May 2026

“Lord, I need more time,” I whisper under my breath as sweat drips down my brow.

I check the clock again. “Eight more minutes until I pull the next loaves out,” I think to myself as I continue kneading and rolling the next batch of bread that needs to rise.

Every 30 seconds, my alarm goes off, reminding me to flip the bagels currently boiling. Then it goes off again — remove them from the water, add another three to the pot. I barely get one loaf into a bread pan before the alarm sounds again.

“Mom! Can I have a snack?”

Before I can even answer, I hear the same child again.

“Mom, I need more milk! Mom! Mom! Please…… milk?”

From the table, I’m answering questions about statistics for one child and geometry for another, while also calling out to the one in the field to put the cat down, come back inside, sit down, and finish schoolwork.

The alarm goes off again.

Flip the bagels. Set the timer for another 30 seconds. Knead the bread. Roll the dough. Place the loaves into pans to rise.

The alarm goes off again.

Remove the bagels. Stretch more dough. Set the timer.

Get the milk. Grab a snack. Answer questions.

“The mode is the answer that appears the most often. The median is the middle number in your data set.”

When the night finally comes to an end — children in bed, bread sliced and packaged, labels placed, market boxes packed, house picked up — my entire body melts into the couch.

And once again, I whisper:
“God, I need more time.”

I glance at the clock. 11:00 PM stares back at me.

All I can see are the things I didn’t accomplish:
The blog I didn’t write.
The emails I didn’t send.
The texts I still haven’t answered.
The schoolwork I haven’t corrected.

I don’t feel like I’m doing enough, and yet I’m always busy.

But even in the middle of the chaos, I’m reminded, there is a peace surrounding the life we have as we continue pursuing the vision God has given us and honoring what He has called us to.

He called us first to our family.

Every morning we gather around the table for breakfast. Every evening we sit together again for dinner — talking, laughing, sharing about our days. We do family devotionals together. I get to homeschool my children, which means I get to be present for the little moments: answering questions, pouring milk, listening to stories, building relationship day by day.

And from the health of our family, we are able to pour into others.

We continue taking small steps forward — building on the land, investing into people, making room for conversations, friendships, and ministry that often doesn’t look flashy or dramatic. Most days, it simply looks like faithfulness.

I still feel like I need more time.

But I’m learning that a full life is not always the same thing as a fruitful one. Productivity is loud, but obedience is often quiet.

And maybe that’s the encouragement someone else needs today too:
You may not feel like you’re accomplishing enough. You may end your days exhausted, wondering if any of it mattered. But the unseen moments matter deeply.

The meals around the table matter.
The conversations matter.
The children asking for milk matter.
The slow obedience matters.

God is not asking us to do everything. He is asking us to be faithful with what He has placed in front of us today.

And somehow, in the middle of all the timers, noise, flour-covered counters, and unfinished to-do lists… His peace still remains.

Planting Hope Ministries

We truly believe that the title non profit is a tool for us to be able to build the kingdom, so it can be hard to see where the ministry starts and stops. We believe that our lives should be a reflection of Christ and that ministry should be a natural extension of living a life that follows Jesus. If you are wanting details of why we are here in Hawaii and what God has called us to, I highly encourage you to check out our website for Planting Hope Ministries to learn more about what we are doing and why. We would love to have you partner with us!

Bulldozer

As we are building we continue to find that biggest needs to effectively continue with any major building projects, not just for current projects but future projects, is a large piece of equipment. Not having a larger piece of equipment has meant we are paused for much of our building until we can fully fund either renting a larger piece of equipment for each project or purchasing one. 

The tractor we have been borrowing is not able to handle the load of digging and flattening the land which means we keep having to put money in to repairing it. Although, The tractor has served us well and is a big asset when it comes to road work, and helping with some of the mowing; we have been pushing it beyond its capabilities. After some research we are hoping to raise $50,000 for a bulldozer or an excavator. We are praying for people who feel called to support this specific project. If you would like to donate to our bulldozer fund click the link below

Outreach and Event Updates

The Feed Mission team

There have been so many updates happening around here lately, but one of the biggest has been the construction of the bathroom and shower house. In July 2025, we had the incredible privilege of hosting Side By Side Youth from The Feed (a program of Good in the ‘Hood) out of Minnesota. Their team of 16 students and leaders spent months fundraising before flying all the way to Hawaii to serve alongside us.

