I know that it has been way too long since I've written here. Life has been changing in so many ways.
Youth Retreat happened for the second time in this decade. Jake was in charge with Rev. Kevin Kuniyuki of Wahiawa Hongwanji as the speaker. We went to Camp Kalopa on the Big Island.
Kona Hongwanji Taiko group, also known as Kristyn's Dad and Alan came and taught us taiko. We also got to make homemade taiko drums out of buckets and packing tape. We learned and flew paper rockets the same day, which is way more fun that you are thinking. If you don't believe me ask Bishop Okano or anyone who attended the Lay Convention in Kona :) We went for a hike and really enjoyed it. Rev. Kevin bought and taught most of his lecture out of Monshu Koshin Ohtani's latest book: Buddha's Wish for the World. I love that book almost as much as Dr. Ken Tanaka's Oceans so easy to read :)
If all this intrigues you then you should join us for Youth Retreat next year, I think it's July 4th weekend at Camp Kalopa again, but check with Jake for more details!
Manoaphobia happened on Friday August 27th and it was good. Although, it was a small turnout since UH had a concert that night as part of their back to school festivities. Perhaps, Manoaphobia will be moved to a different night near the beginning of school. Sorry there are no pictures. I didn't take any. Hopefully this blog will have more pictures in the future.
First YESS CAMP meeting is Friday September 17th at 6p.m. Buddhist Study Center. If you want to help out or know of anyone that wants to help out let me or Jake Thanks!
