Apr 30 2014

Aloha Honoka’a Town

Published by under News Updates

 

honokaa town

Honoka’a Town

As many of you know, we moved here to the Big Island (Hilo) back in 2004. I recently read in my journal from that year “expect the unexpected.” What an understatement! I don’t think anything has happened the way we expected it too this time around. No matter how hard to try to rid your mind of ideas and expectations before embarking on an adventure or new endeavor, they remain and are usually incorrect. Having said that, we are thankful God has unexpectedly led us to the small, rural community of Honoka’a where we will make our home. After MANY attempts to rent properties in Waimea (where God has called us to be a missional presence) we have found ourselves in a lovely, 3 bedroom, “post and pier” home in a coastal town about 20 minutes from Waimea.

Honokaa is located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast some 40 miles north of Hilo (about 45 miles from Kailua-Kona.) The community is a close-knit one that has roots going back to the sugar plantation days of more than 100 years ago. The plantation is gone, but the town lives on. Honoka’a residents and those living in the surrounding area have proven to be resilient, managing to maintain their unique and cherished lifestyles. Businesses have defied the odds by creating new markets within the community and far beyond.(honokaahawaii.com) It is a rural, agriculturally-based town full of farmers and cowboys (paniolo) and a mixed plate of island people. Honoka’a is just 10 miles from the breathtaking and popular tourist spot Waipio Valley (Tony’s favorite place on the planet.) At the bottom of the valley is a black sand beach (the beach closest to our house) accessible by 4 wheel drive only. Thankfully we have a 4 wheel drive truck!

Moving day was April 21st and what a day! Our shipment of household goods arrived and although they were three hours late, we rejoiced and took pictures as the truck pulled in the driveway. A group from Kona Coast Naz dedicated their time, some of them the entire day, to helping us move in, unpack and put together furniture. We enjoyed a local style lunch and hot malasadas at the famous Tex Drive Inn which is located just around the bend from our home.

A few days before our move, we received an email about a labor position at a local farm. We had emailed many adds on Craigslist in the previous weeks so this email reading “Are you still interested in farm work?” came as a pleasant surprise!  They asked Tony to show up for a “trial day” and  he is in his second week of working for an organic farm right in Waimea! He enjoys a beautiful fifteen minute commute and is working about 20 hours per week. So far, he has brought home cabbage, daikon radishes and broccoli. Praise God for His provision!

Our time and conversation is spent getting into a family routine and settling into the Waimea/Honoka’a community. Consider all of the places you do life outside of your home…bank, dentist, chiropractor, grocery store, etc. We look forward to trips to the farmer’s market and  the library (its GREAT for such a small town!) Tony just finished reading the local newspaper Hamakua Times which gave us a glimpse into the heart of the people and news about events happening around town.

 

Your prayers and support mean so very much! Your involvement in our ministry reminds us of the perfect unity God desires for the body of Christ. We consider you a part of our “team” and although miles away, we consider you ohana (family.)  Though moving is stressful and changing just about everything about our previous life has been overwhelming at times, we cling to our calling and the promises God has in His word. Mahalo and aloha!

On Mission Together,

Tony & Colleen Mason (& keiki)

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