Our Hand Built Island Home Lost To Tsunami (Story 28)

[@larryhill7563]

I watch Gone With The Wynns.I am guessing this is why it came across my feed.I thought about you guys when this hit.Tell your mom and dad brother and you how sorry I am.Your place was amazing.

[@rileybri]

I can't help but believe team Wynn has some special help in-store for our friends.

[@michaelspurling4376]

This was so hard to watch. I was first introduced to the little bit of paradise your family created by the Wynns and started following you after that. Nature is powerful. So many years of work gone in a moment. I am happy that you and your family were far away and safe when the volcano erupted. I know it hurts but people are more important than buildings. Love to all of you.

[@neilgunns8391]

The trip just may have saved all of your lives.

[@stonew1927]

It most definitely appears that way as their place was completely wiped out. However the local family that was temporarily living there apparently survived, somehow . . .

[@richardfulmer5279]

I'd credit God of Heaven for saving their lives

[@scottdoran6347]

Hi Dior I have had the pleasure of spending time in Tonga in 2018 and 19 I,sailed past your island twice and spent 3 days on the volcano. My heart goes out to your family, I’m off to Fiji to be reunited with my yacht ( catamaran) in April. Your catamaran is moored beside mine in Whangarei, unfortunately I’m not allowed into the country. Keep smiling. Scott and Kat S/V MUSKOKA CANADA

[@PerfittsOfThePacific]

Hi, we are friends of Curiosity, and we have a sail boat in Vavu’u. When I saw the video of your little piece of paradise I immediately thought wow when we are allowed to go back to our home Coastal Drifter I want to visit you. My heart breaks for you. We have been in NZ for over 2 years now waiting to go home. When Tonga opens we can come and help rebuild, we can make water, or dig a hole. Whatever it takes. We are in Whangeria area. Pm us if you are around. Love to meet up. Kindred souls in exile

[@kehenabeach4418]

I wouldn’t wish this experience on my worst enemy. Glad everyone’s safe, it’s sad to learn the most valuable lesson… it’s all just stuff! You and your family have your health, each other and those close to you! Look at everything with a “Glass Half Full” mentality and nothing can get you down. Your memories and experiences… priceless! Mahalo and Aloha! from da Big Island!

[@littleninja71]

I'm so sorry that you and your family and friends lost such a special place and hope that things can be restored. What a talent you have to film and edit - and to have shared all the beauty and adventure with the rest of the world is truly a gift to us all. Thank you.

[@manwholovesdogs9668]

Dior you are an amazing woman. Never ever lose your innocence. I cried when your home was destroyed. God has amazing plans for you and your family.

[@bolo863]

Oh no, all those poor animals! The horses, cats and dogs 😥

[@melinda5777]

So sorry to see everything gone!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@speedtrapp219d2]

I so love you guys even in the worst place in life you all can make lite Dior you make me smile ❤️

[@Envie42]

Dior, this volcano may have changed your paths in life for a while, but from following your journey through these beautiful video stories, it's clear Tonga's islands, ocean and yes even the volcano, are deeply rooted in your soul. I hope you will continue to make videos and share your stories with us. Studying in NZ will make you busy and probably more difficult to update but as time goes on, and the islands heal, I sincerely hope you will return to your roots and continue the path you have there - bringing life and love to all you touch there. I don't know what you're planning to study, but you are an amazing person and your videography skills are awesome so I hope it will be something to bring back to your family's home in the future to help it live on because you have a one in a million life most of us only dreamed of having growing up. I come from a small farm town in the states, dreamt of studying dolphins and scuba diving for a living when I was a kid so I am living your life vicariously through you! I ended up joining the Navy, still got to go scuba diving while stationed on Guam, and in Florida though! Have Mom and Dad send you lots of videos if they return to help rebuild your home there and keep up with the fundraising - lots of us out here in the world want to help. I'm donating to your gofundme to the Kivalu family and would love to help your Mom and Dad too if and when they rebuild your lovely barn! Much love from the US.

