks alone and I never touched a chick before, trying to figure out how to grind the corn to feed the chicks and you used your coffee grinder, when Jody Yabuno’s and my kids witnessed the birth of some rabbits, and the comments some students made that would make us just laugh out loud. These are just a few things that come to mind. When I reflect on teaching it always brings me back to Mākaha.
Mahalo!
Kathy

Aloha Gigi and other hoa’aina:
Mahalo for the beautiful expression of Aloha through your work with so many keiki and the ‘aina. Mahalo. Those were loving stories.
-Puanani

Aloha Gigi, Judy, and Hoa ‘Āina peeps,
I read the whole thing and feel like I have earth between my toes and healthy fresh food in my opu! Thank you for all you do. The openness and curiosity and heart of the children shines through.
Mahalo,
Nancy

Aloha Gigi,
Mahalo for “booster shot”; we often are so busy…busy report writing (which is what I am suppose to be doing right now)…busy answering phones…busy answering/creating emails – that “we”, should be “I”. I feel very busy, but it is stories like the 2nd grader that really makes me step back and wonder…am I doing anything that impacts anything; besides the system…? Talk about teary eyes…more like waterfalls. I so appreciate the farm and you – and all that you and the farm do! I know that I haven’t been around the farm in a few years; but I am always there in spirit – ever since April of 1994 – my first visit to the farm. I can remember most of the day like it was yesterday…Mahalo for sharing your thoughts and stories…I will forward this out to my “e-blast list” as I do with all of your emails…I know it will touch someone as much as it just touched me.
Mahalo Gigi!
Barbie