February 23, 2011
I want to start out this post in asking for prayers for all of the people of Christchurch, New Zealand. Yesterday, February 22, an earthquake shook the town of Christchurch. It measured a 6.3 on the Richter scale, with the first aftershock measuring 5.7. As of now, there have been a total of 33 aftershocks; more are expected. Currently, 75 people are declared fatalities, with many more missing. My heart goes out to the people who are suffering because of this disaster, and I pray that they get through this. Fortunately for me, I got out of Christchurch just in time. It was approximately 12:30pm when I was driving away from Christchurch. I drove past the big, beautiful Cathedral church, preparing for the 7-hour drive down to Queenstown. Leaving Christchurch I noticed that the gas tank was on “E” and so we decided to stop on the edge of town. My mind was so excited that we were going to see the group. Chances that we were leaving Christchurch before 1 were minimal, but since Dave’s eye was doing a bit better, we didn’t have to stay until the planned time of 4pm. I was excited to leave early, excited to meet up with the group again.
While filling up with gas, Dave decided it would be a good time to check the oil, along with other gauges in the car. He asked for my help and trying to read one that was in small print, and as I was leaning over the car, it happened. The car was shaking, and I was shaking. It didn’t hit me at first, but then I realized, I was in a real earthquake. I honestly am not sure the sequence of events that followed, as I was pretty worked out. The gas station roof was swaying back and forth, and the employees from the gas station came running outside. It was like time froze. The sound was unbelievable, it was silent except the rumble happening all around. Once it stopped, I was shaking. Going into the store, the clerk said something to the affect that “that quake did more damage that the last one we had in September” (There was a large earthquake measuring 7.1 in September, no fatalities thankfully). I was surprised to hear this, as I imagined that I would fall over or something if the quake was bad. Watching the clerk pick up the merchandise that fell from the quake, I thought to myself, “wow, I just experienced my first earthquake…”.
After paying for gas, and settling down a bit, it was time to hit the road. I got into the drivers seat, took a deep breath as I buckled up, and then it hit. The first aftershock, measuring 5.7 came. The car began to shake, I just sat frozen in the seat. Dave told me to pull forward, so we weren’t underneath the roof incase it collapsed, nervously, I did. I was so scared, the feelings are indescribable. I just wanted to get out of there. After pulling away, I was unaware of the damage that lay only 5 minutes away from me. Continuing towards Queenstown, we learned more. With each stop, the talk of the people was the quake, how many buildings were down, how many people were missing, and worse yet, how many people had died.
After driving more, I knew I needed to call home. Luckily I was able to use Dave’s phone. Hearing my mom’s voice was amazing, and I shrieked out a “Hi Mom!!!!” She scarcely said, “Nikki?” and I replied with “yeah, it’s me! Hi!!” What I heard next made me realize that this earthquake was nothing short of devastating. She began to cry, and managed to get out “you have no idea how worried I was…” My heart just sank. I hated hearing my mom that scared, but I knew that it meant things were not ok. Continuing towards Queensland I learned more and more about the disaster.
I cannot believe the devastation that the earthquake caused. Even more amazing is the fact that I was there when it happened. I felt the earth shake, the one thing that is ALWAYS stable, shake. Nowhere to run away from it, you just have to stand, and wait. Nothing to hold onto, because everything is shaking. It was so scary, but I am so thankful that we were out of town. I am definitely thanking God for keeping us safe, and for having Dave and myself outside of town. The YMCA where we were at was two blocks away from the Cathedral Church… I wanted to get pictures of it if I was going to have to hang out in Christchurch all day…. I am so thankful to be alive and well in Queenstown. My heart goes out to the people of Christchurch – and I hope you all will keep these people in your thoughts and prayers.
I found out today that New Zealand has now been declared as a Nation of Emergency. People from all over the world are coming to help Christchurch, and our PC group is trying to see if it is possible for us to help out for a few days. The articles in the papers, the stories on the news are heart wrenching. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering that people are going through, waiting to see if their loved ones will be found. I can only pray that people are found.
Everyone – live every day like it’s your last. If you love someone, tell them, and tell them every single day! Don’t take things for granted. Enjoy every single moment in life. Don’t ever rush, because you never know when your time will come. Things happen quickly, and without warning, so don’t hold grudges. Forgive people, and embrace your loved ones. Be thankful for what you have, and always smile.
I love you all. <3
No comments:
Post a Comment