[@diorsheen]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support!

[@marysheehy4733]

Watched when the Wynns visited your home. Magical. Everyone was concerned about your family and animals. Started following you after earthquake. Really enjoy your videos. Do you think your family will rebuild? Glad the animals survived 🙏💕

[@douglashoffman9042]

Sending aloha across the sea. I miss you all.

[@jimmugford]

Hey Dior we first known about your family when you were on jason’s and Nikki’s channel. As soon as the eruption happened my 11 year old twins immediately thought of your family and the islands. Glad to hear you and your family is safe! All the best from Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

Words can't convey my heartfelt sympathy 😢 for your loss. On the bright side, you are safe and that is paramount. Happy Valentines 💝 Day.

[@TheMorganMonroeShow]

Life is such an amazing adventure. We come into it with nothing and we leave it with nothing but her memories. She has the most toys still dies. But if we can take our memories be rich. Our bodies age, that her conscience never ages at all. It just takes in all the experiences. Just keep remembering that this is not a test run. It is the real deal and you only get one shot at it. Continue to feel the amazing memory bank. 🤙🏼💯🍻😎🎯

[@svgitana2499]

I’m so sorry you guys lost your home on the island! That has to be such a horrible feeling! You go from living in paradise to a gut wrench feeling I’m sure! Hope you guys can rebuild in your beautiful island and go back to living that type of lifestyle again! 🙏🏻

[@linda_lawson]

There is nothing I can write that would lessen the hurt of losing your home. I can only offer gratitude that you and your loved ones are alive. I am also thankful that you still have so much footage captured and stored to share this story. I pray that everyone in Tonga can rebuild and thrive.

[@richfuller]

So sorry for your loss.

[@deannazampa5286]

Oh Dior, lovely video. When rhe dark clouds all seem to surround you, the sun will keep rising, and rising, to bring you back up, until you are ready. It takes time, you’ve been there, but you and your mum and dad are resiliant. And I love that you all still have your sense of humor (goofy dad, mostly!). Love to you and all the animals, from MN. Where it’s just fricken’ cold. 🥰

[@deannazampa5286]

PS: I loved rhe barn too, even tho’ I’d not seen it in person. Amazing!

[@jamiemery9699]

So sorry for your great loss Dior. Wishing you much encouragement and blessings. Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us.

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

I've always had this dream to build a self sustaining house on an island........thanks for sharing yours. So sad to see it washed away. I hope you will rebuild.

[@goldengoose9253]

I hope you’ll good be safe 💯

[@grasshopperhawk]

Thanks, Dior--for the story and helping others. Can't imagine losing a home and family, which I'm sure is what your animals are. Be as well as you can. Best to you all.

[@cliffp.8396]

Today I'm keeping you and yours in my thoughts, I can only offer my empathy.

[@RiverLifeAustralia]

So sorry for your loss and the loss the of your Tongan home in paradise, The world was gelus of your lifestyle, Give ur mum and dad a hug from ur youtube family

[@user-wq8tz1zl8j]

So sorry to hear!

[@jamescooper539]

So much damage, in board and in Spirit I would think. You’ve lost yes, but better yet, your precious family was saved by this happening when you were away

[@Thecatnamedkiwi]

I love your channel it has really been inspiring me 🥺💕👍

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

What a story… thanks for being brave enough to make this video considering the emotional rollercoaster you must be on. Seeing what happened to the Beach Barn in cyclone Harold and all the hard work and love that went in to relocating it, for this to happen so soon after, you all must feel so heartbroken. At the same time, it seems awfully serendipitous that you left when you did. A new beginning and we wish you all the very best 😊

[@mrmoss149]

Dior- thank you for sharing. Having met your family via the Wynn's, you had more people worrying and praying for you all than you will ever know. So relieved to see and hear all of your voices. For every door that closes, several others open. Don't lose yourself to this- rise above it. I know that sounds cliche, but from others who have lost everything they knew, you too can do this. You already are on the way. Looking forward to hearing more from you. If there is anything I can possibly do- please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks again

[@memmar1]

I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for you and your family and friends who lost your house. I'm truly sorry.

