In November 2007 I left Vanuatu after spending 2 years
there. My time was cut short and ended abruptly when I returned to the US for
the first time and wasn’t sent back after testing positive for Malaria after
months of illness. I have often talked
of returning, and now that opportunity presents itself.
On March 12-13, the eastern islands of Vanuatu were pummeled
by cyclone pam (A cyclone is a hurricane in the southern hemisphere), carrying
sustained winds of over 175mph.
Fortunately, the loss of lives in the immediate impact was limited,
however half of the country’s population, including the capitol city Port Vila,
was heavily damaged. In the aftermath,
the country is in need of food, water and medical care.
A colleague just 3 days ago forwarded me an email chain
looking for volunteers to join the Cyclone Pam relief team in Vanuatu. In a
logistical feat, with the help of my residency, I was able to pull an elective
together in 3 days notice, not knowing my departure flight until 3 hours prior
to takeoff. As I travel the 30+ hours from Providence to the west coast, to
Australia and lastly Vanuatu, here are a few photos from the last time I
visited “the happiest country on earth”.
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