It was our second expedition with the Lahaina Yacht Club. The sky was a little overcast, with peeks of sunshine coming through the clouds. I remember feeling a sudden rush of fear within me as I heard and felt the crashing waters that day. We were instructed by our leaders to set up the sails for the Bics, which is a type of sailboat. As we set foot in the water, I was very apprehensive because we were going to sail individually and the high tide fueled my fears of the ocean that day. When I made it comfortably into the sails, I initially felt confused. I didn't know what I was doing, but along the journey, Curtis was patiently coaching me when to pull in the sail and where to steer. I had uneasiness inside and felt really lonely because it was my first time sailing alone. Though at the same time, I knew I was conquering my fears of the ocean. Out of the depths, I cried inside for His help and guidance. I survived the half of the day! After lunch, I wanted to be paired with Erin because I felt reclusive after that lonesome experience. We were sailing so well and smoothly at the beginning until we capsized and over again causing the Sabit, which is another type of sailboat, to be filled with water. It was no use baling out the water while it was still in the ocean because the waves kept coming in. I am thankful for Mike and Curtis who were with us through the whole struggle and assisted us get back on track. The second capsize was inevitable, the big waves splashed into our boat. By the end of the day, Erin and I were fatigued of sailing for the day. Mike taught us that if that ever happens again, let out the sail because it loses the boat speed. This was an experience to remember and to learn from; Never pair two inexperienced sailors together.
Our blissful weekend started off in the crisp, cool weather in the slopes of Kula. We began our adventure, entertaining each other through active play. I observed a huge difference in the way we breathed in the upcountry area versus Lahaina where the air is much thicker. Walking uphill caused me to bog heavily while in Lahaina, I would breathe normally. After we played, we prepared for dinner and gathered around the fire like one big family. I felt a special, close, and peaceful connection between my classmates. We created our own pizzas and they were scrumptious! All the vegetables harvested directly out of the vast garden. After dinner, we gathered around the fire once more and then we headed to the yurts to retire for the night. It took us a while to settle in and keep silent because the whole class was in one yurt. My sleep was interrupted throughout the night because I was lying uncomfortably on the floor. I was awakened by Makana first, then secondly by Ms. Enriquez. Makana (Ms. Enriquez's dog) jumped all over me, she was a walkng alarm clock.. It was around six o'clock and the weather was very bleak, ranging from 40-50 degrees. We did our morning routine, brushed our teeth and changed our clothes. Our day started by walking down to where the fire was last night, and I observed the morning star as it rose above the mountains. This is an early morning beauty seen through my lenses. Capturing such magnificent sights gladden my heart. As I breathed the smoke of the fire, I felt so much warmth and my coldness left my body. We helped Louis, O'o farm owner, prepared breakfast., cracked the eggs, opened up the bacon packages, and cut the bread. After the prayer, we ate the exquisite breakfast Louis cooked for us. We had some time to play after the scrumtious breakfast. Louis took us out to the coffee trees and allowed us to taste the cherry red fruit. He lead us up to the greenhouse. We grabbed the shovels and placed the coffee seedlings in the tractor. We worked our way to the barren field of grass and planted the seedlings there. In five years, those seedlings will mature into trees as we mature into college. After we completed our task, Richard, the farm manager, took us outfor an activity. We were paired into groups and were given a sheet that had two specific insects. We had to calculate how many of the specific insects were in the area. We concluded that insects play an immense role on a plants' daily life and that there must a be a balance on how much insects are in a certain area. That concluded our learning journey at O'o Farms. It certainly increased my knowledge about organic plants. insects. and a sense of place. Last week, we embarked on our first sailing adventure together as one canoe. We arrived at Lahaina Yacht Club and were divided into three groups. From each group we learned about knot- tying, direction of wind, and the parts of the sailboat. I remember looking out into the ocean and envisioning what kind of experience we are going to go on. I was very nervous because I did not know anything to begin with. Before we splashed in the water, we were paired, one experienced and one inexperienced sailor. We carried the tiller, rudder, and daggerboard out into the water to connect it to the boat. As I climbed aboard, I felt the same spark I had when I stepped onto Hokule'a. At first I was terrible at steering but as the day went on, I became better and better with Nicole's help. I enjoyed that day very much. I was fortunate enough that at a young age, I was given the opportunity to sail. As I learn more about sailing, I hope to improve and develop my technique and have a confident attitude in the sea.
Yesterday the stars were born. The 8th grade class walked to Lahaina Sounds and recorded a song about whales, "Where in the World are the Whales," written by Steve Grimes. Steve Grimes wrote this song 35 years ago and finally got to record it. Lynn Peterson, the owner of Lahaina Sounds, was generous enough to let us record for an hour and a half. This was the most unique experience that I ever had. The feeling of being in a music studio and actually recording a song was incredible. After many takes, we finally finished. I cannot wait to listen to the outcome. What a great way to end my birthday at "school." Check Lahaina Sounds' website http://www.mauirecording.com/home.html
Today, Lemaina (Mrs. Ka'auwai's daughter) came to our classroom and did her senior project with us. She taught us about the ahupua'a and the plants growing there. Ms. Leimana taught us the various uses of the many plants. After the lesson, we created a ti-leaf haku/bracelet (I forgot the Hawaiian name for it.) Since we did not complete it, Leimana came in again and took us outside to do the project. I thought it was a creative task to do, especially when we were outside of the classroom.
A few minutes ago, our teacher told us to gather around her. She said that her new name is "Ms. Enriquez." We all thought that she got married but it was the opposite. I feel brainwashed. After calling her "Mrs. Waldrop" for many years, it would be hard to get used to "Ms. Enriquez." I can not wait to tell my parents!
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AuthorMy name is Krizhna. I was born and raised in Maui. I have a fascination in photography and I want to travel the world. Archives
May 2014
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