Coptic Church Missions Team Helps Kama‘ehu August 11, 2010

The summer months came on with a flurry for Kama‘ehu as anywhere from 25 to 30 children attended their summer program once school ended. Kama‘ehu took them on field trips, hikes, to the beach, and even on a 2-day imu workshop in Wai‘anae. Knowing it would be a busy season for us, the Coptic Church Missions Team from California asked if they could lend a hand as part of their summer vacation/missions to Hawai‘i.

“Copt” is derived from the Greek word Aigyyptos, and literally means “Egyptian.” Their roots go all the way back to ancient Egypt when they were known as “Ha-ka-Ptah.” Today the term Copt is used to distinguish Egyptian Christians from the native Muslims, and they will refer to themselves as “sons of the Pharoahs.”

Since most of them came from California, they were quick in wanting to spend a lot of time outdoors, and since Kama‘ehu planned several field trips to a lo‘i in Kahana Valley, we thought it would be great to have them join us on this venture. Not knowing what they were getting themselves into (we didn’t tell them), they said “YES!” and soon found themselves knee-deep in mud. Weeds had to be pulled, mud embankments had to be rebuilt, and the tall grass had to be trimmed back so pathways could be re-established.

Claiming they had never done anything like that before, they were ecstatic about the activity and enjoyed working side-by-side with the Shelter children. Even Father Daniel plunged right in, getting his hands, feet, and wardrobe covered with mud and gook. But he loved it…we think.