We can't do much but to be prepared

The men on standby at Votua Catholic School - Photo: Gabby Naborisi RamoceThe men on standby - Photo: Gabby Naborisi Ramoce

Our strength comes from a loving God - who will never forsake us.

The new year had just begun for us. We welcomed our new head teacher of our school Ms Michelle Raqona from Toge, a village up in the interior of Ba. Parents and children were settling down to begin this new academic year with a lot of enthusiasm and eagerness on what the year would bring. All this ended on the night of January 28, 2021 when a heavy downpour continued.

Within hours we heard the beating of the ‘Lali’ at night, warning the people that the mouth of Ba river had broken and water rushing through the village carrying debris with livestock and belongings. The power was off and the village was dark and quiet. All you can see were night lamps and torches as elders and children were evacuated to the school. I stood helplessly with my wife and four children on top of the table watching the water gushing inside our house taking with it everything it could. "Forget about everything else - just make sure you are safe”, I told my wife. I can see fear and sadness in the eyes of my wife and tears flowing from the cheeks of my children.

I remember Fr Teakare’s homily at Mass when he said, "In all challenges and difficulties we face in life we should know where our strength comes from. Our strength comes from a loving God who will never forsake us at any time.”

Children taken to safety - Photo: Gabby Naborisi Ramoce

Children taken to safety - Photo: Gabby Naborisi Ramoce

After 24 hours the water receded. It was two metres above the ground. Many of us lost our belongings and properties and root crops were destroyed. But we are so thankful to God that no life was taken. I thought 2020 was hard with Covid-19 and Tropical Cyclone Yasa. But this, the great flood and two cyclones forecasted to hit Fiji in few days’ time makes me wondering what 2021 has to offer me and my family.

We can't do much but to be prepared. I believe this has reminded us of the Pope's encyclical "Laudato Si" Care for the Earth. It's time to fight for the preservation of mother earth or we might just be victims of our own actions.

Please do keep us in your prayers during these trying times.

Written by Gabby Naborisi Ramoce, Votua, Ba.

The children carrying their bedding to school - Photo: Gabby Naborisi RamoceThe children carrying their bedding to school - Photo: Gabby Naborisi Ramoce

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