Hawaiian Mission Academy's motto—"A School with a Mission"—is much more than just a motto.

Schoen Safotu, HMA head dean, flew into Kona Tuesday morning, Dec. 30. Two hours later he was headed to Hilo with junior Ruthy Reyes. They arrived at Mauna Loa School around 2 p.m. and joined HMA freshman Kelli Akioka and senior Crystal Antolin. HMA students met students from Mauna Loa School and played kickball with them while Safotu and principal Allen Lipps discussed the to-do list for the following days.

Bright and early Wednesday morning, Safotu and HMA crew, now including junior Sarah Teehee, hosted the morning worship for kindergarten through eighth graders. Reyes played piano while Teehee and Akioka sang. Safotu had worship and then asked HMA students to tell the MLS students about high school life. Then MLS students got to ask questions.

"It was really great to get the opportunity to tell the kids back at Mauna Loa about my life, schooling, and friends at HMA, especially my brother," said Akioka, a graduate of MLS.

The crew spent that afternoon sweeping, vacuuming, sanding, and painting the gym. They also painted the front gym entrances. Cora Freitas, HMA alumni parent, volunteered to make lunches for the crew.

“When I told my friends that I painted the gym, they didn’t believe me,” said Antolin. “But I did; at least the first four feet to the crossbeam.”

“The work that the HMA students did for Mauna Loa School was invaluable,” said Allen Lipps, MLA principal. “What they accomplished in two days of teamwork would have taken me at least a lonely week during the summer. As an administrator and a teacher, I was very blessed to have them come to our school.”

On Wednesday, the HMA crew went to Kona. Reaching Kona around two o’clock, they prepped for more painting. This time, definitely not a small task; they were asked to paint the entire Kona Seventh-Day Adventist School. Students painted until 5:30 p.m. and then went to Reyes’ house in Kailua where the Domingo and Reyes families welcomed them warmly. They also saw former HMA student Irene Domingo. Thursday was spent under thick layers of heavy primer. Arms were aching by noon, but after a lunch break, the HMA crew painted on.

“The mission trip was a huge success. It was great to visit our old schools and teachers. When visiting the Kona school, we made a lot of new friends. The painting itself was a blast. The four of us got to know each other better. I am so glad, because now we’re closer than ever!” remarked Crystal Antolin. Friday morning, the HMA crew was joined by Kona Church pastor, David LeMaire, and his 15-year-old daughter Brittany. The crew participated in morning worship for Kona School and then painted for the rest of the morning. After school got out, the Kona School teachers, Joey Freitas and Steve Aitcheson, volunteered to help finish the painting.

“It was fun to work with the HMA crew, I hope they come back, and they are more than welcome at any time,” said Pastor LeMaire. “The school family and I are very thankful.”

With the extra help work went much faster and everyone finished around 4:30 p.m. and stepped back to survey their work. “It was hard work, but with the help of Coach Schoen and the other girls, it was fun and exciting,” said Reyes. “We made unforgettable memories that will stick with all of us for the rest of our lives.”

The HMA crew also conducted the main service Sabbath morning and Reyes and her sister, Rachel, did special music. Antolin read scripture, there was a skit, and Dean Safotu preached. After the service, they headed down to the cafeteria to have potluck and met up with two former students, Gustavo Sandoval and Arianna Alcantra.

“The mission trip was one of the best things that I’ve ever done. It was a real bonding experience. Now all participants have something in common,” said Akioka. “At first, I was scared that it would be boring and that Coach would work us to death. But all together, it was a very great week, and I would do it again if I ever get the chance.”

Saturday evening, the crew went out to celebrate the completion of the week. And Sunday, they recuperated and packed for the trip back to HMA late that night. “The trip was most excellent,” said Safotu, “and I hope it becomes a regular annual activity. It is due time that we begin helping people in our state, our own neighbors. Big changes start inside and work out.”