Parable of the Plumeria

        This statue is behind the Laie temple.

In 1854, President Joseph F. Smith came to Hawaii as an orphaned fifteen year old missionary. He became desperately ill, and for three months was tenderly cared for by a dear sister, Ma Naoheakamalu Manuhii and her husband. Many years later, returning now as president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this tender incident was recorded:

"In the midst of all the celebrating, a poor, blind woman was led to the prophet. She was calling, "Iosepa, Iosepa," Instantly, he ran to her and clasped her in his arms, hugging and kissing her - saying, "Mama, Mama, my dear old mama."

Aloha