When I woke up it was about 7. No power, big time storm. Strong winds, rain and a piece of metal, either someone’s roof or a pigpen, is in my yard. The storm started around 2 am and is in full swing. I guess my parents left just in time. I listened to the radio report and yup Cyclone Linn is here. Next the radio went out. After 10 minutes of only hearing static intensified with each lightning strike I turned it off. Around 7:45 Fetu’u called really concerned about my house. I could hear pounding=20of metal in the background so I assume his, or his neighbor’s house is not ok. I assured him my house was fine and after a few minutes he called to tell me they repaired his house so it is fine too. I can’t imagine repairing a house during a cyclone.

Next thing I know there is a truck outside my house. I guess the Peace Corps is picking me up. I got my things and proceeded to the scariest part of the cyclone, driving through it! Lots of wind and rain, but little visibility. We had to stop once for a large tree in the road. No worries there were heaps of soldiers removing it. Lots of down power lines too. We made it to the office safely and congregated in the med apartment. I guess they didn’t actually consolidate but picked up the outliers, as they didn’t know if they would be able to later.

Really we just hung out. Sune made grilled cheese and we watched Across the Universe. Around 10 the sky lightened up and the storm started to lighten. By 1 it was only drizzling but Peace Corps didn’t let us go until 4. It was an ok day but at the end I was ready to go home.

Noteworthy things:
Lots of banana trees didn’t make it but most houses and harder trees were fine.The power was turned off at 7 am when power lines started coming down. Church was cancelled!!! Seriously the 10 am Sunday service was cancelled. Not much damage but there was a coconut tree that fell but was suspended over the road by power lines! Wow check out the picture. Lots of raking and clean up but we are fine.