You may be aware of Cyclone Gita that is currently over Samoa. I have included part of the forecast from radionz.co.nz so you can follow it if you are interested. We have plenty of warning and are preparing the best we can here in Tonga. The missionaries quarters are solid and they are all near LDS church buildings which are some of the safest places on the island. We know that if we do our best we will be protected.
From radioNZ website:
As Cyclone Gita continued its path across Polynesia on Saturday morning, it appeared few would be spared.
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| The forecast trajectory of cyclone Gita. Photo: Fiji Meteorological Service |
The Fiji Meteorological Service, which is responsible for warnings in the region, said Gita continued to intensify, and would likely do so for the coming day.
On current forecasts, it is expected to veer southeast towards Niue this afternoon, where it would pass very close to the island's east coast, possibly as a category three storm.
The latest cyclone warning said Niue was likely to experience damaging winds, heavy rain and squally thunderstorms and damaging heavy swells as Gita approached.
From there, the cyclone is forecast to complete a westward arc, and head towards Tonga's densely populated and low-lying main island, Tongatapu, on Monday.
We'll do our best to update anything we can on our blog and FB as frequently as possible should this storm pass over Tonga as predicted. We can always use prayers but we are as prepared as we can be. We do worry about the people of Tonga especially those that live in shacks and make-shift homes but they all know to go to nearby churches and schools for protection.
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We have had a pretty busy week this week visiting sick missionaries. It has all been headache, fever, and cold or flu-like symptoms. With the minor outbreak of Dengue fever on the main island we have tried to take whatever precautions we can to minimize its impact on the missionaries. As part of the precautions we decided that education should be a part of our plan as well as insect repellant and MQ maintenance (screen repair). The first thing that happens when you teach them about the symptoms is that half of the missionaries now think they have Dengue fever. It's good to catch it early so we're not complaining just stating the way it is. We may have had two or three legitimate cases with fever, headaches and muscle aches being the main indicators but they all recovered within a few days and they're all back out working now. Lepeka has also worked closely with Dr, Latu who works closely with the ministry of health. In any case we'll remain vigilant. As of this posting there are none that we're really worried about so that's a good thing. We drove about 250 km yesterday on this small island making sure that all the missionaries that reported any symptoms were seen.
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| Fire station in Lapaha, one of three on the main island. |
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| Sai Ketau 'Ilo (Good to Know) |
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| The owner and waiter with Lepeka |
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| Co-owner, chief bottle washer, head cook and wife. |
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| Our meal came to about $9.00 USD (total) but we gave them a good tip as we enjoyed the company as well. |
Tyler was happy that you called on his birthday. I have had pneumonia and influenza a so we didn't have them come home on Tuesday. I have been pretty sick, but feel much better. Tonight Craig isn't feeling too well. He continues to struggle with his leg issues. He has decided to Really retire next month when he turns 65. We will see!! Hope the weather leaves you good people alone. Elder Betten's mom messaged me this week. She was in Park Ward and 18th ward. Don't know if you ever knew them. She said you two are a gift to the missionaries and their mothers. I believe that is true!! Love and miss you guys. Be safe
ReplyDeleteWe didn't remember the name and we moved to Bountiful in the Spring of 2002 but it is fun to make the connection.
DeleteMom's praying for you and wonder if dad will visit! He kept saying that he wished we could experience one of the hurricanes in the Dominican Republic as they get brushed by almost every year. What we did get was a severe rain and wind but it was short lived and didn't cause a super lot of damage. We had 4 inches of rain in one hour and I have never before seen a wall of rain . You could not see through it to across the street and we did have water in our apartment. No damage though. Those along the river had their makeshift dwellings washed away. Dad always liked to experience new things!
ReplyDeleteSorry it was 7 inches in 1 hour!
DeleteWee keep hoping it will veer to the south but so far the only additional information we have is that it is intensifying and the projected path seems to still be pretty much right on. I'm not sure this is one of the new experiences we were hoping for.
DeleteKnowing you 2 are safe, will also be, "good to know". Love you both. Be safe!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jacob.
We feel the love and appreciate the prayers. Back at ya!
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