Lei of Aloha for World Peace

Dear sweet earth family, a team of 10 people from Lei of Aloha for World Peace representing hundreds of volunteers has completed our travels. We traveled to offer our love and solidarity in the form of a lei to the families and community in Uvalde, Texas.

"Even though we are miles away our hearts are connected” - Ron Panzo

Lei of Aloha for World Peace ti leaf lei is a symbolic hug from all the volunteers who weaved their aloha, prayers, chants, mana (spiritual energy), and intentions. Other volunteers offered donations to support the cause at the weaving location, Nalus South Shore Grill and others on the gofundme page.

Hawaiian ti leaf (Cordyline fruitcosa) is considered sacred in the Hawaiian culture. The plant has many uses and symbolizes purification, luck, and protection. Our group utilized it and wove a mile and half ti leaf lei. The leaves were harvested and picked from various areas of the island. We then took off the ti leaf from the mid-ridge. The leaves were cooked to break down the fibers. The scent of the cooked ti leaves filled the atmosphere. The color and textures changed and then it became pliable. After the ti leaves cooled down we knotted the end of two leaves. Hands from infants to the elderly took part of this lei, even Nalu a special golden retriever shared his love with everyone who came. We sat down and lovingly anchored down the starting loop of the ti leaf lei to the first toe on our foot. Holding tightly and loving we twisted and turned the leaves to create a single lei. Each single lei was combined with other ones including one that volunteers weaved and then was flown in from Oahu to Maui. The lei continue to grow and now became one with the Maui lei. In addition to the lei, Cowry shells were prayed over and lovingly added to symbolize each life. Music of love filled the air and our hearts and voices melded together. Hundreds of volunteers stood together, holding the final ti leaf lei to be sent off. My heart felt filled that I was able to hold the lei with the children, their tiny hands held the lei and together we sent out our blessings. I could feel the loving, protective, and strong presence of our ancestors throughout the daily weaving of the ti leaf-making ritual and during the final ceremonial blessing. Smiley baby Iokepa held on to my finger tightly, his message was of hope, love and strength. Afterwards with his grandmother, baby Iokepa touched each shell, bridging generations and sending his blessing of hope for our future.

"This is the moment to awaken the love and compassion within us. This is the time to pray with our hearts and work with our hands. Let us lend a helping hand to those who are grieving and thus light lamps of kindness and compassion."- Amma

When we arrived in Uvalde, Texas the town was surrounded by signs of condolences and solidarity outside the lawns of various homes and businesses. We traveled to Robb Elementary school, Uvalde Town Square and we met with first responders. The Ho'okupu (an offering) was placed at the school. The offering was wrapped with ti leaves. At the center, the names of all of the precious lives were connected by the keiki ti leaves (piko-center). The whole offering was binded with red ti leaf. At the top, it contains a Kukui Nut, which represents one's inner light and peace. The Kukui Nui was placed to honor the life of the teacher’s husband. We offered our aloha, our listening ears, and our open hearts. It was a moment in time to hold space, to comfort and be with the anguish. One breath at a time, one step at a time. For everyone to know that we are with them, and we continue to be with you. We pray for those that are wounded and are still in the hospital. We express our gratitude for the continuous efforts of all the medical professionals. All across the world, these children and teachers are remembered; we stand together and honor their lives, their families, and the community. My sincere thank you to everyone involved, every bit counted and will continue to count. I truly witnessed God’s grace through many hands. Mahalo Ke Akua!

To all the children, to all my students, and all my future students, you are the blessings. I love you and I promise to continue to work for peace. Through all of this may we continue to grow and hold each other. You make a difference in this world and will continue to make a difference. I am here to support your gifts. Let us work through any inner disturbances to have a healthy mindset and let us reflect on how we can extend our kindness even in the most challenging moments.

May we continue to share our aloha by radiating our inner light with our kind thoughts, kind words, and kind actions. May our heartfelt prayers be heard and echoed across the world. May all individuals receive the compassionate support they need in their lives. I pray that our collective prayers be sent to everyone and that the gentleness, sweetness, and sacredness of our human race shine through.

I offer this Sanskrit prayer:

"Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu"-

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

I offer these words and all my actions to the heart of the Universal Divine Mother.

-Vanessa Valencia

Lei of Aloha for World Peace, Ron Panzo, Sandy, Edita Rojas, Maui Bob, Kawika Sabado, Mel Kehau King, Vene Chun, Stacey Suemi Moniz, Kimokeo Kapahulehua,Elizabeth Fellows, Anthony Pfluke, Ethan Villanueva, Mila Byeon, Sarah Nani Williams, Kahu Alalani Astara Hill, Joe Tolbe, Crystale Lehua Engle Cayaban, Colleen Nomura, Celeste Mahealani Cabral, Carol Simpson VanHorn, Giza Venturini, Diana Valencia Neidl, Jr-Chris Delos Santos, Zyana-Lynn K. Delos Santos, Nalu Panzo, Alohalani, Iokepa, all the children, all who have prayed, all who are praying and many more