Backyard Imu Project

Thanks to a very hard working husband, my children have learned the importance of work and perseverance. Through example, he has literally taught them to dig in and dig deep whenever a duty calls. My husband has worked hard all his life and continues to do so. Iʻve never known anyone else who could withstand as much pain, hunger, fatigue, and filth as he. I, on the other hand, was raised like a princess. I never had a chore in my life till I got married, yet I complained as a child about my unfair life. Absurd huh? Iʻm just glad they arenʻt being raised that way, though they probably beg to differ. Perhaps had I learned to work hard in my childhood, married life with never ending "chores" and responsibilities wouldʻve been easier to transition to.

Though my husbandʻs line of career requires him to dig in and dig deep, I actually think he secretly loves to get dirty. Naturally, on a day when he DIDN'T have to work and DIDNʻT have to get dirty, he rounded up all the kids to dig a hole in the back yard to make an imu. Hereʻs the actual groundbreaking ceremony.

FUN!

More digging! Wish I got an angle of their smiling faces...

Weʻre getting deeper! Go ohana, go!


Keawe chopped? Checked:)




Looks like some kind of ceremonial site.


Itʻs smoking...getting hot!

Cheering on the side...


Packing the kalua pig...

We've done numerous imus since its grand opening. Some for ourselves to enjoy, some to help others with fundraisers, luaus, etc... It's laborious and requires a day or two of preparation. There was the usual complaining and the countless bathroom runs. They didnʻt absolutely love digging the hole in the hot sun, hauling and chopping the wood, or waking up before the crack of dawn to check on the fire...BUT...I know they received more than the work theyʻve put in. What they got from this imu project is the worth of a dayʻs work, an appreciation for culture and a skill to last a lifetime. That is absolutely priceless, especially when you are around those you love.