We Survived

We have survived the cyclone, which turned out to not be nearly as hazardous as we thought it might be, especially for the island of Efate, where I am currently staying. However, the Southern island of Tanna was affected, so my friends who live there are concerned about their houses. Vanuatu has more natural disasters than any other country in the world. These include cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. However, it is also the world's happiest nation.

Three Earthquakes and a Cyclone

I am currently in the capital of Port Vila for a Peace Corps training.  Here, I have been able to obtain many tools I need to work on my house on Malekula which are not available there, including acrylic paints, a smokeless stove that works by building a fire inside of it, a stereo that operates from a cell phone battery, various spices, a tea kettle and pot for loose tea. Vanuatu was recently struck by three earthquakes, but sustained no damages. I was awoken by one at midnight one night that frightened me so much I ran outside in a towel. Vanuatu is also being hit by a cyclone tonight, so the Peace Corps has told us to take refuge in their office. We have moved our mattresses from the hotel into the office so we can sleep there, and will hopefully have access to Internet and electricity during the night. Hopefully, we will be permitted to return to our hotel tomorrow. Thankfully, it is not expected to be too dire.