Kamakani o Waimea

Waimea -- May 7th, 2010 By: Xiao Fang Zhou (Ruby)

It is a beautiful Friday morning as usual in Waimea, a sacred Hawaiian gathering place, just about ready to welcome its special visitors, a leading group of 35 healing organizations from all over the world, to be greeted by the Hawaiians’ most respected Kupuna — Aunty Betty, and his beloved husband, Uncle Jack Jenkins.

At 8:30 a.m., Michael and I arrived at the entrance of Waimea, filming the Puhaku, taking pictures of Waimea surroundings, breathing Waimea fresh air blended with the tropical forest mists. The sun shining through the blue sky on to green grass, rain water rushing down from Waimea mountains joining to the Pacific ocean, thousands of tropical flowers blooming, crossing through from layers of high banyan trees, making Waimea unspeakable charming.

At Waimea Valley, Aunty Betty gave the group a blessing, as Hawaiian traditions, she invited the group to her small Wahi, dedicated by Waimea, Hawaiian called “Home”.

We walked beside Aunty Betty along a wooden deck into this beautiful welcoming Hawaiian Home. This is a bright room, with a large French style double side door which is wide open, lo0king onto Waimea Gardens. Hawaiian tropical flowers are all around, a taro leaf-design bamboo fabric living room set with matching pillows brings warmth and harmony, a white wooden rocking chair where Aunty Betty used to sit, a round table with four chairs. A green transparent glass vase holds a green purplish leaf that starts to grow roots, a simple handmade mat on the floor gives a natural touch, two ceiling fans gently rotate, blending with fragrance from the garden. There is a long side table with fresh lemon tea, chocolate heart-shaped cookies, and tropical fruit bowls which were carefully prepared for today’s guests by Aunty Betty, and Uncle Jack.

Aunty Betty started with introducing herself, and her family, telling where her mother and father were from, as a Hawaiian way of saying thanks to their ancestors. She showed how to use a small shell of sand to represents the earth, moving the sand into a larger bowl, meaning unity, and returning back to the roots.

After the group of people had stood and followed this Hawaiian tradition of introducing themselves, my tears were running down on my cheeks. This was my first experience, to see and feel each individual not only in the present, but also how we are all connected to one deep root — a native caring heart with deep respect for our ancestors.

It was a fine day at this lovely place surrounded by the nature, an unforgettable gathering, learning to understand Hawaiian culture through our two respectful Kupunas, Aunty Betty and Uncle Jack.

Uncle Jack and Aunty Betty at their Wahi home, waiting for their guests.

Aunty Betty talking with the group

Aunty Betty with the group

Aunty Betty poured sand from the small shell into the large bowl

Aunty Betty shared her mana?o with the group

Cookies, tea and tropical fruits

Author: Xiao Fang Zhou (Ruby)