Belonging to Heaven, page 15
“What has made you doubt?”
“There has been much persecution from all of the ministers. They refuse to let the Mormon missionaries preach in their buildings, and they spread lies about them; they threaten the people with dismissal from their jobs for even listening to the words of the Mormons. Some people have even been threatened with jail. I just wonder why the ministers are so angered by the preaching of the Mormons?”
Wiwiokalani was silent for several moments. “It sounds as though they are afraid.”
Jonathan was grateful for his mother’s simple wisdom. “Yes, that is what I think. There have already been over three hundred of our people baptized into the Church—many in the Koolau area and in Kula, where Brother Cannon is preaching. He speaks our language like one of us.”
“Brother Cannon, your friend.”
“Yes.”
“He is a man of age and much learning?’
Jonathan smiled. “He is a man of twenty-four and no learning.”
Wiwiokalani’s brow furrowed. “How long has he been on the island?”
“Ten months.”
“Impossible. Ten months and he speaks the language like a child of the land?”
“He works very hard and I think the gift of tongues has been given to him.”
His mother shook her head. “Ten months and they have baptized over three hundred?”
“Yes.”
“No wonder the ministers are afraid. And you are interested in the teachings of Brother Cannon?”
“I am. He teaches that the gospel of Christ’s primitive church has been restored.”
“Tell me.”
For the next hour Jonathan explained the story of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, the first principles of the gospel, baptism by immersion, and the call of prophets and apostles. Wiwiokalani was alert to all the words, but when he spoke of eternal sealing, her face filled with awe.
“E lei kau, e lei ho‘oilo i ke aloha.” Love is worn like a wreath through the summers and the winters.
“Yes. Love is everlasting. That is what the Church teaches. With the priesthood authority, what is bound on earth will be bound in heaven. It is like our belief in the ao ‘aumakua.”
“The place in the spirit world where the family lives together.”
Jonathan’s throat tightened with emotion. “Yes, we can all be together. Ohana. The family of God.”
“This alone is a wonderful teaching.” The air in the hale grew warm, and Wiwiokalani’s eyelids began to droop.
“I have tired you with my much speaking,” Jonathan said.
She smiled at him but did not open her eyes. “No, I am thinking of angels, apostles, and my Hawaii Waaole.” She opened her eyes. “The words seem true to me, but perhaps that is only because my son speaks them with such passion.” She looked into his eyes. “I do not want you to be led away, my son.”
“I believe Brother Cannon to be a man who loves the Lord and speaks with a true heart.”
“And your sweet wife? What does Catherine Keliikuaaina think?”
“She too knows the goodness of George Cannon.”
“But you are both afraid.”
Jonathan stood and paced the floor. “They have already taken my judgeship from me. What more can they do?”
“They can keep you out of heaven.”
Jonathan stopped and stared at her. “They do not have the power to do that.”
“If you believe in your heart that they do, then they do.”
Jonathan went to the door of the hale and looked out. “There is also the persecution that would follow us. We would give up much if we joined with the Mormons.”
“Jonathan, you are ali‘i; they cannot take that from you. They cannot take the land the king has granted you, and they cannot take your voice.”
“But how would we live?”
“Sell some of your land to the people who are coming to grow sugar.”
Jonathan nodded. Again his mother’s simple wisdom.
“You and Kitty are wise and strong people. You will take your time to make this decision, and if it is right, you will find your way.”
He sighed. “Yes, but now there is more to consider.” He turned back to his mother, a look of wonder softening the worried lines of his face. “There is a child coming into our lives. A child to be born in March.”
Wiwiokalani sat up, and Jonathan hurried to her side. “Ah, dear one, you must be careful.”
She had a difficult time catching her breath, but she smiled through the pain. In starts and stops, words of an ancient prayer of thanks came to her lips as the tears flowed. Finally she calmed, and Jonathan helped her to lie back on the pillows. He took out his handkerchief and dried her tears as she ran her fingers through his hair. “You have waited long for this blessing. So long.”
“Yes, but the blessing is shadowed by the death of our sons. There is much worry.”
“Of course, I understand. You must be watchful of Kitty’s health.”
“Yes. Nothing must upset her.”
Wiwiokalani closed her eyes and chanted an oli of strength. The sound filled Jonathan’s body with peace. He would take that peace and strength back to his wife. His mother finished the chant and opened her eyes. On her mouth was a crooked grin.
Her look made Jonathan smile. “What is it?”
“Hala ka ho‘oilo, ua pau ka ua.” Winter is gone, the rain has ceased. “Do not worry, my son. You will have a keiki to love and to teach.”
Jonathan took his mother’s hands. “Your mana is strong. I feel the truth of your words.”
“Each life has its own kind of wisdom. And you are wise to be careful about your decision.” Wiwiokalani closed her eyes, and Jonathan could see that she was dealing with pain. Finally she spoke. “The ancestors are whispering to me that this child will be beautiful like her mother.”
Jonathan sat forward. “You think it will be a girl?”
