Cyclone Winston Update

Here is the promised update on the Fiji cyclone:  Assessments are being made and reports of the damage are finally coming in.  Power to the islands of Tavenui, Koko, and Vanua Levu and were down for at least four days.  Power has now been restored and the cleanup has begun.

Most of the pictures and comments come from Elder and Sister Vermeeren from Calgary, Canada, blog, http://vermeerenfijimission.blogspot.co.nz/  We will share some of their pictures, but there are more if you visit their blog.  The Pacific Area Newsroom also did an article about Cyclone Winston which basically shared her notes home to her family.

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.nz/8290396549451483597

We visited Tavenui in August, so the link below gives you a few pictures of this beautiful island before the cyclone.   

http://winterskiwi.blogspot.co.nz/2015/08/international-datemore-gardens-visits.html

We were also on the island of Vanua Levu.  The villages were beautiful - it is hard to see the destruction, but all will turn out okay.

http://winterskiwi.blogspot.co.nz/2015/08/come-see-my-garden.html

The people of Fiji are resilient.  They usually have a smile on their face and are always cheerful.  Many families now are without homes but they are rebuilding.  There are many who share their sleeping quarters.  "One house has 104 people sleeping in it - 15 families! According to Sister Vermeeren, "very few homes on the outer islands where the cyclone struck most heavely are standing, untouched and are safe to sleep in." Tarps have been donated and help provide protection when the sun shines down on people during the hottest part of the day.  Many had to flee with the clothes on their backs, so donated clothing from neighbors has been appreciated.  Water and food are scarce, but everyone shares and they are happy.

Our replacements, Elder and Sister Maughan will be going toFiji to helping next week.  Our prayers and best wishes are with them and all the good people in Fiji.

"We are praying and working for our brothers and sisters in Fiji.  We will continue to do all within our power, working with others and with heaven's help to alleviate suffering and help the people recover from the storm."  Elder Kevin W. Pearson, Pacific Area President.