Over the course of 10 days, they worked tirelessly on the property helping build the bathroom/shower house, while also pouring into the local community in so many meaningful ways. They partnered with local churches for park cleanups, youth outreaches, homeless ministry, and a local food shelf outreach. They also hosted a free BBQ lunch for the community, offering prayer, encouragement, and simply taking time to love people well.

Watching these young people step out in faith, work hard, and serve others with joy was deeply encouraging. They didn’t just come to build a structure—they came to build the Kingdom of God. They showed the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways, and their impact reached far beyond what was physically accomplished on the property.

For our family and for the local community, their time here was such a blessing. We are incredibly grateful for every person who sacrificed time, finances, comfort, and energy to come serve in Hawaii. The bathroom/shower house is becoming a reality because of the many hands willing to say “yes” to serving, and we know the fruit of their time here will continue long after the trip ended.

To learn more about Good in the ‘Hood in Minnesota and their side by side youth program The Feed click the link below!

H.O.P.E. Awareness Community Event

In August 2025, we had the opportunity to partner with Project Nehemiah Hawaii as they hosted their first HOPE Awareness Community Event in Hilo. This powerful event brought together local churches, nonprofits, community organizations, and government officials to stand united against human trafficking, domestic violence, child exploitation, and homelessness across Hawaii.

The heart behind the event was not only to raise awareness, but also to connect people with real resources, support, and hope. Throughout the day, organizations from across the islands came together with one common goal: to fight for people, protect the vulnerable, and bring light into some very dark situations affecting our communities.

One of the highlights for us was getting to meet and connect with so many individuals and groups who are passionately serving on the front lines of these issues. There are people across Hawaii faithfully stepping into difficult places every day to advocate for children, support families, help those experiencing homelessness, and bring restoration to lives that have been deeply hurt. Hearing their stories and seeing their dedication was both humbling and deeply encouraging.

We were also blessed to have one of our board members, Isabella Thoulouis, fly in from Minnesota along with a friend to help serve during the event. It meant so much to have people willing to travel such a long distance simply to come alongside the work being done here in Hawaii.

Events like this remind us how important it is for churches and communities to come together and say, “enough is enough.” These issues cannot be ignored, and no single organization can fight them alone. Real change happens when people are willing to stand together, serve together, and be the hands and feet of Jesus together.

It was incredibly encouraging to witness so many people stepping into the battle—choosing compassion over complacency and action over silence. We left feeling hopeful and reminded that even in the midst of heavy issues, God is raising up people who are willing to fight for justice, love mercy, and serve their communities faithfully

Homeless outreach

Through out this last year, we joined together with several local churches and community leaders to serve the homeless community in Hilo by passing out hygiene supplies, food, clothing, and helpful resources. More than simply meeting physical needs, this outreach was about showing people that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

One of the most important parts of outreach like this is building genuine relationships and trust with some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Many individuals experiencing homelessness have walked through deep trauma, addiction, abuse, exploitation, mental health struggles, or situations that have caused them to lose trust in people and systems around them. Real ministry doesn’t happen through one-time conversations alone—it happens through consistency, compassion, and showing up again and again.

As the Church comes together in unity, it creates opportunities to develop relationships that can eventually lead people toward safety, healing, and restoration. Our hope is that through these interactions, people will know they are not alone and that there are individuals and organizations willing to walk alongside them when they are ready to accept help or leave dangerous situations.

Sometimes offering a meal, hygiene kit, prayer, or simple conversation may seem small, but often those moments become the beginning of trust. And trust can become the doorway to transformation.

It was encouraging to see churches and local leaders from different backgrounds coming together with one heart—to love people well and reflect the compassion of Jesus in practical ways. We truly believe that lasting impact happens when the Church steps outside the walls of a building and into the community to serve those who are hurting.

WBG Mission Team

In March of 2026, we had the privilege of hosting a team from Waikiki Beach Gathering on Oahu as they came over for a weekend to help with building projects around the property. This trip was especially meaningful to our family because we were part of this church for many years while living on Oahu. Over the years, they have faithfully supported us—not only financially, but also through prayer, encouragement, and believing alongside us in the calling God has placed on our family.

Many of the people who came had been part of some of the very first conversations where we shared the vision God was putting on our hearts. Because of that, it was incredibly special to finally walk them around the property and show them the ways that vision has slowly been turning into reality. There was something powerful about seeing people who had prayed over the dream now physically standing in the middle of it, serving alongside us with their own hands.

