Storm Warnings & Paij

Two weeks ago we had a Tsunami warning. It was our first one. It is always interesting to see how everyone prepares for a potential storm. We needed to prepare as well. We brought food storage with us but not nearly enough. We couldn't bring candles so we went out and bought a camping lantern. We also got a camp stove so we could cook all of our food in case we lost power. We stocked up on some more water as well. 

Then we waited. It starts at a TCOR4 warning. Which mean the storm is 4 days away. We went about normal life enjoying cooler weather.  

Friday night was WINDY, we attended a farewell party for the Collin's family and a few others who are leaving the island. Man alive, I am going to miss this girl. Paij was the answer to so many prayers.  Never before in all my friendships have a ever made a friend so quickly or deeply. Does that make sense?

We knew we would only be friends and get to live by each other for a short time. (October to March) so we didn't waste any time getting to know each other, teaching each other, learning from one another or having a blast.

I was about done unpacking our home one day and I was struggling with anxiety. I just needed someone to talk to. That day she asked if I needed help unpacking, I didn't, but I said I did. She came over and I had a good cry. She listened and helped me out so much.

We were visiting teaching companions, we sewed quilts at her home every Thursday, had some Mom beach days, she introduced me to lots of people, we went to the pool, out to movies, out to lunch and dinners, had many games nights  and a girls nights & a sleepover. She had us over for dinner many times and one night taught me how to make Curry. It was divine! She had taken me shopping on more than one occasion showing me all the strange but great places to shop.

I spent more time with Paij than I have spent with any friend in a long time. I adore her. She is an amazing, mother, wife and friend. She has so much talent and she serves people all the time.

It stinks that she is leaving. But even though saying goodbye's are SO hard and they physically hurt. I am so glad that I put my heart out there and that we became friends even though it was short lived in person. I know she's a friend I will have forever and who knows, maybe someday our paths will cross again.

Lydia slept in the laundry room of her hotel room so we could have one more game night. We loved playing Rummikub, the Dice game and Guesstures with them. So many funny nights! 

Back to the storm. Saturday was cooler weather. Lydia got creamed in another soccer game. But she never gave up.

While I attended a Relief Society Birthday party Saturday night, Tyson and Lydia closed all the Typhoon shutters on our home and we waited for the storm to roll in.

On Sunday before church I took this side view of our home.

We attended church and said farewell to Morgan and Jaycee Collins. They have been the sweetest friends to Lydia. I can't say how much I love these girls.

After church we were at TCOR2 status and we hunkered down in our home. We stayed off the roads. Tyson's work and Lydia's school were canceled for Monday. Yay! But the storm never became anything to talk about. It rained a lot, it was a heavy, misty sideways figure 8 type of rain.

I was never worried about us. I feel so safe in our home. But I was worried for our local friends who I know don't live in very reliable conditions. They were grateful that the storm never worsened.