The Hawaiian Royal Canoe in 2008

This was me 31 years ago on the Hawaiian Royal Canoe as the Queen!

Not much has changed from 28 years ago has it?! This picture to the right was just taken (Oct. 2008). I was a little surprised to see that the Polynesian Cultural Center had a lot of the same types of dances and costumes at the Canoe Pageant and the Night Show. I guess culture doesn't change, so of course there wouldn't need to be changes! I sure felt like I had gone back in time 30 years while I was there! Thanks to a thoughtful friend for the tickets and the company!

Just Joan just in Hawaii! Alooooooha!!!

Blessings come in many different ways! One of the most recent in my life was being able to spend a week in Hawaii relaxing, getting in touch with my roots, and doing family history and temple work! I was able to stay with a dear friend, Lani Gilbreath, who is gracious, sweet, and selfless! What a week! I will never forget the overwhelming feelings of love and service as I was able to link some of my generations of family together and do work for them - work that they couldn't do for themselves!

I was also able to visit my old stomping grounds: BYU Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center! What feelings of nostalgia, as I looked back and reminisced about my time as a student there and working at PCC so I could learn about my Hawaiian heritage! I really believe that our connections with those who have gone before us is much stronger than we can ever understand! I have truly felt the Spirit of Elijah this past week and am so grateful that I listened and followed those promptings to go there!