“I see bright eyes and graceful hands. I see her dancing the hula, the maile leaves about her neck, and a crown of lokelani flowers on her head. Kings will recognize her beauty.” The chiefess took several painful breaths. “I think this girl and I will pass each other on the rainbow.” Jonathan wept. Wiwiokalani opened her eyes. “Do not weep, my son, for this child will bring you much joy. For this one you will choose the gospel of eternity.”
Notes
Jonathan Napela’s full last name is Napelakapuonamahanaonaleleonalani. It is his royal last name that was chanted by the kahuna (priest) when he was born. The meaning of the name is: Of the sacred way of Namahana attracted to fly through the air and belong to heaven.
The god Lono is the god of peace, nature, life, and fertility. Legend says that when Lono came to the islands he brought the techniques of the farmer and the herbal doctor.
Aumakua are the family ancestor gods or spirits that are able to keep in touch with their descendants on earth through dreams.
Chapter 22
Pulehu, Maui
January 7, 1852
Dear Mary,
I wish to glory in the Lord’s goodness and to tell you wonderful news. Two days ago, my friend Jonathan Hawaii Napela came to be baptized. His wife, Catherine Kitty Keliikuaaina Richardson, did not join him, and that is a sadness to me, but she stood with him by the seaside, holding his hand, and watching as several others stepped into the ocean and had the sacred ordinance performed. A large crowd of people gathered to watch as this prominent Hawaiian ali‘i joined himself to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His cousin H. K. Kaleohano was there as well as his land supervisor, Akuna Pake. These two have already been baptized, and I think they have been sending prayers heavenward for this day. William Uaua has accepted the gospel but has waited to see what Napela would do before committing to baptism. Many wept when Brother Napela came up out of the water. The spirit was strong, and the people felt to rejoice. The next night there was a total eclipse of the moon, and many of the superstitious Hawaiians thought it a sign that a great occurrence had taken place.
Prior to this day, I had returned to Wailuku several times but did not stay with Jonathan and Kitty. I preached instead to others in the town who were eager to hear the words of the gospel. One day I was prompted to return to Napela’s house, but felt uneasy because of the way he and I had parted. But the Spirit persisted. I made my way to the home of my friend only to find him in heated conversation with some four or five natives—one of these was named Samuel Kamakau, a member of Parliament, and said to be the best orator and one of the smartest natives on the islands. They were questioning Napela about our principles, arguing with him upon them, and he was defending them to the best of his ability. My arrival seemed most opportune; he was glad to see me and soon transferred the conversation to me. We conversed until the roosters crowed for morning. I was blessed with fluency, and the Lord enabled me to answer all their questions to their satisfaction. They were (especially Kamakau and one named Naiapaakai) the best-read natives of the Bible that I have conversed with. Toward the last they sat and listened and quit objecting or arguing. They wrote down some of our leading objections to the sects, together with the proofs showing their deviations from the ancient gospel pattern. After they got through with this, I called upon them to show us our errors from the scripture, as I said no doubt the ministers had endeavored to prove us false from the scriptures. They said they could not do it. Napela told them not to go behind our backs and talk about us, but if they had any objections now was the time to make them as I was present and could offer a defense.
I think, dear Mary, that this was the commencement of a great work in this region, for since then hundreds have been gathering to hear the message. The minister who preached such falsehoods against us has been deserted by most of his congregation. I do not wish him harm, but I hoped for the day when his followers would see the truth.
I apologize for the length of this letter, Mary, but my heart is overflowing. I am now back in Pulehu, sitting here by myself under a large tree, and looking at the wooden church we are building at this place. I marvel at the power of the Lord, as I think of the hundreds of natives who have joined with us. I am continually grateful. He revealed to me that it was my duty to remain on the islands, acquire the language, and bear testimony of His great work to the people. He has given me many promises connected with this and I feel how true His words have been. I now feel eager to begin translating the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian. Brother Napela will be a great help. Jonathan and Kitty have asked me to return to live with them in Wailuku, and in this I see another tender mercy from the Lord.
I told you about the arrival of the three new missionaries at the end of August—Brothers Lewis, Hammond, and Woodbury. Brother Lewis has been given the responsibility of the mission as Brother Clark is gone. He and his wife moved to Honolulu. Brother Hammond and his wife and baby remain in Lahaina, as does Brother Woodbury. When they arrived they brought newspapers, letters to me from home, and even a daguerreotype likeness of my Elizabeth Hoagland. I received a letter from President Young congratulating us on the success of the mission, and a letter from Angus saying that he has gone with Brother George A. Smith to make a settlement in the Little Salt Lake. It is hard to believe that he is seventeen, and that in a few days I will be twenty-five.
Aunt Leonora wrote that Uncle John will soon be released as president of the mission in France, and returning home to you in the summer. I hope you are not too disappointed that I will not be released this year. I feel I must stay and do everything I can to magnify my calling before returning home. If we stay busy in our work, then the time will go quickly.
Stay well. My prayers are always with you.
Your loving brother,
George
Notes
The story of George Cannon’s interaction with Kamakau and his friends when they confronted Napela is taken from Cannon’s journal.
A daguerreotype is an early photograph produced on silver or a silver-covered copper plate.