[@Cliffanese]

Seen you and your amazing family on Gone With the Winds. My heart goes out to all that have been affected.

[@brydiedonaldsonmakeupartis5684]

Ive never met you, but since the eruption I found you here and have followed along, your family is incredible Dior

[@CuriousHumbleMarie]

Such a terrible loss of beautiful home. Seeing those horses swim in the ocean was one the most amazing and beautiful things I've seen my life...so happy that they're okay. May Angela rest in peace...what a beautiful soul lost. I'm praying the animals get the care, and all the food and water they need asap. How sad that Sam lost his home twice...I hope the GoFund raises much money for his family to again start over. Please let us know if your parents plan on rebuilding Dior. Much love and blessings to you and your family. 💙🙏💙

[@Tanderssen]

So so sorry for you guys and for all the beautiful Tongan families that have been effected. We love your passion for wildlife, the ocean and sustainability. Your videos are inspirational. We hope your fundraising project is a great success, such kind people to be thinking of others when you are suffering yourselves. Peace and love to you ✌️❤️

[@sandyj342]

This is so heart breaking. I can feel it in your voice. The Wynns episodes in Tonga were some of their best so far. It was great when they were at your place. Hard to believe so much hard work destroyed in an instant. Stay strong Dior and family.

[@robertscranton8293]

Sending good vibes to you, your family and the island...

[@paulsharp9295]

We saw the vid of you and your folks going to the volcano when your dad said the sand was hot... I hope you all can bounce back from this and good luck at uni.

[@RichardRoger1966]

God Bless, Godspeed Folks... That's to ALL Island residents. I only heard about you, your channel, your island through "Gone with the Wynns" ... When the eruption hit, I was initially scared for the Wynns, as I believed they were in the area. Then I thought of you and your family, as I knew you were living very close by to the volcano. I know there are thousands of people there, but they are faceless and currently nameless. I can only imagine the fear from those moments: hearing those shockwaves, seeing those tsunami waves and then struggling to survive in the aftermath. One day I hope to visit those shores. Safe Travels...

[@hrddrvto]

Dior, I am so very sorry to hear the news. I came to know of you and your amazing family via the Wynns when they were visiting you there in Tonga. My heart goes out to you and your family and all the people of Tonga that have lost so much. Hopefully one day the place you called home can be rebuilt. - Hugh - Canada

[@kurtislucien9052]

Love you sorry about your home i have to find a new home to ill be trying to head south this summer maybe see the ocean for the first time life is uncertain and everyday is a wild adventure

[@patraic5241]

I was afraid this is what happened. I figured that the main tsunami would have to have landed on Nomuka right about where your home was. The important thing is no lives were lost. All else are things that can be replaced or rebuilt given time. Still I'm saddened to have to take whale watching at Nomuka off the ol'bucket list for now. It's not much but I've put $25 on the go fund me for Sam and his family. Keep the faith.

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

In life nothing is guaranteed. Gifts are bestowed and one day they can vanish - those gifts can happen in many forms, as you know so well. You and your family had the gift of many years in being in what might be considered paradise. The gift of timing was given when you were spared having to go thru the devastation first hand. Saddening though is Sam (?) and his family caretaking your property were directly affected. There's nothing I can write that can console or rationalize away the impact of what's happened in all of your lives. But you must remember that you've now lived to fight another day. Your spirit is strong. Your previous posts are gifts to us all and gave us a wonderful essay into your life when you were on the island. There is something good in this, you will all find it, and it will make you better. (edit: BTW, you have a wonderful, natural talent for assembling and presenting your stories - documentaries are maybe a better way to describe them. They're beautifully, thoughtfully crafted and with lasting impact.)

