Cheyenne Yap holds a banner of St. Damien in front of his grave in Kalaupapa, Molokai. (Photo courtesy of Cheyenne Yap)
By Cheyenne Yap
Special to the Herald
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
During the first quarter of my senior year in high school, I felt lost. I cried out to Jesus for the chance to feel his love again. I was waiting for the opportunity to put everything aside and focus unreservedly on God and serving others.
Within a week of praying about it, my school kahu (pastor) asked me if I wanted to apply for the chance to go on a five-day mission trip to Kalaupapa. The purpose of the mission was to take a pause from our regular lives to help the patients of Kalaupapa through service work. I was speechless. My lifelong dream was to go to Kalaupapa.
The admission process was simple — write a one-page essay on how Kalaupapa would impact my life. I stayed true to myself and wrote about my Catholic faith. I wrote how St. Damien and St. Marianne were special to me. Walking in their footsteps would change my life forever. I wanted to experience what they went through with the patients there. I felt I had a duty to go and be a servant to others. I had been called.
A few days later, my kahu called to say that I had been accepted for the mission. My body rushed with happiness. I was ready to be a servant to others just like St. Damien and St. Marianne were.
Cheyenne Yap with Father Patrick Killilea, pastor of St. Francis Parish, Kalaupapa. (Photo courtesy of Cheyenne Yap)
We left on a Saturday morning and I was a bit anxious. I didn’t know what to expect. Kalaupapa is completely isolated from everything. For us there would be no cell phone service and no internet connection. The outside world was put on pause. God took away the distractions to keep me focused on this trip.
We arrived in Kalaupapa and went straight to the church where we were staying. Then we took a tour of the peninsula. We drove through the town and saw where the patients lived. Everyone in the car was silent out of respect. We then rode down to the Protestant Siloama Church and then St. Damien’s St. Philomena Church. Seeing the church had me in tears. I had never been in a place so spiritual and welcoming. It was like everything in my life led up to that moment. I could feel the saint’s presence when I walked through the church. It was so emotional. I felt inspired and empowered by the visit. It gave me the motivation to keep having faith in Christ and made me a stronger Catholic.
The next day, we celebrated Mass at St. Philomena’s. It was one of the most beautiful services I have ever attended. I had never experienced a liturgy so moving. After Mass, I went up to Father Patrick, Kalaupapa’s Catholic pastor. He talked about how happy he was to see young people like us being servants of Christ.
In addition to the religious aspects of the trip, we got to meet the residents. The patients were among the most kind-hearted individuals I have ever met. Their stories touched everyone. After talking story, we sang songs which made them reminisce about their younger years. After meeting them, we were given the opportunity to help them with yard work. Their properties had been neglected, so it was long and hard work. It took us about five hours to clean one patient’s yard. At the end of the day, they thanked us. They said they were so grateful to see young people helping others.
It was an honor to serve the people of Kalaupapa and to learn more about my Catholic faith.
I learned many things on this trip. I learned that life back in the past was more calm and peaceful. But now with the influence of technology and social expectations screaming at us, it is hard to focus on God. Going to Kalaupapa gave me the chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with God. God truly blessed me with this experience. I would highly encourage anyone to visit Kalaupapa if you are given the opportunity.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Cheyenne Makanaokalani Yap is a 17-year-old senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui and a parishioner of St. Rita Church in Haiku. Her Kalaupapa mission took place Oct. 6-10 last year. Her school offers this opportunity to students every year. There is an application process and only a few are selected.
