Have you ever wondered where the word Aloha comes from?  It's been a cool vocab word to toss around, especially when we are somewhere warm and tropical, a way to say “hello” or “goodbye”.  But this Spring, we visited the Maui Vineyard Church and the pastor spoke on the true meaning of Aloha.  From its root "Alo," meaning presence, front and face, and "ha," meaning breath, the literal meaning of aloha is "the presence of breath" or "the breath of life.  It's a way of saying, ‘I see your life, I value your presence, I realize your strengths and frailty.’ It intertwines us and invites us to live with a Spirit of love and respect for one another.  

An old Hawaiian teaching says: “Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain - it is my pain. When there is joy - it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me.”

We are so thankful for your support and encouragement, it is a breath of life, Aloha, to us.  We are seeing God move through each one of you and it is such a blessing!  Please check out our Newsletter and website for updates, ways to be involved, and make sure you let us know how we can love and pray for you from afar.

Much Love and Aloha, The Ward Family