Contributed by Rena Saito and Kimi Kawasaki
Check out what we’ve been up to in Hawai’i in March 2023!
CARP LUNCH - 3/10/23
Before Ohana Talk, some of the CARPies met up to have a nice little lunch together. It was a time for everyone to get to know each other and to grow our relationship. This social event was organized by the CARP Leaders. Though not everyone could join, the seven who came had a great experience.
OHANA TALK - 3/10/23
As we are more than half way into the semester, we are growing inside and out. This Ohana Talk was the biggest in numbers. One CARP member who has come to a handful of talks, invited her sisters and her sisters’ boyfriend. They are new to CARP and this was their first time. Everyone else have been to Ohana Talks before. This month our theme was about marriage, “How can I prepare for a loving and lasting marriage?” Many of us are on different levels in terms of readiness in relationships, some don’t think about it while some do and some are in relationships. But no matter what situation we are in, we are all growing ourselves. An important concept is to grow ourselves to be the best person we can be for our future partner. Overall, everyone had a good discussion and learned from each other.
OHANA TALK - 3/24/23
We held our fifth Ohana Talk on the question: Is there value to having a family? A total of eight participants were in attendance: two guests, one CARP member, and five CARP leaders. For the ice breaker, each person took however much toilet paper they typically use. After that, each person had to share a fact about themselves for each square of toilet paper. Overall, we had a great time sharing about our experiences giving and receiving love in our families. At the end, we each made action steps to work on a specific relationship in our families.
TANTALUS PICNIC - 3/26/23
On Sunday, CARP Hawaii had a fun sunset stroll and picnic outing. Five CARP leaders and one CARP member came to the event. We began with a short hike at Ualaka’a Trail. It was a great opportunity to take a break from our studies and get some fresh air out in the forest. We ended the hike with a picnic at Tantalus lookout, a scenic point overlooking Diamond Head and the Honolulu area. We enjoyed sandwiches and snacks while watching the sunset and catching up with one another. It was a peaceful and relaxing way to end the week!
Testimony from Rika Otsubo, former CARP Hawai’i president:
“As I look back to when I first restarted the CARP chapter in Hawai’i in 2021, we have come a long way through the support of so many people around us. I am so proud of all the CARP members who stepped up to be where they are now and especially to Rena for taking on the role as President. As I stepped down from the role of CARP HAWAII president, I felt as if my time to contribute to a different area of ministry has been awakened. I went from Generation Peace Academy to CARP President to Youth Pastor and now I am thinking of moving onto Blessing (Marriage) and Family Ministry (BFM). CARP has taught me a lot about how to invest into others and grow my heart to love. All the Ohana Talks and Divine Principle studies that we did throughout the semester has helped me to be where I am now. I initially restarted CARP here in Hawaii to support Mother Moon (co-founder of CARP) and from that one reason, it has blossomed to be something beautiful. I hope to continuously support CARP Hawaii through mentoring the members and being here for them when they are in need. I would like to end this semester strong and be able to be proud of all my victories I can claim.”