[@jamessandman3708]

Dior, I am so sorry for your loss. I send you strength and good vibes to you and your family and everyone on the island. Build it back bigger and better and stronger with more of your beautiful creative influence! Much love and good wishes!

[@richardhamilton7496]

I’m very sorry for your loss, such sad news. Keep the humor, it will help you. x

[@Trishpage312]

What a wonderful snap shot into your lives. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@darylsymister3764]

Those photos are so devastating Dior - saw the notification 4 days ago, watched your video last night, & woke up thinking about it - can't believe the devastation 😥, so worried for those left on the island, and that you, your parents have lost so much.. Praying, standing with all of you, right now. It's so difficult to say any thing, it is just awful - it's good to get news from Tonga - here in NZ the focus is already shifting away, despite how huge the impact has been there, and now there's Covid as well - please keep updates if you can of how those there rebuild, and cope.. So sorry for all you've lost.. Awhi to you all, Arohanui..'d.

[@brianevolved2849]

Ho well, At least you and your family and friends are safe ❤

[@williesful]

I did think of you guys and wondered how your beautiful paradise was after the volcano eruption. So sorry for your families loss one of those gems that the Wynns introduced me too. Very devastating. Wishing you the best in Tauranga and welcome to NZ

[@adriennefloreen]

The fact that the only thing left standing of all of your structures was the concrete footings of your own bedroom/safe room for belongings shows and tells so much about how intelligent you were. I wonder if you were even psychic, you seemed nervous talking about it when it was first built. When I was pregnant with my son and about to go on a long drive I had nightmares of crashing into a truck. The first day of our drive we saw a truck crash and fly over a cliff. We called the police, I assumed my premonition had come true. 2 days later, a truck literally drove over our car, we almost died, lucky to be alive. There is a reason you seemed nervous and made them make your building the strongest one.

[@eeteetravelfreely0001]

Dior... what's happening...no news for a long time... Hope you n your parents r all okay... take care ❤️🙏

[@RiverWoods111]

This came across my feed probably because I follow the Wynns, and somehow the algorithm connected the dots. I am so glad to see that you are all okay. I have been a bit worried about your family and the many other ones in Tonga for that matter. Sending love to your family!

[@traumagas123]

So Sad to Hear this......Something Called you guys away from the Island !!! The world needs its guardians and thats your calling.....believe it or not !!! Karma.....works in mysterious. What do your Plan to Study ?

[@williamgrimberg2510]

Had great ideas and intentions , it was all just to low and close to the sea as millions of others are. It seems the earth is becoming more active and we all have to take this into consideration when building anything. Even then , there are no guarantees in life . So sorry for your and the other peoples loss on that beautiful island.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

So sorry for your loss-prayers for you and your family.

[@Kathleensailorgirl]

Dior I am so sorry that you and your family have lost your beautiful home.prayers for you all.🙏🙏

[@padraigAZ]

it feels weird to 'like' this video. So heartbreaking. but 'the algorithm' best of luck to you at school and a bright future ahead of you. I was introduced to y'all when the Winns visited. Hopefully your parents can rebuild. Keep up the videos please!

[@laurafarris895]

What a wonderful video mosaic of an amazing home! I am so thankful for the cosmic timing that kept your family safe. My heart goes out for all the loss, but is ever hopeful that the rebuilding will bring healing and a greater bonding. Peace and blessings on your new journey

[@Canucker4Life]

I would have never known about your incredible family without the Wynn’s. I was truly touched and inspired when they posted your family’s life. I wish I was there. Told my wife to add your place to our bucket list. There’s only 5 items on it. When the news broke about Tonga, eruption, tsunami, the only thing I could think about was you you and your family. Absolutely devastated by the outcome. Not even sure what to say, like when you go to a funeral, but it’s called a “Celebration of Life”. Cherry coating a shit feeling. One thing I do know (feel), you are going to be ok. School now. Interesting, you’ve had more school (life) than my 2 university kids. Did you say Toronto? (Proud Canadian here). Wishing you all the best in your future

[@DBartWest]

Thanks for updating us.

