Let me first just take an opportunity to say what an honor
and privilege it is to be talking to you right now. This
trip so far has been nothing short of an experience of a
lifetime and I am so glad that I decided to go.
Today was our last official lecture class. It was a very
interesting one at that. The lecture was given by a woman by
the name of Lilikala Kame'eleihiwa. It was on the subject of
Native Hawaiian Religious Beliefs, more specifically on an
epic Prayer known as the Kumulipo. The Kumulipo is what is
known as a genealogy. It is over 2,000 lines in length and is
only one of ten of its kind that have survived throughout
the ages. We learned how some of the beliefs followed in
this genealogy differ from those in the West. For example,
the nighttime is seen as a time for their ancestors to
inspire them, whereas in our culture it is seen as a time
for evil and gloom. Also, the shark is seen as a kind and
good figure in this certain belief. In the genealogy, female
goddesses were seen as extremely strong figures. It truly
was an interestng and informative talk.
With the lectures and class time though, comes leisure time.
Today we had the opportunity to chose from a pair of leisure
activities set up for us through the school. Our options
were to either go surfing or body boarding. I chose to go
surfing. We set out with a group of about ten of us. This
was a first for me, and it definitely showed through my
performance. I was not the most graceful surfer, but I was
able to momentarily stand on the board, ride a wave, say
"cowabunga" and that was pretty much it. Nevertheless,
despite my less than noteworthy performance it was fun to
actually get out there and say that I at least tried to do
it. That is what this trip has been about for me. I have
been able to try new and interesting things that I have
never tried in my life.
If you reading this are given the opportunity to take this
trip with the University of Hartford, I 100% recommend it.
This trip truly is an opportunity of a lifetime and one
which should not be passed up. You will experience new
things and meet new and interesting people along the way.
That is all from Hawaii for now. Hope all is well...Please
feel free to leave your comments or questions for me...
Aloha and Mahalo,
Tom Morgan
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