Another Full Week...

 Following on from the previous post:

It was a good thing we went to the beach when we did because the very next day I woke up to rain. And that same day, Tuesday February 22 at 12.51pm, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked Christchurch and affected the lives of a nation!!! Without a TV I wouldn't have known except that I got a text from my father-in-law from CHCH who said there had just been a major earthquake - they were ok, but their place was badly damaged. Then there was a bit more chatter at the Kindy during the "Meet the Parents" social we had planned... I don't think anyone really understood at that point what was really going on!

As more information came in and we began to understand the scope, we realized with heavy hearts that this was serious - gravely serious!

So this week has been very full, but not so fun as Tony was sent to Christchurch on Wednesday evening on a 5pm flight to help out with Chinese-speaking rescue teams. While he has been assisting in the thick of the chaos, generous people all over Wellington (and the nation) have been finding ways to help their brothers and sisters in the South Island. ARISE Church Wellington quickly put together an action plan to support and assist ARISE, Christchuch which took the shape of a couple of trucks and a bus/van hauling donated goods packed into boxes to distribute to families in need. Many in our church family have been working non-stop since Tuesday afternoon to bring God's love in practical ways to people who's lives have been forever altered. And now we pray and continue to keep our eyes open for ways to comfort and love because this is not going to end overnight, or anytime soon. Thankfully Dad and Lynne are safe, along with the other Clark relatives. But the city will never be the same, nor will the people of New Zealand.