[@dianeramsey6688]

OMG! Nothing left but the cement foundation! I am so sorry to see that. It was a charming, magical place. I am glad I got to see it before it was destroyed. I am glad you have photos. Maybe some can be framed. You can go back some day. But right now I am glad you are alive and well and ready to study. Please tell us a little of what you will be studying.😄

[@richardc4586]

It must be really difficult, even heart breaking to see your home destroyed. The blessing is that you weren't there. Be strong. If you want it, then it can be re-done, better.

[@mikeyipeekyeh]

Moving to Toronto you say? Wow, that's a step backwards. Just sayin'.... 🤪 Hope it all works out well for you, and your parents. You've all certainly had your share of challenges in recent times. God bless you all. 😇

[@paratyshow]

So, so sorry. Have personaly experienced the raw destructive power of the ocean and storms it produces taking away years and even generations of hard work in just a few minutes. Having watched your story after the Wynns video I feel sure that you will all be alright after some time and maybe it will be a good change for you with your current path studing in NZ. Good luck, stay strong and thanks for the GREAT VIDEOS!

[@tomriley5790]

So sorry that you've lost such a wonderful place Dior but glad that you were all not there as it looks to me very much like you'd all have been killed, things no matter how lovely can be replaced, people can't. Thank you again for your lovely video, you'll always have the memories they will never go :-)! Hope the rebuilding goes well!

[@kiki.arielscrystalco]

Sending so much love to you guys and everyone in Tonga. Will share all of the gofundme links. (And have fun in Tauranga! I lived there in 2017 and love it so much. Make sure to head to Waihi Beach, and Kati Kati for a play on the piano in front of the library 🎨🌞)

[@zenseed75]

Life is weird. Here one minute and gone the next. Trying to figure out the life lessons from an event such as this one. Your home was beautiful and your barn helped make dreams come true. So many memories even if not tangible. I can't help but wonder if you have anything left of your brothers. 🥺

[@handanarts]

Sorry to hear the sad news about the house. Wishing you the best of luck at university

[@freeradical431]

Much love from Oregon!

[@eeteetravelfreely0001]

Sorry to hear of your losses.. Sam is okay ya. They say 3rd lucky...n I hope u will rebuild again.. at the moment I m also struggling with my problems that has lasted 2 years unable to visit my land n family in Thailand... yes set up a go fund me...I will need your link to spread the information.. thank you Doir Sheen n family's stay safe stay strong 🙏💖

[@juliecarpenter8295]

My heart goes out to you and everyone else from those Islands. 💜💜💜

[@nataliacaleo9246]

You are stunning! Greetings from italy 🦓🦄🌟

[@petnzme]

Donated! Good luck💕

[@anonymousanonymous5332]

Such a big loss on many different levels.

[@2212db]

Sorry to hear this sad news. I can't begin to imagine how you start to rebuild your home, but I pray you do. It's a beautiful island that most folk will never see without your videos. Stay strong

[@keithallison3756]

I am so incredibly sorry!!

[@bruceday450]

very good ep. music just brilliant. when editing, can i suggest you try dissolve transitions?happy to watch too, when you edit as is you desire

[@laillii]

That Thanks Sam at the end broke me

[@locxamvlog8414]

Lộc chúc bạn vui vẻ đi chơi tấm biển

[@marclawyer2789]

Sorry for you and for your friends loss: I can't imagine what they went through (along with the other Islands) and how hard it will be to bounce back (the land looks pretty devastated). I would happily donate, but not through GoFundMe (as I imagine a lot of people wouldn't, due to 'issues' with releasing funds): could you please set up through givesendgo and I'll send $100. Thank you for the videos (discovered you guys via the Wynns' channel) and good luck in NZ with your studies. 👍🤞

[@vjbond3945]

Hey Dior. Sorry to see but life goes on and keep ya chin up✌ wish I had more intelligence to sum up a better comment but regards to you and your family. Vin in NZ

[@mikefinn]

Life often throws us curves. Keep your chin up and plot a new course. Even if not asked for, these events open up new paths which will increase your confidence once you engage life fully again. Wondering if you are going to study veterinary medicine?

