Page 15 - MidWeek - July 14, 2021

Maui Couple Opens Their Hearts, Home To Keiki
FROM PAGE 14
JULY 14, 2021 MIDWEEK 15
KAHALA MALL PRESENTS
This Friday, Saturday + Sunday!
JULY 16 - JULY 18
VISIT KAHALAMALLCENTER.COM FOR DETAILS
secure environment is what he seeks to provide for the chil- dren in his care.
The family makes the most of their time together, enjoying bike rides and playing out- side or just watching movies. Duane says that he’s happy just doing whatever the kids happen to be in- terested in.
The Pagays acknowledge that the path they’re on is not without its bumps, but they are grateful to be navigating the road together.
With both Duane and Lyn working full-time — he’s employed at Maui Beach Vacation Club and she is an elementary school teacher at Ka‘ahumanu Hou Christian School — Lyn credits a struc- tured home and schedule for maintaining balance between jobs and family time.
“I love watch-
ing them have
fun, smiling and enjoying 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 affirma- tions he didn’t get during his own childhood.
“Yes, fostering is a huge commitment,” Duane admits, adding that finding that sweet spot in parenting is easier be- cause of the rewards and sup- port he receives.
The Pagays typically foster three children at a time, and they encourage others to ex- plore opening their homes to children in need of a home.
“Throughout the whole experience, the good stuff IgettotellmykidsisthatI love them, that they are doing an awesome job, and that life wouldn’t be this amazing with- out them,” he finalizes. “And, I am very proud of them.”
“I just accept it all as a whole and say, ‘This is my family and IamgoingtodoallthatIcan
“You can expect to give love and feel loved from someone you never knew,” Duane opines. “I get to be in- volved in a childhood I never had and to give and express love for all of them.”
to make them happy,’” he con- tinues. “I focus on the smiles I will get when I get home. We alldoitasateam;wealldoit together.”
“I’m very proud of Duane. He is a very supportive, caring, and loving husband and father. We both try to do everything together around the house — well except cooking. He is the cook; I don’t really cook,” Lyn says with a laugh.
(Counterclockwise, from top) The Pagays recently adopted 2-year-old Jaidee; Duane and Lyn Pagay are the parents of four children and 15 foster keiki; the Pagay children consist of Micah, Jaidee, Jaida and Jaiden.