Friday, April 10, 2009

Here I am, Rock you like a Hurricane.

Well, I have finished IST (in service training) which occurs at the 3month mark of being at site. It was great to see the others in group 74, and I especially enjoyed seeing the married couples in hapai from my group. IST was ok, but tended to stretch out and go forever. It was a week of good food (we got per diem, hence were able to eat out at nice restaurants all week), great company and fun times. However, there were 2 downers of the week. Andrew, a volunteer for group 73, went home early, and a hurricane ruined our chance to watch the final four. The night before Andrew left was by far a highlight. Plenty of dancing, a few brewskies, and the need to blow off some steam made it a night to remember.... I think. Just kidding, while it was bittersweet, there are plenty of pictures that dont even begin to show the total funness of the evening (yes, I know, funness is not a word). Unfortunately I did not take them, so I cannot post them on here. Moving on, On Satrday night, I recieved another call from the emergency coordinator stating that the cyclone that had been building was definately headed our way. I proceeded to spend the whole night listening to the radio and trying to get a hold of volunteers to warn them and tell them to stay put. No sleep was had, but everyone was safe, and although it was a hurricane, it was only a category one, so except for a few down power lines and fallen trees all was well and no one got hurt. Today is a national holiday, and I went to church, then watched a mock skit about the crucifixion put on by the prisoners. It was very well done (for tongan standards)and made me forget some of the hardhships and frustrations I have for awhile, and focus on the real meaning of Easter. Hope all is well, and remember: the lord has risen, he has risen indeed.