Take 3

I have written two posts about the terrible Earthquake that rocked my home city last week. But I have a heavy heart and soul and my words were not enough to describe my feelings or to do justice to what my family and friends are going through. I am also aware of how easy it is to over sensationalise  - I do not want to do that.

Anyway, this is my third attempt - maybe this one will get posted??!!

First of all I need to say that I feel blessed to have come up to Auckland when we did. My family has been saved twice from these disasters. If I indulge in the what ifs, I can say that had we stayed my husband could quite possibly not be here as his office was destroyed (no one was in there in his place thank goodness).  But we were here and I am thankful.

I am also feeling guilty that I am not there to help my friends who are going through tough times.  Not sure what I could have done: dig, cook meals, offer a bed and shower and laundry, look after kids, a shoulder to cry on, give hugs....

I am so proud of my family and friends. They have been brave, they have helped out where they can and they are surviving through trying times. 

My husband rang me last Tuesday to let me know what had happened. Panic set in and I rang my Mum, she had been in Opawa at the time of the quake. She had tried to comfort some high school girls (sisters from Heathcote) and tried to get them back to their home. I am proud of her for doing this. She did not get home til 6.30 that night after 5 and a half hours of driving in a war zone. Her wee work car was put to the limit as she drove through water and 4WD territory. She is safe, but I think the realisation of what she had been through did not hit her til days later.

Dad was fine, he was at home in Rangiora which is relatively untouched. Stressful times as he waited for Mum to get home, but he knew she was safe.

I had a phone conversation with a friend that I will never forget. The distress in her voice as she could not get to her son (5 years old) and had no idea how he was. Thank God he was fine, but I can not imagine how she must have felt in the time she waited to have him back home with her.

Many friends have lost their homes. Some have relocated. Some are working hard as Police and Firemen doing a job I do not envy and am so thankful for people like them. I am also thankful to their families who have to carry on while their husbands are off working - such a sacrifice they are all making.

Up here we feel quite helpless. We have offered for any of our friends and family to come and stay when/if they need a break. We are donating where we can. We are praying. And we are sending our love.

I saw several shooting stars this weekend while we were away camping. I made a wish on each one for our family, friends and all of Christchurch.

The one thing I am doing to help is the Walk for Christchurch organised by Gail. It is ONLY 16km. Best I get training!!! If you would like to join us send an email to Gail: geegeedomdivas (at) gmail (dot) com or if you would like to sponsor us please check out the website. All money raised will go to Red Cross for Christchurch. Click the button in my side-bar for more info.

I hope and pray that all those who you know and love in Christchurch are safe.