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Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

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Traveling the World from the Comfort of Home: Aloha, Hawaii!

Sometimes when life hands you lemons, you have to make lemon meringue pie. Or maybe you go all in for lemon primavera pasta or a French lavender-infused lemon tart or Mediterranean garlic-lemon chicken kebabs! Well, you get the idea. Make lemonade if you have to, but don’t sit in the sour.

We were supposed to be heading to the airport to catch our flight to Hawaii. This was a special trip Shawn and I booked for the week after Christmas as a gift to our girls and my parents. After almost a year of sheltering-at-home and changing plans because of this global pandemic, we thought maybe we could squeeze in an end-of-the-year, we-survived vacation. Alas, Covid-19 is rampant in Central California. The numbers have surged. Hospitals are full to capacity across the state. We finally decided it was best to cancel Hawaii and hunker down at home.

Needless, to say we were all disappointed. I have to admit this travel-loving, adventure-seeking mama right here was beyond disappointed, frustrated, and shed some tears over this one.

That Sunday – the day before we were supposed to depart – my sweet husband suggested we host a luau at home. “If we can’t go to Hawaii, let’s bring Hawaii to them,” he said. He encouraged me to order some Hawaiian barbecue and pick out a movie to watch as a family.

I perked up a bit. Sounded fun! I needed a diversion to lift me from my sadness of having to cancel four trips that year and my own cabin fever.

When I shared the idea with my three daughters and parents, they took it to the next level. My oldest, who spent the first decade of her life traveling internationally with her dad and me, suggested we go to a different country each day of our vacation. My girl started a spreadsheet and a Pinterest board right away. (Yeah, this girl has a future as a travel agent!) I hauled out my international cookbook collection, and we all started planning.

An idea was born: traveling the world from the comfort of home.

Maybe this is something we all need. We all know that travel is going to look different in 2021. I’m still dreaming about the day when our state-wide travel bans will be lifted, and we can rebook our tickets to Hawaii. I will not give up hope.

The reality is that could take a while. We all are going to have to consider travel differently moving forward.

That’s why I want to invite you into this adventure with us! You don’t have to do this every day, but you could make it a Stay-in Saturday Night tradition for 2021 or even map out a time once a month where you and your family could “travel” to a different country like we did over Winter Break.

Make this adventure your own. There’s absolutely no pressure to check off boxes or make everything from scratch or accomplish something specific. This is not a homeschool lesson plan or another idea to make you feel guilty that you are not more like a cruise director for your kids.

The goal here is simply to make memories and explore the world through food, books, music, and movies. From the comfort of your own home. Wherever that is in the world.

I’ll provide some ideas of things you can do to make this meaningful and authentic for you and your people. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or run all over town. You can find most of these things online. You might borrow from friends and neighbors. Step out of your proverbial comfort zone and travel the world with us!

The first stop on our itinerary is the Polynesian Islands. My dad was born in Hawaii so it’s always been a special place for our family. My grandparents, Frank and Cora Lazo, met on the Big Island and began their courtship there. They lived on the same street with uncles and cousins. My dad tells stories of running through the neighborhoods with chickens and gathering for huge luau-style backyard parties with ohana (family).

Today I’m sharing one of our fave family recipes for Filipino egg rolls called lumpia. One of my favorite things about the islands is that they are a blend of so many cultures. Hawaii is a melting pot for native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Koreans, and Puerto Ricans. The food reflects this blending over decades.

For our family luau, we decided to order Hawaiian BBQ from Ono Hawaiian Barbeque in Fresno, California. They do a top-notch job with the barbecued meats, the traditional mac salad, and even had young coconuts for takeout. We made our lumpia, and my mom served up her homemade Hawaiian rolls and special Hawaiian Coconut Delight dessert. (Scroll down for more ideas you could incorporate in your travels.)

Lumpia (Filipino Egg rolls)

-1 package lumpia wrappers (square-shaped egg roll wrappers)

-1 lb. ground turkey, ground beef or shrimp, minced

-1 onion, finely chopped

-1 cup cabbage, finely chopped

-1/2 cup carrot, grated

-12 water chestnuts, minced

-2 teaspoons sesame oil

-1 teaspoon salt

-1/2 teaspoon black pepper

-peanut oil or other frying oil (If you plan to use an air fryer, use coconut oil or olive oil spray.)

