Thanksgiving in the Longhouse

Short clip of actual welcome to our Thanksgiving Celebration

What are the ingredients of a Thanksgiving celebration?  Certainly a gigantic turkey dinner shared with loved ones comes to mind.  Upon a moment's reflection, almost everyone would include a moment of reflection and a prayer of gratitude to God for abundant  blessings received.  A festive atmosphere and entertainment probably complete the common list.  Without a doubt, all this and more went into the Thanksgiving Day program at Our Lady of Kea'au.

Arriving guests were welcomed by the smiling faces and harmonious melodies of the Halau Akaka Family of Kawaiaha'o Church.  About 10 a.m., guests from Kea'au Beach Park and the nearby bushes began streaming in.  Some relaxed in the tastefully decorated Longhouse while others enjoyed swimming in the pool. 

About 11 a.m., Sister Beatrice welcomed homeless and volunteers and Pastor Kaleo Patterson offered the pule.  Before heading for the buffet line, the assembled guests were treated to the Doxology, sung in Hawaiian.  As it happens, Doxology (in English) is one of our favorites at Our Lady.

Wednesday regular Joyce Arakaki supervised volunteers from the Vasquez family, the Wong family and others in the serving line.  And what a serving line it was!  There was more than 450 lbs. of turkey cooked in the imu, two giant hams and kahlua pork for plenty of protein.  Turkey and gravy demand cranberry sauce, and Wednesday cook Carol Curry donated several quarts of her homemade delicacy.  Starches included sausage stuffing, rice, yams, rice, dinner rolls and potato salad.  The vegetable kingdom was represented by green salad and corn.  And there were desserts--lots of them.

Following the feast, Sister Patricia took the stage, and coordinated distribution of gift baskets, prizes, and clean, new clothing.  Oh yes, left-overs are part of the Thanksgiving, tradition, too, and our guests did not go home empty-handed.  As people left, they received a parting gift of a large container of meats and vegetables.

Back to first page