In the span of a decade, Andrew and Kath have crafted an extraordinary, inspiring love story rich with resilience and mutual aspirations. Their purposeful journey began with connecting in Port Vila. Their connection really deepened when Andrew spent two years in Vanuatu. To prepare the Vanuatu women’s beach volleyball team for the Rio Olympics, Kath had an exciting task ahead of him. She soon found herself living on the beautiful island of Malekula. The couple’s path to love was not without challenges, particularly during the cyclone that forced Kath’s evacuation and tested their emotional strength.
In Port Vila in February 2015 Andrew and Kath were re-united after three months living separately. The reunion took place just after Kath herself was evacuated from Malekula because of an approaching cyclone. Later that month, a second, even more powerful cyclone bore down on the islands. It triggered catastrophic winds that went over 300 km/h, which severely endangered residents still in the area. The traumatic experience had left Kath both physically and emotionally shaken and suffering from debilitating anxiety. In the aftermath of the storm, she went back to Australia for three weeks to recover.
Through all of these obstacles, the couple took comfort in one another. A few days after the cyclone, they opened up about their experience in Kath’s hotel room. Just this kind of moment cemented their loyalty to one another. Their relationship deepened when Andrew asked for Kath’s hand in marriage on a trip to Ubud, Bali. This romantic gesture eventually brought them to their 2019 wedding in Lismore, where they’ve continued to grow their family and return home together.
Since their marriage, Andrew and Kath have welcomed three children into their lives: a four-year-old boy and twin girls who are just five months old. Parenthood has transformed both Andrew and Kath, allowing them to grow individually and as a couple. Most importantly, they’ve each taken the plunge into parenthood. Just as often, though, they address the challenges—often glorifying and glorified—as glorious challenges, finding the strength and magic in parenthood.
In May 2016, Andrew and Kath took the big step of moving permanently to Lismore, Australia. Throughout this transition they built a stable home base that would accommodate their rapidly growing family. They lamented leaving their beautiful home away from home in Vanuatu. The couple have been back to Port Vila three times since their departure. Every excursion renews their island ardor while helping them discover its culturally rich, colorful past.
Looking ahead, Andrew and Kath have plans to return to Vanuatu in a few years. They aspire for their children to experience island life firsthand, sharing with them the vibrant culture and natural beauty that first brought them together. This vision is symbolic of their desire to preserve a connection with the land from which they came, while investing in the future of their family.
Andrew and Kath delight in the chaos of shared parenting, friendship, and awkward adulting. Their story is one of resilience, love and common dreams. Their journey highlights the importance of support during difficult times and the enduring power of love that transcends distances and challenges.