life after shock: 1 month later

Okay, so it's really been about a month + a week. Some days, when the memories are really fresh, it seems more like it's been only a few days. On other days, those five weeks feel more like five months - SO MUCH has happened.

Over the past few weeks, a lot has been going on in our city - roads and infrastructure being repaired, stable buildings being approved for use, unstable buildings being demolished. It has been interesting to see the buildings marked by S&R (search and rescue) crews from all over the world - QLD (Queensland), NSW (New South Wales), JPN (Japan).

Overall, the superficial recovery has seemed quick. Roads that were undrivable just after the quake are now level (gravel, but level). But we learned from the first quake last September that it's what is underneath that counts. Slowly, as we enter the long-term recovery stage, the damage that lies below the surface - from broken pipes to broken families - will begin to make itself known. It's during this phase, the one that is to come, that we will be tested. And the need for electricity, clean tap water, and smooth roads will be replaced by the need for the less tangible but just as important resources of community, positivity, and hope.

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Some of my current favourites: Dandelion Clothesline | Frozen | Baby Giraffe #5 | Nethermead

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Which is your favourite?

life after shock

Almost a month ago (wow, has it been a month already?!) we experienced our second major earthquake in six months. Our city, Christchurch, New Zealand, was pummeled by a 6.3 that was shallow and close, meaning the destruction was acute - the worst in this country's recent memory.
As we continue to process this disaster, I thought I would share the journey with you. As we rebuild our lives, and as we work alongside our friends and neighbours to rebuild our city, I will share with you our struggles (e.g., how to build a make-shift toilet in your garage) and our victories (e.g., actually building a toilet in our garage!).
One thing I've always known: after earthquakes come aftershocks. What I know now: life after the shock of a major disaster becomes a new kind of life - a braver, more prepared, more determined kind of life. And it seems more precious now than ever.

日本のために祈りなさい

My heart is going out to everyone affected by Friday's earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I've grown up watching disaster footage on television, and it's always heartbreaking. But after living through an earthquake (or 2) myself, the footage now triggers a racing pulse and a bit of queasiness as well. I've had a taste of what they are going through, and my prayers today are on their behalf.