At the end of September we have nearly 300 students arrive in Kona to attend multiple University of the Nations courses. They were quarantined for 14 days, but during that time, classes already began online while they were isolated in their rooms. From there, the students joined classes in open-air facilities to limit virus infection.
From September 24-27 Judi and I met daily over ZOOM with around 25 of the original senior leaders of our centers in Europe. It was an opportunity to share with each other about how each of us were doing.
On September 22nd I joined a ZOOM call with several of the leaders of our University of the Nations entry level courses in French West Africa. Leaders joined from Europe and West Africa. It was great to visit with some of my friends in West Africa.
On September 21st I shared with one of their UofN entry level courses, preparing them for overseas work. The picture is of a poster they made to announce and invite others beside the students.
The week of September 6-11 I taught a seminar in one of the UofN courses in Perth, Australia. Students participated in their classroom, separated by appropriate social distancing, as well as other students joining online in Tasmania, as well as India, Singapore, France and two states in the USA.
On Sunday September 6th I had the opportunity to speak at the church we attend in Kona. With the pandemic rules, we are meeting outside, with social distancing and masks included. But, when I spoke, I was far enough away to remove my mask.
On August 26th the Hurricane Douglas was supposed to hit the Hawaiian Islands, beginning with our island. Many on our island were praying that it would miss us. And as you can see from the weather map and the outline of our island, the hurricane missed us, passing just above us. We were very grateful.
In mid August Judi and I were able to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary. With the pandemic, it was a rather quiet affair, but we enjoyed each other’s company. The picture is of a time earlier in the year, before the pandemic, when restaurants were still open.
In late June and July Judi has taken time to bake bread for us. A couple of times she made tresse, a Swiss braided bread, and she also made traditional Italian bread. Each time it was delicious.
Each Saturday we have been able to do a family ZOOM call to connect with each other during this pandemic. It has been great to see all the family, our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. By connecting my computer to our TV, we have been able to better see each of the one on…