Meaningful Experience goes to Molokai

Meaningful Experience XV was held on September 8-9, 2018 on the remote community of Kalaupapa, Molokai via sponsorship by Valerie Monson and Clarence Kahilihiwa, executive director and president, respectively, of the Ka Ohana OKalaupapa nonprofit organization. Thirteen CTAHR student ambassadors and two ASAO staff members flew into the historic peninsula by small charter planes early saturday morning. The focus of this year’s trip was a service project to restore and beautify the future site of the Kalaupapa Memorial. With lots of weeding, lifting, and clearing, the group removed truckloads of plants invading the memorial. Within a month’s time, members of the Ohana organization are expected to gather there to remember their families and loved ones. When not in the field, time was spent learning about the history and the people of the community. We visited two of the original churches built by residents in the 1800’s, Father Damien’s memorial, and some historic landmarks in the area. After a day of hard work, the group enjoyed relaxing on the black sandy shores of Awahua Beach under the picturesque Molokai sea cliffs. The night was filled with discussions of leadership and student needs under the stars with the glow of Honolulu off in the distance. Upon leaving, most students looked back on the peace, calmness, and beauty they were leaving behind. Special thanks goes to Degray Vanderbilt and Colin Brede for hosting and guiding us throughout our stay and to Valerie Monson who coordinated our trip and service project. We thank all the people whose efforts made this experience especially meaningful!

Please visit Flickr to view more photos from this event.