The team spent three full days laboring with us on the property, helping with finishing touches on the bathroom and shower house, cleaning up overgrown areas, organizing spaces, and assisting with projects that will help us better utilize the land for ministry in the future. Their willingness to jump in and serve wholeheartedly was such an encouragement to our family.

Beyond all the physical work that was accomplished, their visit reminded us how important community and partnership are in ministry. Sometimes when you are in the middle of long-term projects and daily responsibilities, it can feel overwhelming. Having people come alongside you—to pray, work, encourage, and simply believe in what God is doing—brings renewed strength and vision.

We left that weekend incredibly grateful for the friendships, support, and shared faithfulness of the Waikiki Beach Gathering family. Seeing people continue to invest in the vision years later was such a blessing and a reminder that God often builds His Kingdom through relationships, partnership, and people willing to faithfully serve behind the scenes

To learn more about the Waikiki Beach Gathering click the link below

Kona Low Storms and Clean Up Efforts

In March of 2026, during the Kona Low storms that impacted much of Hawaii, we found ourselves in a unique position. Living off-grid has its challenges, but in moments like this, we were incredibly thankful for the way God had already provided for us. Because we have a generator, we were still able to run power(unlike many neighbors who lost power for up to 48 hours), and our water catchment system completely filled during the storms—something we were praising the Lord for afterward.

Our biggest challenge came when the massive flooding washed out our dirt road. Water rushing down the mountain carved deep gullies through the road, making it completely undrivable for both us and our neighbors. For over a week, none of us were able to drive in or out as we patiently waited for the county to come repair the damage.

But while our situation was difficult, many others across the islands experienced far greater devastation.

On Oahu, entire communities were hit with severe flooding that caused catastrophic damage to homes and businesses. Some homes sat under more than a foot of mud, floodwater, and sewage after overflowing septic systems created dangerous biohazard conditions. The destruction was overwhelming.

Gabe and I happened to already be on Oahu the week after the storms for tax appointments. After seeing firsthand how extensive the damage was and hearing how desperate the need for help had become, we felt strongly that we were supposed to stay and serve. We connected with a church on the North Shore and led teams being sent out into the Haleiwa community to help families begin the long process of cleanup and recovery.

It was both heartbreaking and powerful to witness.

Dump sites were overwhelmed. Massive piles of debris lined the streets—some reaching nearly 15 feet high. Cars sat overturned. Homes were gutted by water and mud. Everywhere we looked, people were hauling ruined furniture, ripping out flooring and drywall, dragging soaked belongings to the curb, and trying to salvage whatever they could.

And yet, in the middle of all the devastation, we also witnessed something beautiful: community.

Neighbors helping neighbors. Churches mobilizing. Strangers showing up with gloves, shovels, trailers, food, and prayer. People stepping into the mess simply because others needed help.

One of the homes we served at belonged to a multi-generational family. The father lived in the downstairs apartment and had recently lost his wife. While still carrying the weight of grief, he now had to stand by and watch many of his remaining possessions—damaged by the flooding—be carried out to the trash.

We spent hours helping remove items from the home, organizing belongings into “keep” and “discard” piles, placing salvageable items onto tables to dry, and power washing thick mud from every corner of the house, both inside and out. Gabe was able to assess the structural damage to the flooring and walls and help guide the family through what needed to be removed and what could potentially be saved. He stepped into a leadership role with the cleanup team, helping direct demolition work while also taking time to sit with the father, listen to his story, pray with him, and simply be present.

Throughout the day, we could feel the Holy Spirit moving.

What began as a day filled with exhaustion, grief, and heartbreak slowly shifted as conversations turned into prayer, tears turned into laughter, and hopelessness gave way to encouragement. By the time we hugged goodbye, there was still much work left ahead for the family, but there was also renewed hope and the reminder that they were not alone.

The next location we served at was a preschool that had suffered significant flood damage. We arrived with tools to help tear down a storage shed that had been destroyed by the storms. We hauled out waterlogged books, damaged school supplies, ruined rugs, and bags upon bags of trash. We scrubbed mud from shelves, tables, chairs, and classrooms, trying to help restore some sense of order from the chaos.

The teachers and staff were exhausted. You could see how deeply they loved their students and cared for the space they had worked so hard to create. Watching years of classroom materials and supplies being thrown away was emotional for them. But they were incredibly grateful for the help and encouragement from the volunteers who came.

Before leaving, we gathered together to pray with them—to encourage them and remind them that even in overwhelming seasons, they were seen and supported.

