This Wise Man Built His House on the Sand

Meet Rute. Her grandfather was very skilled in I-Kiribati navigation. First of all, building your house on the sand here is wise because if you don't, you will not have a house! It is the only option. When Rute was a young girl, her Grandfather came one day and advised the family that a "big wind" was coming in one month--get ready! He told then to prepare by cutting any trees that could fall on the house. He also told them to brace the inside with ropes and long, strong sticks. Then he came and told them the storm was coming in one week. Then in one day. All the preparations were made. The neighbors were very curious what Rute's family was doing. Many others saw and made preparations, many just watched! Then he came and said, "the "big wind" will come today." He advised two Taiwan fishing boats to leave and get out to sea and away from the Lagoon. They declined, saying they had weather reports to listen to and there were no bad reports they were aware of. The day was calm with light winds and blue sky. Then in late afternoon, the wind suddenly shifted and became very strong. Hundreds of trees were fallen, homes destroyed and the two fishing boats destroyed on the reef with loss of life. There has not been a storm of strong winds here for over 30 years now. When will it come again? How did he know one month ahead it was coming? It is not known. He has passed on with much his knowledge. Rute has a book which her grandfather hand wrote that details many, but not all, of the special navigation skills.