Page 5 - MidWeek Kauai - July 21, 2021

Maui Couple Opens Their Hearts, Home To Keiki
JULY 21, 2021
KAUA‘I MIDWEEK 5
FROM PAGE 4
ways felt the safest and the most love when he was in foster care. That same lov- ing and secure environment is what he seeks to provide for the children in his care.
(Above) Duane and Lyn Pagay are the parents of four children and 15 foster keiki.
(Top right) The Pagays recently adopted 2-year- old Jaidee.
General
HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED
Homeowner in Hanalei is seeking a housekeeper. Part-time position, 15-20 hours/week, paying $20/hour. Duties include housekeeping and keeping the house in good condition. Perfect job for a retired person living in Hanalei or Haena. Please send resume to
jobs2284@gmail.com
The Pagays acknowledge that the path they’re on is not without its bumps, but they are grateful to be navigating the road together.
of the rewards and support he receives.
happy just doing whatever the kids happen to be inter- ested in.
never had and to give and express love for all of them.”
With both Duane and Lyn working full-time — he’s employed at Maui Beach Vaca- tion Club and she is an elementary school teacher at Ka‘ahu- manu Hou Christian School — Lyn credits a structured home and schedule for maintain- ing balance between jobs and family time.
“I just accept it all as a whole and say, ‘This is my family and I am going to do all that I can to make them hap- py,’” he continues. “I focus on the smiles I will get when I get home. We all do it as a team; we all do it together.”
“I love watching them have fun, smiling and enjoy- ing themselves as children,” he notes.
He says that his growth as a person continues through his journey as a foster parent as well. And, he gets to share with the keiki all the affir- mations he didn’t get during his own child- hood.
“I’ m very proud of Duane. He is a very supportive, car- ing, and loving husband and father. We both try to do ev- erything together around the house — well except cook- ing. He is the cook; I don’t really cook,” Lyn says with a laugh.
The Pagays typically fos- ter three children at a time, and they encourage others to explore opening their homes to children in need of one.
ing an awesome job, and that life wouldn’t be this amazing without them,” he finalizes. “And, I am very proud of them.”
“You can expect to give love and feel loved from someone you never knew,” Duane opines. “I get to be involved in a childhood I
“Throughout the whole experience, the good stuff I get to tell my kids is that I love them, that they are do-
“Yes, fostering is a huge commitment,” Duane admits, add- ing that finding that sweet spot in parent- ing is easier because
The family makes the most of their time together, enjoying bike rides and play- ing outside or just watching movies. Duane says that he’s
Voted Kauai’s Best Steakhouse since 2009
Creating that
“place of peace
and balance”
in your garden
828-6400
s
or more | Open 7 nights a week
LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT
808-822-3791
R
R
R
e
e
e
s
s
se
e
er
r
r
v
v
v
a
a
at
t
t
i
i
io
o
on
n
n
s
s
t
t
t
a
a
ak
k
ke
e
en
n
nf
f
fo
o
or parties of (6)
www.gardenpondskauai.com
In Kilauea, next to Mini Golf • Open Wed-Sun • 12 to 5 pm
Located in the
4-796 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa www.bullshedrestaurant.com
CREATE YOUR Outdoor Space
Store Hours OPEN Monday—Saturday 10:00 am—5:00 pm
Fine Furniture Lee’sAnd Accessories
Credit Cards Accepted Financing Available O.A.C
r
r
e
p
p
o
C
a
i
n
c
h
a
i
n
s