Garlic Dipping Sauce:

-8 tablespoons rice vinegar

-8 teaspoons soy sauce

-3 cloves minced garlic

-1/2 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

  1. Make sure meat is ground or minced.
  2. Brown meat in sesame oil with onion.
  3. Add cabbage, carrots, water chestnuts.
  4. Sprinkle in salt & pepper.
  5. Remove and set aside in a bowl. Meanwhile, separate the wrappers so they will be easy to grab.
  6. Prepare a clean place to roll the lumpia. Arrange a wrapper in front of you in a diamond shape with one point toward you.
  7. Place 2 tablespoons ingredient mixture in the center of the lumpia wrapper.
  8. Fold bottom up over ingredients and tuck in. Fold sides in and roll to top.
  9. Use water on your fingers to seal wrapper.
  10. Pan fry in peanut oil until golden brown or deep fry in 1.5 inches of oil in a pan if desired. Drain on a paper towel while preparing dipping sauce.
  11. For dipping sauce, whisk together all ingredients.

*If using an air fryer, spray the lumpia with coconut oil or olive oil spray and cook approximately 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.  

Ideas from our luau:

  1. Order Hawaiian BBQ from a local place or try out some new recipes!
  2. Dress up in Hawaiian wear. We happened to have authentic Hawaiian dresses from a past trip, but you can pull out any florals or aloha shirts you might have at home. The Dollar Tree or similar stores often sell silk or shell leis. Crank up the heat and pull out the flip flops for some extra flair!
  3. Watch the movie Moana, Lilo & Stitch, or another island-inspired movie together.
  4. Read a book together. A few of our favorites include:

–Hula Lullaby (Preschool – grade 3)

–Ohana Means Family (Preschool – grade 3)

–Nanea: Hula for the Home Front (Preschool – grade 3)

5.   Travel to Hawaii through music. A few things we listened to:

-Hawaiian In Stereo – The Fabulous Fiftieth State with Sam Makia and the Makapuu Beach Boys

-30 Hawaiian Favorites with Don Ho

–Iz (Israel) Hawaiian Songs on Spotify

6.   Learn to do the Hukilau! Video tutorials like this one can make it fun for the family.

*We would love to hear from you. Which ideas shared here did you try? What ideas did you incorporate in your exploration of the Polynesian islands? Leave us a comment.

*IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM, CHECK OUT OUR ADVENTURES IN JAPAN, ENGLAND, ARMENIA AND SPAIN.

My family has developed a new membership experience for families and individuals who long to travel the world, but might not have the budget for it. We have curated a robust monthly exploration of books, recipes, music, dances, games, and video recommendations for you to learn about countries and cultures you might not be able to visit in today’s circumstances. Global Glory Chasers was created in partnership with Dr. Lucretia Berry, founder of Brownicity. Global Glory Chasers will be a monthly membership program housed in the Brownicity learning community for learners of all ages.

Join the monthly membership program to travel the world from the comfort of your home! 

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January 4, 2021 Categories: Culture, Recipes

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Q says

    January 12, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Love it! I am inspired and got joy just reading about your at-home vacation experiences!!

    Reply
    • Dorina says

      January 26, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      YAY! Thanks for taking time to read and encourage me! I hope you get to “travel” soon too!

      Reply

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Meet Dorina

Aloha, friend! If you love stories, you are in the right place. I write about grief, glory, running, food, and more. I hope these words inspire you to chase after God’s glory in your life today!

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Recent Posts

  • Life’s storms reveal our roots April 24, 2023
  • Mind the Gap: How God meets us when we are not enough April 24, 2023
  • An unexpected adoption: You are loved as God’s daughter February 15, 2023
  • Top 10 Books I Read in 2022 January 29, 2023
  • We Can Bear Witness to the Glory of God in Each Other December 21, 2022

Popular Posts

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Before Footer

After my husband soared to Heaven eight years ago, my three daughters and I found ourselves on an intense grief journey. I never imagined being a widow at age 37 when my girls were just 2, 5, and 8 years old. Despite the heaviness of grief, I knew God was near. And I longed for my daughters to experience His comforting presence too. That’s how we started chasing God’s glory together.

