In my previous blog post I wrote about the start of the volcanic eruption that started on May 3 on Hawai’i island. I wish I could say this post was about the end of it… but almost three months later the lava is still flowing strong. It has formed a river that flows from Leilani estates all the way to the sea. At a mile wide in some parts it is an impressive show of nature. To say it has been difficult on the people of Puna is an understatement. Over 700 homes have been lost as well as land, farms and livelihoods. So what have I been up to the past three months?

Well.. I have still been selling my arts and crafts at the markets.. even though my income along with most of the other vendors has been severely cut due to the sharp decline in tourism. I believe it has started to pick up the last few weeks though. And making a little money is better than none at all! Especially when it comes from doing something you love.

I have also been doing my best to give back to the Puna community. I was fortunate to be able to be  involved in a brunch and paint fundraiser organized by my friend Leandra who owns a wonderful art school, circle of life Hilo. I assisted with the event and donated a small original acrylic painting that sold in the silent auction. I was also able to volunteer at the Pahoa shelter for lava evacuees. Circle of life organized an arts and craft time on Wednesday’s and Leandra, Bonnie (another talented artist) and myself took turns running the arts and craft time. It is a great feeling knowing I can use my talents to help improve the lives of others.. even in a small way.

My favorite thing about running the arts and craft table was meeting new people. I met a wonderful artist named Susan who, even though her and her wife lost everything to Pele, they still donated time and art supplies. In fact, many of the people volunteering time and supplies to the people of Puna lost homes and businesses themselves.

One of the hardest things for me these past few months has been watching so many friends lose their homes. (Or in some ways even worse, having their homes become uninhabitable.) Some were able to find places to live on island and some had to leave. Many are still in limbo, so to speak, moving from place to place or staying at the shelter. It is always difficult to watch people you love going through hard times, especially when you feel there is not much you can do to make their situation easier. 

Another reason this disaster has been so difficult is because of its unpredictable nature. According to the experts the lava river could stop tomorrow, slow down, speed up, continue for months or years, change course or start flowing somewhere else. Not too helpful when making plans for the future.

So I am trying to take it one day at a time. Which I probably should have been doing all along anyway. The reality of life is that none of us really know what is going to happen and just about anything, good, bad and in between is a possibility. Enjoy the moments you can, try to make the best of whatever happens and don’t take plans too seriously. In other words.. go with the (lava) flow. (Maybe easier said than done however!)

Aloha!

(all of the images in this blog post our my own except for the picture of the prayer flags, I borrowed that one from Leandra's Circle of life Hilo facebook page. Check out her website for awesome keiki and adult classes offered in the Hilo area or to make a donation.  www.circleoflifehilo.com )