[@KarynnLynn]

Thanks for the video Dior. It's just heartbreaking. I am so sorry. Can you tell us what you will be studying?

[@fgansell]

Wow, Dior. You are so good at making these videos, maybe this is what you are going to study perhaps animal husbandry, funny name though,or I hope Sam and his Fam will do ok.

[@michaeljoyner6470]

Sorry my friend!💥

[@jmsask]

🙏✌️

[@mikeadams3292]

Sorry 😞 to hear. Are you rebuilding ?

[@timhouser]

Seems fortunate folks were not there when the tsunami hit. Something comes to mind about building your house on the sand...

[@sharonhart8360]

What happened to your other two dogs and cat?

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Its a Disaster for your familly friends and Tonga. As a Geologist and Environmental Scientist you all had an incredible escape ... If that blast had gone off more towards Tonga it would have been truly horrific.... I dont know what you plan to study in NZ but one of my old friends worked in Environmental planning in NZ he was from near Tarinaki .. The Oceans and the Islands need people with the knowledge and experience to protect and preserve them both from manmade problems and the natural extremes like this... We cannot stop a Volcanoes from erruption most islands owe their very existence to their activitys .. Even in the Mediteranian there are active volcanoes surrounded by hundreds of thousands of peoples homes.. We need to understand how they behave ...to learn to how to monitor and interpret them far more carefully and we need people who can plan how to minimise and prevent the human disasters and help people understand what needs to be done and why. These problems are not going to go away ... so the only way to deal with the risks is get to grips with the problems. Annak Krakatoa is showing all the signs of developing like its father ... The Boxing day indian ocean 🌊 Tsunami will eventually happen again somewhere .. yet i still see the same mistakes being repeated. Cyclones are getting more frequent and intense... same with hurricanes. But if we fail to protect and restore the natural coastlines their impact will get worse. You know the legend of the the 🌈 warrior's .. it looks like its your time..🌐 🎆🧙‍♂️

[@andrewjohnson9279]

💔

[@bipinshahi9830]

Oh! Hello there! Everybody donate them heavy💰💰💰 now i see your father as a handsome man and keep moving on, And Please! Say hi to the 🦈, God and I'm allergic to school, college and university. And i am clean as heaven thus i don't have to get shower and i love your bed its beautiful courageous🤪 like you do. I'm okay! Here alone for a while, And seriously if you want to go to the spirit realm i can help you to have your brother again not matterically but telepathically, Telekinesislly and Teleportationlly i mean spiritually. But in the future as science evolves we may mange to have every lost spirits back in to the physical forms.

[@romans156]

You took the chance and you lost it. It sometimes happens but you knew it did not you? Mother nature....

[@pred7949]

im not sure i understand how you guys thought that what you built, would withstand a severe tropical storm nevermind a tsunami, knowing in what area you decided to go play in.

[@megmillcar]

Go fund me has proven unreliable with our Canadian trucker friends, a massive boycott of sorts. Givesendgo is another option. Just fyi on the worldwide boycott. Godspeed you beautiful humans♥️

[@izzad777]

I am so sorry.

[@justinsmith4562]

Sick of listening to your sob story. Toughen up.

[@finnpenter6545]

Wow it's almost as if....you could just....and idk this is just an idea...but not watch the video...asshole

[@marceld6061]

Putz. Move along. Consider yourself lucky that you live a charmed life? Dior is inspiring others. What have you done lately??