Leaders: Nola
Life Experience:
I was born at a first aid station in a sugarcane field and raised in
a multi-generational home in rural Oahu, Hawaii. While my family was
very loving and active in the community, alcoholism was to be a big
part of my families' experience, which resulted in violence, jail time,
and crimes against the women in my family, homelessness and other
negative experiences. I found great solace in the peace and quiet of
a church and my faith grew. I learned to adjust to what was happening
in front of me and to look for and find the gold in everything, and
to be grateful for all that I had, because you never knew when it
would be taken away. My parents eventually got sober and started the
first Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Unit in Hawaii. I am very proud
of them.
I married at the age of 17, being pregnant with my 2nd child. We traveled for the next 12 years to various Air Force bases, where my husband was stationed. We had a third child during that time, the youngest of whom is now 28. I was always supportive of the under-dog, or the innocent victims who had no voice and who have no choice, offering the help and hope I wish I had when I was younger. I volunteered for the Help-Line, Crisis Intervention Groups, Rape-Crisis Centers and other groups who have a compassionate nature. I am now in the job of my dreams!! As a Challenge Day Leader, I can share my scars and offer encouragement and hope to those whose life may seem bleak and hopeless. They can change! They aren't victims! A new and brighter tomorrow can be theirs, if they have the courage to change.
If you really knew me:
- I am not defined by the experiences and events of my life.
- I am proud that I've been married for 32 years and I'm a “Tutu” of 9 grandchildren.
- I believe there is gold in EVERY situation and nothing is wasted.
- I love to dance, sing, share my culture and my faith, and continually learn about people.
- I am so proud to be stepping into the job of my dreams at a time when most people my age are thinking about retirement.
- I am so grateful to be living a passionate life.