Little Salt Lake referred to the town in southern Utah known as Panguitch.
Chapter 23
Iao Valley, Maui
March 1, 1852
The Rainbow Maiden was dancing on the sheer cliffs of the Iao Valley. She shimmered in and out of view as she attempted to beguile the angry clouds that swirled among the mountain gorges. George was awed by the breathtaking sight and wanted to share it with his hiking companion, but his Hawaiian friend was lost in the shadow of mourning. For hours they had walked deeper and deeper into the sacred valley, and Napela had not lifted his head for the entire journey, staring only at the path in front of him. Even when scattering rain covered him, he did not stop to seek refuge under the sheltering trees. Periodically a deep moan of sorrow escaped his body, and startled birds would dart from the nearby trees. Napela’s mother, the chiefess, had died five days before and was buried in the Protestant cemetery. Upon his return to Wailuku, after the funeral, Napela was hardly recognizable. He would not eat, and the skin on his face sagged with misery. Kitty did not try to cajole him into a different temperament, but George noticed that her eyes often followed her husband’s movement as he paced the garden or when he sat slumped over in his chair. She would move beside him and let her hand gently brush against his arm or back. This morning, when he had announced that he was walking into the valley, Kitty simply filled two canteens with water and packed a satchel with food. She had laid her forehead on his and whispered. “Aloha nui, ku‘uipo.” I love you, sweetheart.
The two men had ridden horses up to a certain point and then abandoned them for the solace of walking. George wanted to find beautiful Hawaiian words to comfort his friend, but he could find no words in either language tender enough, so he kept silent and walked.
Rain came again, this time pelting and cold, and Jonathan stopped. He looked back at his companion and his shoulders sagged.
“I am sorry, Brother George. We should get out of this.”
George nodded. They found a fallen koa tree whose root base spread out wide enough to shelter the two men. They sat silently listening to the hiss of rain as it fell among the foliage, turning the green leaves shiny. The smell of the dark earth, the sound of the rain, and the sight of the clouds on the pali filled George’s senses. He knew he would never be the same. The island and the people had changed him forever. He was so deep in his thoughts that he almost did not make out Jonathan’s words when he spoke.
“My mother said that she and my daughter would pass each other on the rainbow.”
“Your daughter? But, your child isn’t born. Did your mother think the baby would be a girl?”
“Yes. She said that the ancestors whispered to her about our child.” George nodded. “You do not find this a superstation, Brother George?”
“I believe in personal revelation, Brother Jonathan. I believe in dreams and visions and angels appearing to prophets.” Jonathan looked at him in wonder as he continued. “During your mother’s last days I think the veil was very thin between this life and the next.”
Jonathan put his head in his hands and wept. “Thank you for bringing me this gospel, Brother George,” he said between sobs. “I love this gospel.”
“I know you do. You were the man prepared, remember? E ka haole! Oh, the white man!”
Jonathan let go a soggy chuckle and wiped his face with the palms of his hands. “Who would have thought that such a young one would bring this great message?” He took a deep breath, and George watched as some of the sorrow drained from his face. “The last time I was with my mother I told her about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was glad I was able to share that with her.”
“And what did she say?”
“That it was a long name for a church.” The two men chuckled together.
“Your mother was wise.”
“Yes. Her people loved her.”
“Wasn’t she concerned that you were leaving the Protestant church?”
“She was. At first she did not like the idea.”
“But then?”
“I told her about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.” A single tear rolled down his cheek. “I told her about eternal sealings.”
“And what did she think of that?”
“She was glad. She liked the idea of the family of God, and the cords that could tie her and Hawaii Waaole together.” He extended his arm out from under the shelter of the tree and let the rain splatter on his hand. “No waimaka o ka lani.”
George looked over at him. “The tears of the sky?”
“Heaven.”
“The tears of heaven. What does it mean?”
“Rain is the affectionate tears of the gods. They weep with me because I have lost my mother.”
George also held out his hand to feel the rain. “Beautiful.” His voice became wistful. “It rained at sea the day my mother died.”
“Tell me.”
A wave of nostalgia broke on George’s tender feelings, pushing his thoughts to an image he worked hard to avoid. For a moment he was on the deck of the ship as the rough seamen consigned his mother’s body to the deep. He saw his sister’s hair whipping about in the wind and his little brother Angus clinging to his father’s leg. He saw his father’s stricken face. George spoke to clear the picture from his mind. “My mother believed the words of the gospel as soon as they were preached. My father too.”
“Preached by your uncle John Taylor?”
George brought his hand in and shook off the water. “Yes. He was married to my Aunt Leonora, my father’s sister.” He pulled his knees closer to his chest. “My mother and father embraced the gospel not only with their hearts, but with their commitment. They left everything they knew—everything—and followed the Prophet’s call to gather to Zion.” George fought hard against the press of tears behind his eyes. “She died on the rough crossing. I was fifteen.”
“You were young to lose your mother—and later your father.”
“I was.” George pressed his lips together and watched the rain. After a time he spoke, his voice low and husky. “I just thank heaven for the truth of the gospel.”
