Just a short note to say what a great Christmas party we enjoyed today! The weather was perfect… sunny, cool, with a nice breeze that, at times, had much “gusto”. The foods and desserts that everyone brought filled two tables with a diverse and tasty selection for lunch. Thanks to sempais Wes and Donna, we were able to enjoy the beautiful covered Rec Center at the Ridge in Launani Valley, complete with gas grills, kitchen and ice box, tables, benches, lounge chairs, and a nice pool and Jacuzzi that the kids made full use of.
Sensei Trisha and sempai Donna did a great job of planning and organizing the event, as well as leading all of the many fun games that occupied all of us, literally, for hours!… it was almost as exciting and as energetic as karate training. We were constantly on our toes, trying to answer to and call others by their designated Christmas names for the day… my name for the day, was an appropriate “Prancer”, though not as much fun as Mr. Shiroma going by the tag of “Vixen” throughout the festivities. I don’t know which game was my favorite; playing charades using Play-Doh, or trying to identify the reindeer candy “poop”, or the Santa Claus dress-up (what awesome creativity!), or the grab-bag marathon. Hopefully, some photos might make their way into the gallery, especially of the awesome Santa Claus that Sempai Robert turned into. (Here’s a peek!)
To me, the best part was the fellowship amongst all of the ministry members, the family members who came, the young and the (ahem) not-so-young, in this celebration of a great year for the ministry and of the season that honors His birth. These are the kinds of memories I keep with me always. Thanks for being a part of a great day!
P.S. Thank you all so much for the restaurant certificates… much, much too generous of you. I will certainly think of your blessings on Lynne and myself when we next visit the Outback and Assagios restaurants (and I gain a few more pounds, haha). I also thank you so much for your friendship, dedication to training and the ministry, help, and enthusiasm throughout the past year. I often say that there would be no ministry without Him. The ministry, however, could not be what it is, without the presence and participation of each and every one of you… Thank you for everything you do.