3.2.1... Take off!
I must begin with the incredible launch party my beautiful church threw on the day the book was officially born: Oct 3, 2023. Thank you, CCH ‘ohana, for such a beautiful evening. With everything from parking attendants wearing reflective vests, to twinkle lights, to Kathy Young’s crab dip (!) to Lisa Lai’s careful attention to the booktable and SO MUCH MORE, the whole evening was a beautiful celebration and I could not have imagined any place more perfect in which this book could be born.
While it did slightly feel like I was graduating from high school again (so many beautiful leis!), everyone in attendance was supportive, excited, enthusiastic, and curious about this book. Everyone from a teacher from my high school days to a brand new island resident who heard about the event from a church member were there, and my parents, Jan and Judy Dill, came, too. I was glad to stumble through the experience of a book event, as I am learning a new skill and forum, and so very glad to do it among friends and my faith community. Thank you, mahalo all!
As a side note, it was tremendous to be able to share the love, vitality, generous welcome, and aloha spirit of this beautiful church I am honored to serve. Thanks again for turning out, CCH, and for those of you in the community who attended, I hope we see you again at CCH very soon. Mahalo nui loa from the bottom of my heart.
