“Tropical Cyclone Tino is storming its way across the Pacific and is currently sitting south of Fiji’s western Rotuma Island with gusts reaching 100km/h. That’s prompted evacuation centres to be opened in northern Fiji as it heads towards Vanua Levu. Preparations are also underway in Tonga for the storm to strike.” (NewsHub NZ, 17/1/2020)
After a fabulous time in NZ with our beautiful families, Rolf had to say his farewells last Tuesday and fly back to Tonga ahead of me. It was a bit harsh – we said that, if we could plan the trip again, we would definitely fly back on assignment TOGETHER. – Now, there is yet another cyclone brewing in the South Pacific which is expected to hit Tonga tomorrow. I’m here, Rolf is there… The VSA team of volunteers, along with all Tongan people, have been sent home from work at midday today to go home and prepare their houses for ‘impact’ expected tomorrow Saturday. If the storm strengthens and becomes category 3 or above, the VSA group will have to evacuate together into a pre-determined safe building. They are following instructions given out by the NZ High Commission in Nuku’alofa.
Whether my scheduled flight tomorrow morning will go ahead is doubtful. The airline will make that decision fairly close to departure time (midday) – so here I am, sitting and waiting and feeling a little anxious. – I was going to blog AFTER the event, so the title could be ‘All is Well’ or something positive like that… but then I figured that power and internet might be out for a time in Tonga, so I’ll use the opportunity of free Wifi while I have it! Thanks, Dan!
Matarangi Beach 
Surf-ready 
Rolling up the tent 
Puzzling jigsaw – 1000 pieces 
Cousin love at BK… 
Lucas and Ben
I am posting some photos which will speak for themselves. And we want to express a heartfelt THANK YOU to our beautiful daughters, sons and grandchildren. We are extremely proud of each one of you, and our love for you is unconditional and forever. It was so good to see that you are living life well, with or without us here, and that’s wonderful. We can return to Tonga knowing that all is well indeed.
Ezzie’s scary monster 
My farewell treat to myself 
Abby hugs 
A new pool 
Giselle’s artwork
Post-script: On Air NZ recommendation, I have just re-booked my flight departing Monday now! I pray everyone in Tonga will stay safe and dry.
Will pray that it swerves away out to sea🙏🏼
Stay safe:)
Praying for you and safety for Rolf and the VSA team. Stay strong, sleep if you can.
Our thoughts are prayers are with you both and all people in Tonga.