Living an Honest Life. A journey of one person reconnecting to the world and the people around him, as well as himself. It is August 12, 2012 in only 16 days I will be leaving for Panzhihua China near Sichuan located in the southwest part of China. About three years ago I assisted some Chinese students who travelled here to work at Mc Donald’s and to practice their English. One of the students I met was a young man named Wilmer,(Yes, he chose that name) who asked me, while I was sitting near him on the bus, “Excuse me, what is the difference between a cheeseburger and a hamburger.” I thought he was joking at first, but as our conversation continued, he explained that he could speak and understand English, but there are many things, he didn’t quite understand or get. I let him know that I would be willing to assist him and his two girlfriends with their English, and gave them my number before I got off the bus. Wilmer called me a few days later and I took the time to show him around Waikiki. We quickly became friends and he let me know that he was looking for an apartment to rent, after a few days, I stopped by his room at the hostel he was staying at and to say the least, it was a cesspool. I let him know that he could stay with me for a little while until he could find a place. Well long story short we became good friends, and I loved his positive outlook on life no matter what came his way. He was a genuine, carrying, good natured person. After leaving Hawaii and heading back to China, we stayed in touch and at one point he almost got me a job at his college, which he was working at. Unfortunately the cards were not in my favor and someone else was hired before I could get the paperwork they needed. Wilmer was very disappointed, because he wanted to repay me for my kindness to him while he was in Hawaii. My sister Lana and I took him around the island and shared a lot of fun times. Fast forward three years and he contacted me telling me, he woke up from a nap and remembered my interest in learning Chinese Mandarin. He went to the Dean of the college and asked if he could give me a one year scholarship to their college. The Dean agreed and Wilmer e-mailed me with their wonderful offer. Of course it only took me one second to decide and I was ready for a new adventure. Because I have a roommate at present, I was able to drop everything, while he takes over renting the apartment, and care for my cat, Kenji. Everything was falling into place, so I had no doubt that this was what I was meant to do. Fast forward once again and it is 5 days till lift off. Blessing, are what you get when you are offering blessing to others at every chance. It is when you do the right thing even when no one is watching. The blessing is in the giving and when you see another person smile, because of your good actions, that is an incredible feeling to know that you have helped someone simply for the act itself and the joy it produces. About the first of April, I decided to tithe 10% plus, now, I have always giving at church and donated to those in need, but as times got ruff in the recession, I took the attitude that I didn’t have enough for myself, let alone others. I still gave a little at my church but never 10%. One day Edwina Gaines came to speak at Unity Church and she gave quite a talk. But as she spoke of tithing she said things I had not heard before. That to tithe was a way of letting God know that He is your source for all things. Now, I’m not talking about my job, (paycheck) my family, my friends, or anyone, because everything I have is thanks to God. She also told us that you don’t only have to give it to your church but to anyone who spiritually feeds you. This simple statement struck home with me and once I started giving 10% plus every time I turned around something new, unexpected, and wonderful was happening. For example, people that owed me money paid me back, a late tax return came in, two people I know bought another 25,000.00 in stock from the company I was working for, and now a free scholarship to Panzhihua University in China. All I can say is, if you want to try an experiment in trust do this and watch the blessing unfold. So I’m not sure where this blog journal will end up going, I just want a way to express myself, share my growth and my journey in China. Even though this is a drastic adventure to take at almost 52 years old, it truly isn’t. For the first time in a long time, I am following my heart. Gone are the day of just working, spending, sleeping, only to start all over again. August 28, 2012 I will leave Honolulu, Hawaii for an adventure of a lifetime.