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Derik Sagaysay

Molokai was an out-of-the-ordinary encounter that defined,for me, the beauty behind “keeping the country, country.” Getting an inside look into Kalaupapa and the legacy Father Damien left behind was interesting. The descent down the Pali Trail was something else and, even more so, was the strenuous ascent (3+ mi of trail, 26 switchbacks, 1600+ ft. Change in elevation). All I can say is, with God and two hours of sleep, anything is possible. Someday, I wish to revisit this unforgettable experience…

Nichole Rego

OMG! This hike was one of the worst and best experiences of my life. While walking down the trail I saw the amazing breath taking view beauty of Kalaupapa.  I saw pictures on Google and they don’t even compare to the real thing.  The people there are just as pleasant as the view. Uncle Norman was a really good and entertaining tour guide while driving us around in “trusty rusty.”   The whole tour in Kalaupapa was really DEEP! It made me proud to be a Catholic. I know it sounds corny, but No joke!  It really did! J The hike back up was KILLER! It wasn’t easier than going down at all! All the people who said that it would be flew back!! *cough* Father Jon! Haha In the end, the trip was sooo worth spending those long torturous hours parking. NEXT STOP…… SPAIN!!!

Jeremy Sabugo

My Molokai Experience was awesome and I would like to thank everyone who made my experience possible. Being in Kalaupapa answered the question, what is heaven like? There is nothing on earth like Kalaupapa. Being there is a place out of reality, a place of history, a place almost fantasy like. I stood in front of Fr. Damien’s grave in silence with tears in my eyes and a gust of wind came and blew me off my feet. Fr. Damien reminds us to think about others and not always yourself. Almost every time I visit Molokai, there is always something new. Taking into consideration the size of the island it’s, almost impossible to not miss anything. I felt there was a sense of connection to my own personal sense of truth. If I had a choice to live on Molokai and help with the Molokai project, I would accept the offer. I believe Molokai is the only place on earth that would mainly nurture my faith and change my perspective on life. In the end, I can see Molokai in twenty years, just the way I had found it this past weekend.

Elaine Pinacate

The hike down and up the trail left my body semi-immobilized and in painfor a few days, but it is the spirit and holiness of Moloka'i thatleaves me paralyzed forever. As I walked on the grounds of Kalawao andKalaupapa, suddenly the realism of the stories of a man of hope,courage, and leprosy began to unfold. When we visited St.Philomena'schurch to see this man's grave, many reached out their hands to touchhis tomb- many with sorrowful tears. It became evident that FatherDamien was not only a man who built churches, dug water irrigationsystems, or dressed wounds and ulcers, he was a man who loved the peopleafflicted with the Hanson's diseases because he loved God. He was a manthat ardently walked up and down the mountain to fetch potable water andmedicine for his people. He was a man of God, and today he is aHoly-man. It was truly a blessing to have had the opportunity to visitthe holy land that was touched by Father Damien.

To view all photos taken on the Molokai Pilgrimage to the Photo Album section above.

Tags: Young Adult