Post-Paradise Pandemonium and Poinsettias

Keeping in the Hawaiian mode, my desk looked like a volcano ready to erupt when I walked in to my office Tuesday morning. Fortunately, we have a student working for us this week, so she saved my sanity by opening all the mail and setting up application packets for me. This is the early deadline, so apps are pouring in (Barb's son-in-law was in this mode a year ago. I think he likes this year better!) By the time I answered all of my e-mails and voice mails, the work study student had my snail mail all in order. What a blessing.

Then we found out that Kristen had to go on bed rest. It means just what it says - she needs to be lying down or reclining unless she's taking a shower (short) or eating a meal (quick). Since her house is full of steps, and her little ones cannot quite understand that Mommy can't run for them as they are used to, she will be spending a lot of the time down here at my house (just 3 doors down). The kids can't figure out why they have to be here in the afternoon when her car is at their house. Here at my house, she'll be able to be on one level for all the necessities, and I might even let her use my computer to keep in touch with the world! She will be in this mode for at least two weeks, when they will re-evaluate the growth of the girls and decide what is next. In a test taken today, it was determined that the babies are in no distress, so that is really great news. To be in no distress, and to be so tiny, they can create a bit of stress for the rest of the world! Little Squirt, as she's called, was so active that it took over 3 hours to get the test accomplished.

Feisty will probably grow up to be a doctor or nurse. Besides her incredibly soft heart, she is a natural. Today she was making sure her mommy was covered and comfortable. Kristen thanked her and she said, "It's my pleasure to serve you!"

Christmas will be interesting this year. Kristen was supposed to sing with the band for the Christmas Eve service. We're trying to figure out where and when to meet for all of the various family gatherings. I really need to get something bought and wrapped, but I always have the kids with me when I'm not at work, and I don't think I want them with me when I'm shopping for them!

Well, back to a bit of paradise. I have so much more I want to share. I'll start with this - one of the most amazing sights on the island at this time of year:

Poinsettias grow in profusion and are just glorious. They are a bit different from the ones we get for our homes at Christmastime.

"Most Christmas greenery reflects European traditions. But one colorful plant, which looks like a flaming star, the poinsettia, is a native to the American continent. It was named after Dr. Joel Robert Poinset, an ambassador to Mexico who first introduced it to the United States in 1828. The people of Mexico and Central America call the brilliant tropical plant the "Flower of the Holy Night." The poinsettia is a many-pointed star that has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem." (Dennis Bratcher).

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the lack of PCness on the island. Everywhere we went, we saw signs of the real, true Christmas. One store had a lovely painting of the wisemen coming to greet Jesus. The faces of the wise men were very Asian in appearance - appropriate, don't you think?? Several other business has "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" signs displayed. Mele Kalekemaka!

Believe it or not, when I got back to work, I was pleasantly surprised to find two large, beautiful poinsettia plants in our main office - at least a bit of Christmas. White, of course.