The adage "When God closes a door, he opens a window" really applies to me. Divine intervention led me to a life course different from the one I embarked on growing up in Keaukaha on the Big Island.

Volleyball was my life; I played all year round. As a youth I was becoming very rebellious and not progressing well in my studies. My father decided to send me off to La'ie to attend what's now known as Brigham Young University-Hawai'i.

This was an important turning point in my life.

I had a small volleyball scholarship and, to make ends meet, was hired as a dancer/musician at the Polynesian Cultural Center. But then a new opportunity arose to join the university's musical group, Showcase Hawaii. This meant giving up my first love, volleyball.

Making the transition proved a positive step; my eyes opened to a deeper meaning in life. My testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ began to grow and was soon called to serve a mission in Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I learned the language but more importantly, my mission strengthened me and became the foundation for the rest of my life.

Another blessing was meeting my future wife, Hiromi. We never dated while on my mission but I felt a strong connection. She was always in my heart. We married on July 4, 1978, and have been blessed with four wonderful children.

Life was lean in our early years of marriage. I was still a struggling student and with my fluency, I began working as a Japanese guide at PCC.

I also returned to my first love, volleyball, and was fortunate to be chosen as a first team All-American two years in a row.

After earning a bachelor's degree in travel management, I was able to return to my roots, the community I loved, Keaukaha, as a music resource teacher. I was delighted to give back to the place that gave me important life lessons and where I learned from my parents the value of education.

Three years later, our young family moved back to La'ie to pursue teaching credentials and a master's degree. Once again, I renewed my career at PCC, where I have remained to this day, now as the director of protocol, which has brought me into contact with VIPs from around the world — presidents, kings, queens, high-ranking government officials, military dignitaries, professional athletes and celebrities.

What an amazing journey for a youngster from Keaukaha, now being the "face" for the church at the state's most popular paid visitor attraction.

I don't know what the future holds, but I am in the Lord's hands and I'll go where he wants me to go.

Through it all, I have learned one thing: Not only does the Lord open a window when he closes a door, but he most certainly gives us unfettered wings to fly.

Bobby Akoi is a member of the La'ie North Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.