Young Adult Retreat: Making Beautiful Connections
By Carolyn Morinishi

[Hawaiian Chruch Chronicle, October 9, 2025]  Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Young Adults from across the United States (Boston, New York, Seattle, Northern California, and Hawai‘i), and representing many different ethnicities (Tongan, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and multi-racial), gathered at beautiful Camp Mokulē'ia for a Young Adult Leadership Retreat on September 11-14, 2025. Hosted by the Episcopal Asiamerican Ministries (EAM), this annual gathering had taken a pause due to the pandemic, and only restarted in 2024 at a camp in Kōke‘e on the island of Kaua‘i. 

Also in attendance were the Rev. Jo Ann Lagman, Missioner for EAM, Canon Myra Garnes from the Presiding Bishop’s office in New York, the Rev. Andrew Arakawa and the Rev. Hannah Lee Sung, Chaplains from 'Iolani School, our keynote speaker, the Rev. Keleawe Hee of Good Samaritan, and our own Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick. 

The theme for the retreat was Pīlina Nani Nō, or Beautiful Connection, and many beautiful connections were made during the three-day gathering.  ​A full schedule of events was planned and was engaged enthusiastically by the young adults. Activities included: volunteering and learning about Hawaiian kalo (taro) farming by planting huli (cuttings) at the lo‘i of Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi (Kāne‘ohe); a barbecue lunch at Kualoa Beach Park with lunch prepared by Melissa Morinishi; a “Weaving Faith Stories” workshop by Fr. Keleawe; a “River of Life” workshop by Fr. Andrew; a Bible-based team-building escape room activity, hand-crafted by Melissa; a talk by Bishop Bob, and a “campfire” where the teams shared their creative talents, including a skit to “Bohemian Rhapsody” and a prayerful taizé chant created by the participants.

​This dynamic group included several young adults already serving in leadership roles in their home churches that included an administrator, a rector’s assistant, property manager, postulant for Holy Orders, social media editor, and a youth leader. They were able to share their experiences and ideas, and took part in a group discussion, educating each other about their own cultures and expressing history, struggles, and identity as Episcopalians of AAPI descent.

The weekend ended with a worship service at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Pālolo Valley, an onolicious lunch provided by the congregation, and a concluding prayer circle led by our postulant member, John Wagas. This year's participants are taking on the organization of next year’s retreat with Good Samaritan’s Ariel Lee, as part of the leadership team.

​Maika‘i! A wonderful gathering with so much hope for the future!

(Contributed photos by Carolyn Morinishi)