Zena didn't do anything. (I realise in retrospect the cyclone's name was supposed to be Xena, Warrior Princess). She moved swiftly along at 50kmph and disintegrated - I don't understand the finer meteorological details - leaving us unscathed and much relieved. The weather tracking maps had looked awful. Some people just packed up and went to evacuation centres without being told to, fearing the worst. But this week it's 'as we were' and the clear up from Winston continues. Psychologically and emotionally it's deeply unsettling. Thankful for a profound sense of being fastened to the Rock which cannot move.
In the weather from the UK today, parts of Cornwall are lashed by storms and floods. Dramatic pictures. While over here, Na Draki weather says
Monday 11th April 2016
Risk of a cyclone affecting Fiji in the next 72 hours is NIL
RISK - NIL = less than 1% LOW = 1-20% MODERATE= 21-50% HIGH = 51% or higher
The Revd Dr Richard Clutterbuck, Principal of Edgehill College, Belfast is in Suva at the moment. He's on study leave and revisiting the Pacific region which he's done many time since he and Diane were mission partners at Sia'atoutai Theological College Tonga in the early days of their marriage. Daughter number one made her appearance during those years too, so even more reason for the Pacific to hold unique, precious memories. It's lovely to see him. We go back a long way because of global mission and theological college things in the UK. He and Faculty friends came 'round to House 12 for a meal last Friday. Here we are in all our glory.
Of course we're exploiting Richard shamelessly while he's around by getting him to attend a consultation on Methodism in the Pacific and do some guest lecturing here at PTC. Study leave? I don't think so!
Seriously, we're grateful for the generous heart in him that said, 'The last thing I'd want to be is a burden, but if I can help out at all...'
Partnership personified. Sabbatical blessings, Richard.
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