As we drove away, we couldn’t shake the feeling that what we had done seemed so small compared to the amount of devastation that remained. There was still so much need, so much rebuilding, and so many hurting people.

And yet, at the same time, we knew without a doubt that we had been exactly where God wanted us to be.

Sometimes serving the Kingdom doesn’t look glamorous. Sometimes it looks like muddy boots, soaked gloves, hauling trash, listening to hurting people, and simply showing up. But often those are the very places where the love of Christ shines the brightest

Planting Hope Kitchen

Every week, we continue to bake bread(and cookies and now bagels) and show up at the market. What started as a simple way to help support our family has become so much more than that. The opportunity to love on our community while intentionally keeping quality bread affordable has been incredibly impactful.

We constantly hear comments like, “You should raise your prices,” and while there are certainly moments where that would make things easier financially, those conversations also give us an opportunity to share our heart behind what we do. For us, bread has become ministry. We want families to be able to gather around the table, enjoy fresh homemade bread, and know they can afford it. In a world where prices continue to rise, we have felt strongly called to keep our bread as accessible as possible for our community.

People have continued to rally around that mission week after week, and we are so grateful for the support and encouragement we receive at the market. Every loaf purchased helps support our family as we continue working on the property, building, and pursuing the vision God has placed in front of us.

But the impact of the bread doesn’t stop at the market.

At the end of each week, we continue bringing our remaining bread to TLC Outreach, where we get to partner with Hope Dia-mend Ministries and volunteers to serve the homeless and families needing additional food assistance. Those moments have become some of the most meaningful parts of our week. We get to shake hands, hug people, pray with them, listen to their stories, and share the love of Jesus in practical and tangible ways.

It’s amazing how something as simple as bread can open the door to connection, conversation, encouragement, and prayer.

Week after week, we walk away with full hearts, reminded that this is ministry, ordinary moments,serving food, showing up consistently, loving our neighbors well, and simply being willing to say “yes” to wherever Jesus leads us.

We truly feel honored to be part of what God is doing here, and every market day serves as another reminder that we are exactly where He wants us to be

Prayer Requests

**We are looking for 100 people who will commit to pray with us and for us. We currently have 20 people who have committed to this role on our behalf. We firmly believe that everything we are doing here has to be rooted in Jesus and we want a team with us who will go to Him on our behalf and intentionally take time to pray with and for us. We send out separate emails and updates to that specific group.Thank you to those who have already said yes to partnering with us through prayer! If you are wanting to be apart of our prayer team please reach out to me via email: plantinghopeministries@gmail.com

-Pray that God would bring the right financial partners to join us. We threw out a big number asking for $10,000 a month in support($4000 to help support our family and $6000 to go towards material purchases, tools, etc for ministry). We have received several one item donations, and have $650 of on-going monthly support committed. We don’t know how God is gonna provide financially, but we are 100% trusting that He will. We felt very confident that He was telling us to trust Him, so we are praying that our personal needs will be taken care, and all funding will be taken care of for our family, building materials, and land development moving forward. If you would like to financially support us click the button below! 

-Pray for a Bulldozer. We have been borrowing Gabes parents tractor, but the availability is limited as it often needs repairs, and the work that could be done, is a lot. We need bigger equipment to properly work the land.We have had to pay to rent various equipment so we can clear land, level the ground, and dig to prepare for foundations. This gets very expensive, vey quickly. We would love to have our own equipment.

-Please pray for our vehicles, Our truck was fixed and is once again having problems, our 4WD is no longer working and we are having to pull it apart and do some digging to see what else is wrong. We are looking at the very real possibility of needing to retire the truck and seek out a different option for an affordable truck. This is a big deal as this is the truck we use to carry water, haul building materials, pick up heavy gardening supplies etc, We are VERY dependent on this truck, Please pray that this truck is fixed, that we get a truck donated to us, or that financing would become available to purchase a truck.

-Pray for our outreach events: protection over volunteers, that the right connections and partnerships would be made and that the community would be blessed.

-Pray for our mission teams coming out this summer. Pray that they could raise the funds for the projects they are intending to build, Pray for their health, pray that as they are out here that their time in Hawaii would be fruitful and for them to be encouraged to grow in their faith. If you or your church would be interested in partnering with us and coming out to help serve and support the work we are doing here click the button below to learn more

-Pray for the people we get to meet, that every interaction would be one that points people to Jesus and that we could love this community the way God loves them.