Oi lei tamaqu OR oh, shit

My village is under water.

Let me explain my new year so far. Right after Mike left I came to Suva to have some medical tests run. I had an ultrasound to make sure my digestive system was working properly even though it's not working properly. All my organs are healthy and "functioning". I had a dermatologist's appt. to check out some sketchy moles. No melanoma yet. And an optometric visit which I came out of with a diagnosis of "eye infection in both eyes, use this ointment in both eyes every night right before bed for 2 weeks." Mild concerns by PC standards. Luckily I was here in Suva while the Tropical Depression hit because otherwise I would be stuck in my village.

There is major flooding all over Fiji. The 2 main highways are submerged and have no traffic, some bridges have collapsed, towns are flooded as high as the parking meters, and most big cities have declared curfews for the residences.

My village lies at the mouth of a river and is so low that the tides sometimes affect the bus routes. When high tide comes after a big rain, the road floods. Heavy rains = no good for my area. Concerning my house...My host mom called to tell me reluctantly that "Emi, oh.....Emi......ah.....Na koro sa luvu" translation "the village drowned" and with the village went my house. So, in what I imagine to be a ridiculous caper, my family members broke my windows to unlock the door in a rescue attempt. They managed to rescue my possessions before the floor of the house was submerged in the rising waters. My clothes and books were consolidated to the top bunk of the bunk beds and my food was taken to the chief's house. (Please save some little debbie snack cakes for me!) Today the family's plan was to "clean out the mud" in the house. Unfortunately, their efforts may be in vain because Fiji anticipates another big storm on the 14th.

I'm worried about the other houses in the village and what everyone is doing during this crisis. I have no real information now, but hopefully I will have good news for you all soon.