Cyclone Pam 4/13 - Tanna followup trip

James​, Titus and I returned from our Tanna trip mid-day today (Monday). It was great to followup with everyone there, and a joy to introduce James to our brethren in Iatukun, Green Point, Loun and Lorakau Villages. Now one month post-cyclone, we were able to get a better idea of their needs going forward. Thanks to the GENEROUS donations of so many (www.gofundme.com/oz6e9c), we are going to be able to meet all of the needs that have come to our attention. We can certainly attest to the fact that both the land and the people of Vanuatu are very resilient, and with a little help things will be back to normal sooner rather than later. Thanks so much for your continued encouragement and prayers! I will let the photos and captions do the rest of the talking... ~E

Australian troops at White Grass Airport, Tanna

The Australian troops are in overseeing the distribution of relief aid from their government

James meeting Margaret and her kids on the truck to Iatukun

We were pleased to find the local stores in Lenakel well-stocked, and were able to provide local families with groceries and other necessities as we visited

Digging out a broken power pole

The picturesque drive down the west coast of Tanna Island

Titus enjoying the ride in the back of the truck

Though the leaves are beginning to come back, there is still little shade. Titus and Edien found some behind the water tank where they could drive their trucks.

We pitched our tents on the dirt foundation where Tom and Margaret's house once stood

We went with Tom to see his coffee plantation. Most of the bushes kept their fruit, but almost all of them were blown or knocked over during the storm. It will be a HUGE task to get the area cleared and the bushes replanted before they wither. There won't be much of a coffee harvest this year, but they are trying to save the plants so that they will be able to harvest next year. Coffee is a primary cash-crop in Tanna, especially for families who need to pay school fees. The government is considering waiving school fees for all students from Tafea Province, but if they don't we will be ready to help these families with the expense, thanks to so many generous donations to our relief effort.

Antoine and Meriam's two-story house lost its roof and veranda, and the ground floor filled with almost a foot of water, but thankfully it is still standing. They retrieved the roofing sheets and nailed them back down, but we will be getting them new roofing by the end of the month. *The orange construction vest you see hanging is Antoine's, as he is a part of the government food distribution team.

Local style bird trap

I wish I could tell you a long emotionally-charged story about how this piglet's mom got killed in the cyclone and the dog took it in as its own (not true), but actually they've been close friends for a long time 

Bamboo is perhaps the most valuable building material throughout rural Vanuatu. Most of the groves were badly damaged or destroyed, which really hinders the rebuilding process. Thankfully some of the longer pieces that were broken can still be used, but it will be a year or two before they're back to 100%.

James and Tom visting about the cyclone and relief efforts

The remains of the church house in Iatukun. Thankfully the posts (and, amazingly, the door!) were not compromised. We will be getting them some roof sheets at the end of the month. They used the damaged sheets that flew off for temporary shelters and kitchens immediately following the cyclone.

Our family became very close to Jack and Anna during their year in Vila. They are happy and well back in Green Point (S. Tanna), it was a pleasure to get to see them briefly. Johnny (far right) is their nephew and he traveled to Tanna with us, and is going to be living with Jack and Anna. 

Road back north from Green Point to Iatukun (not for the faint of heart!).

New build in Loun Village

Miswel poses in front of his newly finished house, made from local materials salvaged from his previous house and kitchen. 

The chiefs in Loun are encouraging the villagers to build at least one custom style "cyclone-proof" house like this one on their property, in the event of another cyclone.

Our tents in the foreground, with a leafy(!) nambanga tree in the background.

I was shocked to the Loun church house standing again, albeit about 25% smaller than it was, due to damaged materials. We packed the house for sure on Sunday morning. 

Another new build in Loun

The ladies in Loun (throughout Vanuatu, really) never cease to amaze me with their hospitality. I always come to teach and give, but end up learning and receiving far more.

A Cat 2 cyclone near New Caledonia over the weekend meant wind and rain in Vanuatu, so John had to re-tie several sections of coconut leaves that make up the wall of their kitchen.

Two months ago you wouldn't have been able to even see the mountain on the other side of the divide, but with all the downed trees (and because of great acoustics) you can see and carry on a conversation with people on the other side.

Fresh bamboo (definitely in short supply post-cyclone) woven to make a new house in Loun.

Three families (4 adults and 4 kids) are sleeping in this one house, made of salvaged materials, as they rebuild in Loun.

Inside the church building on Sunday morning before services

Alice and Pasam leading the kids in songs prior to the Sunday assembly.

The Loun church giving a customary welcome to James

Leaders in Loun, Miswel and Harry, discussing the brethren's needs, which they then shared with us to help us better know how we can be of assistance.

Lunch in Loun

Joslyn getting her hair done, Vanuatu-style.

Titus and the kids had hours of fun on this recently-fallen tree.

Loun Village

What a great sight to see a muddy patch around the water supply! They were able to get it back online a couple of days before we arrived, and it is SUCH a blessing to have running water (usually one outdoor tap for every 3-4 houses).

We took an evening to go and see the mighty Yasur Volcano, billed as the world's most accessible active volcano. The weather didn't cooperate, but it was still an amazing adventure (especially when the truck got stuck on the way back home, and we had to push/pull it out for about 20 minutes ... oh, my Vanuatu!).

Perhaps they should patent this new style of clothesline? It has built-in clothes pins! #AlternateUsesForBarbedWire

Coconut leaves make a great drying rack for pots and pans.

Saying goodbye in Loun Village Monday morning