We started with a nightly rhythm of watching the sunset together. We would step out onto our back patio or pull over on the side of the road and pause to watch the colors waltzing across the sky.

Initially, my girls asked, “Mama, why do we watch the sunset? It happens every night.” But soon they discovered that every sunset was unique. Little by little, this rhythm became something we looked forward to. There was something calming and comforting for the girls and me as we watched God paint the sky each night. Our Creator God, the Master Artist, met us in the brush strokes of sparkling gold and emerald green. The girls would point out the ribbons of ruby red and deep amethyst sashaying across the sapphire blue sky. We would smile and delight at the jewel-toned colors. We felt like it was a kiss from their daddy in Heaven.

My daughters are teenagers now, but they still love to chase sunsets and tell me about the ways God showed up in their days. They text me photos or pull me out to the balcony to watch His glory chasing across the sky.

I have learned we can plant seeds of hope and faith in our kids when we go glory hunting together.

Read the full article on @herviewfromhome here: https://herviewfromhome.com/widow-at-37-gods-grace/

#chasingGodsglory #sunsetchaser #glorychasers @waterbrookmultnomahkids #sunset #parenting #gloryhunter

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Jun 7

Open
After my husband soared to Heaven eight years ago, my three daughters and I found ourselves on an intense grief journey. I never imagined being a widow at age 37 when my girls were just 2, 5, and 8 years old. Despite the heaviness of grief, I knew God was near. And I longed for my daughters to experience His comforting presence too. That’s how we started chasing God’s glory together.
We started with a nightly rhythm of watching the sunset together. We would step out onto our back patio or pull over on the side of the road and pause to watch the colors waltzing across the sky.
Initially, my girls asked, “Mama, why do we watch the sunset? It happens every night.” But soon they discovered that every sunset was unique. Little by little, this rhythm became something we looked forward to. There was something calming and comforting for the girls and me as we watched God paint the sky each night. Our Creator God, the Master Artist, met us in the brush strokes of sparkling gold and emerald green. The girls would point out the ribbons of ruby red and deep amethyst sashaying across the sapphire blue sky. We would smile and delight at the jewel-toned colors. We felt like it was a kiss from their daddy in Heaven. 
My daughters are teenagers now, but they still love to chase sunsets and tell me about the ways God showed up in their days. They text me photos or pull me out to the balcony to watch His glory chasing across the sky.
I have learned we can plant seeds of hope and faith in our kids when we go glory hunting together.
Read the full article on @herviewfromhome here: https://herviewfromhome.com/widow-at-37-gods-grace/
#chasingGodsglory #sunsetchaser #glorychasers @waterbrookmultnomahkids #sunset #parenting #gloryhunter
94 11

☀️ We cherished a day of celebrating our Giada’s 8th grade promotion in Disneyland yesterday! Her sisters rallied and saved money for their tickets. Instead of a party we took a family trip to the happiest place on earth! 😃 It was a surprisingly cool, overcast day!

In the younger days, I spent more time taking them to the bathroom and making sure everyone had a buddy for roses. Now I’m enjoying Disneyland with older kids who plan the trip, strategize which rides to go on and when. We ate some yummy treats, laughed a lot, played games in line, and made it to most of our faves!

@shawnyoungruns has definitely influenced our fam with his love for all things Disney! I am not sad about it. As for me, I’m in it for the Disney-themed food! 🥨 🍍 🍹 🍔 🍦My new fave is this pineapple churro with Cheema cheese dipping sauce. Woweee!

🏰 Are you a Disney fan? What’s your favorite park, ride, food, or show?!

