Like everyone has already shared, I am extremely grateful for all of the experiences that Kumu Kawika, Kia'i, and the halau have provided. There is no privilege greater in my life than to be a part of this community, and it has been a journey for me personally to find the pure joy I now find in calling myself a member of Halau O' Keikiali'i.
I love hula - and I realized that in Butte, Montana of all places.
My first trip with halau, to Mexico, was an experience that can not be matched. Yet, I'm having the odd struggle of deciding whether Butte or Mexico was more meaningful.
Mexico affirmed to me that I belong in hula, I found myself exactly where I wanted to be, and I haven't doubted my path in halau since. Finding security (seccuuuRRRRity) and comfort in something you do is priceless, and I proudly championed my Mexican roots and relatively young hula seedlings while traveling in Mexico. I found peace on this trip.
I love hula because of Butte, because I felt an uninterrupted sense of happiness, because I felt anxious, because I felt tired, because I felt strong, because I know there was no one else I would rather have been with in those moments.
During the return trip from Butte, I found myself reflecting on the fact that I've never given so much focus, effort or pride to anything for four years. I'm sure my mom wishes I could say the same about college... oops.
If I provide my future children with a community like I've found, I have no doubt they'll turn out like the great people that you all are.
Mahalo nui for the experience, I have crazy amounts of love for all of you.
Antonio
