Earthquake

It has been exactly one week since NZ was shook by a very shallow earthquake which destroyed Christchurch. To date 164 have died, still around 60 missing, and many many more severely injured. I can't even begin to describe how emotional this week was for the entire country.



Those of you that live here, will know. And will be familiar with these images. These are only a few of the many, many horror sights around the city.



You expect things like this to happen to third world countries, but not developed countries with good infrastructure. 6 months ago Christchurch had a larger in size, but further away earthquake in which just about all the buildings in the city had to be evaluated and reinforced. NZ was lucky - there were no casualties and the damage was only minor compared to the latest earth quake.



Christchurch is a beautiful city. In fact, if I had my way - I'd move there in a heartbeat. Gorgeous old historic buildings, close to the Southern Alps and ski resorts, the gateway to Antarctica etc. I'm not entirely surprised about the historic buildings that collapsed. Who would expect a modern building to collapse? I pray that those trapped, and who perished died very quickly. I can't even imagine the fear they must have felt.



Now that I have kids of my own, everything is seen with a different perspective. One of the first casualties named was of a 9 month old and a 4 month old. The 4 month old had a TV fall on top of him. I read the story of the mother on the Internet and just couldn't stop crying. This could happen to anybody. At any time. What if it was me? That poor baby had no chance. The mother saw that he was turning grey. Desperately tried to ring the ambulance but couldn't get through. Ended up trying to drive herself to the hospital. Found a nurse helping others in the streets along the way. He died. That poor baby had no chance. Precious moments to be held onto forever. I'm wishing his family and all the others who have missing loved ones all the strength in the world to get through this. The entire country is thinking of you.



Then there are the children. The children who waited at school to be picked up by a parent after the earthquake, and no one arrived. The children who have lost a mother or a father. The difficulty of picking up your family and moving forward after a death...



James just happened to be on a navy ship in the port of Littleton (the epicenter) when the quake hit. Thank goodness he was on that ship and not on the land. He said that the ship 'literally jumped up out of the water and there was a big BOOM.' Their first reaction was 'there's been an engine explosion.' Fortunately, there were about 500 army/navy/airforce personnel who immediately sprung into action helping out with search and rescue, and security around the inner CBD. James got very little sleep those first few days and he helped stand guard and assist others. I am incredibly proud of him, and his ability to help during this awful time. Most of NZ is wanting to help, to do more, but all we can do is donate money and give support.



I felt guilty being at work last week. The whole week was a write off. The country was glued to the TV and internet - waiting for them to announce if they had found any more survivors and for live updates.



Christchurch has a long way to go in recovery. Still most of the city is without water, sewerage, and many still have no electricity. There's a massive effort in trying to reduce crime (looters are being named and shame and because it's a national emergency will not get bail, and immediately get thrown into jail). Most of all the country has joined together in support and it amazes me that a few lowlifes will take advantage of the situation. The good that has come out of this, has been the incredible generosity and spirit that the whole country has displayed. A country as small as this, really can come together in times of crisis.



The whole country stopped today for 2 mins of reflection at 12:50pm. Everyone. McDonald's shut. Buses stopped, the radio was quiet. Wyatt and I attended a memorial service at All Saints church with several hundred people, including the Mayor and other community leaders. While we all grieved and prayed together, I couldn't stop thinking about the things I have been blessed with. As Wyatt wiggled to get out of my arms, and I kissed his forehead I felt so incredibly lucky. To be alive. To have my family. This week has really put everything in perspective.



As sad as it has been, it has reminded me to hold tight to those that you love. Cherish each day, and tuck those memories to be buried deep into your hearts forever.