This Christmas is poised to be a particularly meaningful occasion for 70-year-old Selai Biu, who is making a long-awaited journey back to her village in Lakeba, Lau, to reunite with her family, especially her brother. It’s been three decades since she last visited her hometown, and her excitement is palpable.
The anticipation surrounding this Christmas extends beyond familial ties; it is also linked to the resilience demonstrated in the wake of adversity. Following the catastrophic volcanic eruption in Tonga in 2022, which wreaked havoc along the coastline and resulted in a devastating tsunami, Ms. Biu’s family home was lost. After two years of dedicated effort to rebuild, she is finally returning to see the fruits of her labor and the completion of her new home.
On Thursday, Ms. Biu and her brother joined numerous families at Port Mua-i-Walu, ready to board the MV Lomaiviti Princess XII for their journey. “I’m excited to see what has become of the home. I’m taking a few things to help start decorating it,” she shared, expressing her enthusiasm for the future.
Although she resides with her husband and four children in Waibau, Naitasiri, her heart and memories are deeply rooted in Lakeba. Accompanied by her daughter, Akosita Waqa, and her sister-in-law, Manaini Rawasa, Ms. Biu plans to spend both Christmas and New Year in her village before returning home.
This story reflects the enduring spirit of hope and family connection, exemplifying how personal histories can intertwine with broader experiences of rebuilding and recovery in the face of natural disasters. The upcoming Christmas celebration will not only serve as a reunion for Ms. Biu and her family but will also symbolize strength, resilience, and the joy of coming home.
Summary: Selai Biu, a 70-year-old woman returning to her village in Lakeba for Christmas after 30 years, expresses excitement for reuniting with family and seeing her newly rebuilt home, following the devastation caused by the 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption. She plans to spend the holiday with her loved ones before returning home with her family.
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