Cha(r)minade

Today we had free ice cream sundaes in the Loo Student Center. The purpose of this free deliciousness was to promote upcoming events and activities put on by Campus Ministry. See you all at retreat!

Welcome Week on Chaminade Campus. Always good times, and a full belly.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!! I’m finally having some time in the day to jump on here and post. So the last thing I posted about was our Hogan Fundraiser Dinner for the China/India Travel Mission. Can I just say… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
YES, I went to China… I went to India… and now I’m home in Hawai’i.

I can’t even begin to describe the things that I saw while away. I was gone for a month and a half, so you can imagine all of the experiences I had. I learned so much, not only about cultural differences and business, but about myself as a person. I found out how mentally strong I can be when the occasion calls for it. Lets just say that being searched at airport security in Chennai India at midnight by a woman with a huge gun was not what I had expected…And fitting a months worth of clothes, toiletries, and medicines into one suitcase under 44 lbs was not the easiest thing. But hey I made it… and with some GREAT memories. Let me give you a little bit of an overview of what I did.

China Shanghai:
In China I was given the opportunity to participate in an internship with Paosnet, a VERY successful marketing and brand imaging company in Shanghai. They worked with big names such as Kenwood, Canon, and even Hawaiian Host. This internship was especially great because I was able to work first-hand under the CEO of the company. He gave my partner and I the project of coming up with exhibit ideas for an upcoming gold museum. It was so much fun. For two weeks we were given freedom to explore Shanghai. Once we were taught how to use the subway THAT WAS IT. Our group would go to our internships in the morning, and then throw ourselves into the city in the evening. We went dancing, go kart racing, we saw shows… and had some great Pau Hana (done with work) times. We practically lived in China for about 2 weeks.

China Hong Kong/ Macau:
Hong Kong and Macau was fun fun fun! The internships were completed so it was our turn to tour. We even got to meet up with one of our Chaminade classmates who lives in Hong Kong. She showed us the “happening” spots to have a great time. It was our last few days together with the China travel group, so we made the most of it.

China Beijing:
Now… I COULD NOT go to China and not see the GREAT WALL… But it wasn’t on our Itinerary. So what did I do? I WENT!!!! My friend and I planned a three day get away to Beijing on our own. Mind you, we don’t speak a word of Chinese. lol. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

India Chennai, Mumbai, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Mysore:
Only three of us from China planned to carry on our trip directly to India. We met up with our Chaminade chaperon and two other students. In India we made visits to successful companies. We were able to ask questions and learn about the advantages and struggles of conducting business in India. Although the company visits were great… I have to be honest and say that I was ALL ABOUT learning the culture and experiencing what India had to offer a tourist. CHECK THESE PICTURES OUT!

We also spent some time at an orphanage supported by Chaminade University. This may sound bad, but I had NO IDEA that we were affiliated with an orphanage in India. You guys wouldn’t believe the great things that the Marianist Brothers have worked towards. These boys at the orphanage come from unfortunate backgrounds. Most of them are from the slums of India and survived by begging on the streets. Some of them come from abusive homes, and would pick through trash cans to eat. REDS Orphanage has provided a growing environment where the residents are given food, shelter, and an opportunity to learn a skill that can be applied to a future job. Our group lived in the orphanage for the last few days and were shown the reality of the slums of India.

I had a breakdown experience at one point. One of those moments where I wished I could bring the boys back home with me. That’s when my heart was reminded of my Hawaiian islands. We are SO BLESSED to be able to share in the beauty of Hawai’i. You may not realize it, but our streets are incredibly clean. Our oceans are magnificent. Our skies are blue and bright! We have rubbish disposal systems, sewer systems, and CLEAN WATER! Just some of the things that people in India struggle to find. Since I’ve been home I’ve made sure to take the extra minute of everyday to just stand still and thank God for my culture and my land.

The people that I traveled with became a family and we took great care of each other. We had gut busting laughs, and intense story times. We confided in each other when we missed home, and we never left each other behind… even when they took FOREVER to get to the set meeting place. haha. Some of them graduated from Chaminade and moved away after the trip. So this is a little shout out to them for being the brothers, sisters, moms, and dads we needed while we were away.

This trip was AMAZING. This post is only a very brief overview of the experience. If you want to know more PLEASE comment, and I’ll be happy to share! Mahalo Nui Loa to those involved with supporting us whether it was through donation, prayers, or happy wishes. It’s an experience I will NEVER forget, and you are all in my hearts for getting me there.