Community

From the Ground Up

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

It takes a village – not to raise a child, in this case – but to build a home.

Molokai Habitat for Humanity’s latest project brought 15 volunteers hailing from the mainland to Ho`olehua as a part of Habitat’s Global Village program. The team was here for 10 days and left early last week, after making substantial headway for a home currently being built for the Kaai `ohana. It is expected to be completed in two months.

Global Village takes people from around the world who want to make a difference in the lives of poverty-stricken families by helping build and restore homes. The program’s ultimate goal is to help end homelessness and create affordable housing.

“I think the best thing about this program is for the ‘volunteer tourist,’ it helps give a real sense of place and deeper experience,” said Emillia Noordhoek, resource development director of Molokai Habitat for Humanity. “They get to learn about the culture and community, too.”
Noordhoek herself will be embarking on a Global Village trip to Egypt in October to build houses in rural areas.

After eight-hour days of hammering, drilling and sawing, the volunteers also found the time to delve into Molokai’s distinct culture by learning hula, hiking through Halawa Valley, canoe paddling and talking story with community members who opened their homes. Kalele Bookstore even hosted a movie night featuring Matt Yamashita’s videos as well as a talk story with Yamashita and Malia Atuagawa on the island’s current issues.

“It was hands-down the best experience,” said Julie Anne Black, a Global Village team leader. “The way we were greeted and taken care of – everyone treated us like family.”

During last week’s mahalo party for the group, Black stood up in tears, thanking the community for the love and hospitality. “Molokai will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said.

Lani Brandon, also of the Global Village team, traveled all the way from New York to take part in an experience she called “life changing.”

“To be able to work this close with such a special family was the most amazing part,” she said.

Noordhoek said the team exceeded its goal, completing the construction of the walls, siding and frame of the house.

“They were an amazing group to work with,” she added. “It was as gratifying for them as it was for us.”

Molokai’s Habitat for Humanity division has offered to take in Global Village teams every six to eight weeks to gain speed with its efforts. The next team is expected to arrive in December, with two more teams scheduled for the beginning of next year.

About Molokai Habitat
Habitat for Humanity is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build affordable homes for low-income families around the world. Molokai became an affiliate in 1998 and is the only branch to serve poverty-stricken families on the island.

Last winter, Noordhoek met with state Senator Dan Inouye through an advocacy conference in Washington, D.C., and requested funds for the habitat program. As a result of the meeting, Inouye allocated $400,000 for Molokai Habitat affordable housing projects this year.

“This money will go a long way to help us build homes,” she said. 

Flynn-Hosseini Wedding

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Brian Flynn and Ayme Hosseini of Costa Mesa, Cali., were married on Molokai on May 14, 2010 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Randy Manley. Present were their parents Mike and Garlin Flynn and Morteza Hosseini and Beatriz Rodriguez. The wedding was also attended by their siblings Terri Flynn, Farideh Hosseini and John Magsdziarz. The happy couple truly enjoyed the week on the island. Brian and Ayme Flynn are truly looking forward to what wonderful things life brings their way. They are also expecting a baby girl due in September.

 

Something to Hold On To

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

By Linda DeGraw

Have you seen or received a Kissing Pillow?  Or are you one of the many stitchers who make Kissing Pillows for our Armed Forces and their families?

The Kissing Pillow project was started in Texas in 2004 and has blossomed across the United States and into Canada.  My son-in-law received a Kissing Pillow in 2008 during his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.  My sister in Miami, who belongs to the Royal Palm Chapter ANG (American Needlepoint Guild) and the Biscayne Chapter of Embroiders Guild of America (EGA), asked her group of stitchers to make a few pillows for members in our family then serving overseas.

When my daughter left for Afghanistan in January, I wanted her and her company to have the Kissing Pillows too. After first checking with our FRG (Family Readiness Group) chair, Michelle, she was excited by the idea and shared it with her husband, who was commander of the company. I called my sister and asked for her help, which included all of her stitching group (a big mahalo to you all).  There are 205 pillows finished mostly by the Royal Palm Chapter ANG and the Biscayne Chapter EGA to be sent to families and soldiers by our FRG Chair.

Everyone who hears about this project is excited.  There are so many people who would like to do something concrete for our service members but there is little they can do.  This was a project that makes it easy for people to give back.  This project is not about war.  It is about the loved ones left behind, especially the children.  There are so many soldiers all over the United States being deployed for service to our country.  The objective is to give the soldiers and each of his or her loved ones something to hold onto during the difficult months ahead.

Mahalo to everyone who has helped, especially Charline Souza, Michelle Montgomery, and Kerry Seibel.  And don’t forget to keep all our service personnel in your prayers.