We have been assigned to the Honolulu, Hawaii Mission.  However, we are not part of the Mission in the usual way.  We are assigned to both the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU, Hawaii.  Not knowing ALL the details, but what I know so far; we will have about 50 college students assigned to us.  Most of them will come from the Pacific Island and Asia areas.  Many of them have never been off their island before and coming to the school is a big deal.  They will be part of the iWorks Program.  C'est quoi, ca?

The students we have under our care will be on scholarship/loan.  We will be mentors/parents to them while they are on the program.  To be on this iWorks Program, they promise to work 19 hours a week at the Polynesian Cultural Center in various capacities, get good grades, attend all classes, go to church, and a few other things.  When they complete their education, they go back to their home country and give back.  They are to do this over the four years after receiving their degrees.  If they complete the four years at home, their loan is forgiven.  Not a bad deal for them, and not bad for their countries.  They serve as an example and their skills help others.

I am looking forward to this in anticipation of meeting a lot of people with varied backgrounds, from many different countries.  Sounds great to me.  

We are also assigned to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) as workers, taking tickets, helping at Luaus, and whatever else is needed at the Center.  I wonder if I can sneak backstage and hang out with the musicians?

     In just 55 days, my wife and I will be entering the Mission Field together as we embark upon working in the Hawaii, Honolulu Mission as Program Advisors at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  We are looking forward to the realization of this opportunity, having promised to do this together over 41 years ago after completing our first missions.  To say we are anxious to do this would be an understatement.  There is a program at BYU-Hawaii that enables students from the Pacific Islands to attend BYU on scholarship as long as they work, attend school and then go home to their islands and serve after completing their education.  We are going to help them succeed in that goal.