Hawaii...day 4...Family

This was our big long day to enjoy the We had the special Ambassador package which means that we had a guide that took us around to the different island areas and explained different things. Her name was Park, she's a student from South Korea who attends BYU -Hawaii. We started off getting some pretty shell leis and then off towards Samoa we went. On the way we stopped at this pretty waterfall.
Do you like my dress? Bought that and Michael's shirt at the Swap Meet. In Samoa we learned about how they really use the natural resources around them. So many things can be made from a coconut tree. From stools, workbenches, baskets and head ware from the leaves. Totally cool to watch. I got one of the head pieces from the Samoan Warrior. He is very funny. I took video for the boys. We learned that the men are very responsible for feeding the family. They hunt, prepare, cook the food and then serve it to the Elders and women before they eat. What would that be like Sisters!!! They showed us how the men make fire, so Michael tried it out. He did great!!
In New Zealand, Michael got a war tattoo on his face and I got one on my ankle!!
And we got a picture with the Fiji Warrior. We watched the canoe pageant, which is all the different islands do a mini show on a big canoe. Like this one.
We learned how to throw a spear in Tonga. And watched a great drum demonstration. After that we skipped Tahiti because Park said the girls were too pretty and she didn't like going there. Really she just wanted to get us to the IMAX. Big movie, not so great for the PCC experience. It was about the dying coral reefs and didn't really go with the theme of the center. We were so happy to get to the Luau. By 5 o'clock we were tired and hungry. We received beautiful flower leis from our cousins and then were entertained by more cousins. After that we headed towards the Horizons show, which is the big end of the day show. But before we did we had to stop and chat with the Samoan warrior again. Michael wanted a picture with him too. He had gotten one on his phone but wanted another one. We chatted with him about our missions, he served on his home island, and how important customs and family are to the polynesians.
If I could pick one other culture to be from it would be polynesian. Their love of family and tradition is incredible. I saw it first hand growing up in Buena Park, CA and on my mission at Temple Square. I guess what I can take away from the PCC is to make sure that my boys know how important family is. It comes first and foremost. Take care of each other. And invite those around you to be a part of your family too. Just call them cousins! Aloha!