#globalglorychasers #disneyland #disneyfoodie

View

Jun 7

Open
☀️ We cherished a day of celebrating our Giada’s 8th grade promotion in Disneyland yesterday! Her sisters rallied and saved money for their tickets. Instead of a party we took a family trip to the happiest place on earth! 😃 It was a surprisingly cool, overcast day! 
In the younger days, I spent more time taking them to the bathroom and making sure everyone had a buddy for roses. Now I’m enjoying Disneyland with older kids who plan the trip, strategize which rides to go on and when. We ate some yummy treats, laughed a lot, played games in line, and made it to most of our faves! 
@shawnyoungruns has definitely influenced our fam with his love for all things Disney! I am not sad about it. As for me, I’m in it for the Disney-themed food! 🥨 🍍 🍹 🍔 🍦My new fave is this pineapple churro with Cheema cheese dipping sauce. Woweee! 
🏰 Are you a Disney fan? What’s your favorite park, ride, food, or show?! 
#globalglorychasers #disneyland #disneyfoodie
82 4

Last night the six of us went to see the show SIX and to cheer on my talented childhood friend Valerie Maze who was the conductor/keyboardist. This was my birthday/Mother’s Day gift from my hubby, and it was so special!

What a phenomenal and engaging way to learn about history and the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII! The music, the lights, the voices, the dancing made for a truly unique and memorable show! The Pantages Theater in Los Angeles is also one of my favorites!

And the biggest treat of all was hanging out with @valerie.maze afterwards. We haven’t been together in YEARS! And this was the first time she met my Shawn and Meilani! #sixshow #broadwaymusical #globalglorychasers

View

Jun 4

Open
Last night the six of us went to see the show SIX and to cheer on my talented childhood friend Valerie Maze who was the conductor/keyboardist. This was my birthday/Mother’s Day gift from my hubby, and it was so special! 
What a phenomenal and engaging way to learn about history and the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII! The music, the lights, the voices, the dancing made for a truly unique and memorable show! The Pantages Theater in Los Angeles is also one of my favorites! 
And the biggest treat of all was hanging out with @valerie.maze afterwards. We haven’t been together in YEARS! And this was the first time she met my Shawn and Meilani! #sixshow #broadwaymusical #globalglorychasers
38 6

Hey friend, do you know about my weekly Glorygram? Every Saturday I gently drop this gift in your inbox, which includes an encouraging essay about chasing God`s glory, a monthly book giveaway, recommendations, recipes, and more.

Consider this like sitting down at my table for some homemade lumpia and a tall glass of mango lemonade. My heart is to share in community about what God is teaching us. You can hop over to DorinaGlorygram.Substack.com and read this week`s edition. Be sure to Subscribe while you`re there so you don`t miss a thing.

In this week`s Glorygram, I`m sharing a story about the power of asking questions and five sisters who asked a question that changed history. Don`t miss it!

#glory #encouragingwords #substack #glorychasers #hesed2023 #biblereading #bibleteacher #leadership #powerfulquestions

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Jun 3

Open
Hey friend, do you know about my weekly Glorygram? Every Saturday I gently drop this gift in your inbox, which includes an encouraging essay about chasing God's glory, a monthly book giveaway, recommendations, recipes, and more.
Consider this like sitting down at my table for some homemade lumpia and a tall glass of mango lemonade. My heart is to share in community about what God is teaching us. You can hop over to DorinaGlorygram.Substack.com and read this week's edition. Be sure to Subscribe while you're there so you don't miss a thing.
In this week's Glorygram, I'm sharing a story about the power of asking questions and five sisters who asked a question that changed history. Don't miss it!
#glory #encouragingwords #substack #glorychasers #hesed2023 #biblereading #bibleteacher #leadership #powerfulquestions
24 7

Join me for a stroll through the next psalm of ascent. Psalm 128 is a wisdom psalm that walks us through what it looks like to enjoy the blessings of the Lord. If we have the fear of the Lord and choose to walk with Him, we get to step into this abundance!

-What does walking with Him look like for you in this season?

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Jun 2

Open
Join me for a stroll through the next psalm of ascent. Psalm 128 is a wisdom psalm that walks us through what it looks like to enjoy the blessings of the Lord. If we have the fear of the Lord and choose to walk with Him, we get to step into this abundance!
-What does walking with Him look like for you in this season?
22 2
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