Monday, June 27, 2011

3275 Earthquakes {Multitude Monday IV}



It's been a while since I blogged. As in, properly blogged.

Mainly, it's been a lack of time. I've been feeling very time-poor, especially for spending time on the internet. Time spent with precious friends is so much more rewarding.

But mostly, for the first time in my life, I haven't known what to say.

Profound insights seem to have left me. Or at least the ability to articulate them.

How many times can I blog earthquake pictures? Surely people get tired of it. People that aren't in Christchurch, that is. Christchurch people are tired anyway. Not sleeping has a way of doing that to you.

It's been almost five months since I arrived in this beautiful country.

I came with peace and assurance that this is where I am supposed to be. At least for a season.

Then the ground shook. It has hardly stopped shaking. There have been 3275 earthquakes in the five months I've been here. For those that have lived here longer, the number is over double that. I always thought an earthquake was just that. A single earthquake. Aftershocks were not part of my vocabulary until February.

The shaking cannot shake the peace within. There is uncertainty, and there is adrenaline, all of which only drive me closer to the One that is unmovable and unchangeable. The One who gives peace that cannot be found anywhere else. Peace beyond understanding.

And above the fear rises courage. Be strong and of good courage, He whispers. The Maori's say, kia kaha, but that is only part of it. This strength and courage isn't for ourselves. It is for others. It is through Him.

While driving the streets after yet another significant aftershock, I see flooding and silt and more broken fences and chimneys and homes.

I weep.

I weep not for Christchurch. I weep for the people. People that are not coping. People who are so stressed they want to leave. People who are angry. Angry at the quakes, angry at the government, angry at everyone.

People who have no hope and no peace. People who need God, so very badly.

I ask what can I do, when those I try to talk with are uninterested, yet I know, this is where I need to be right now. Not back home in my comfort. But here. Where I can attempt to make a difference. Through Him. Because I'm a hopeless help without Him.

There has been so much I have learnt through all of this. In the natural, in the spiritual, in terms of revelations and the Word being made more real, and in realising my own weaknesses and faults and being blessed by the fellowship of others. So much.

Most of it hasn't been blog material, as it is best and hidden in the heart, or shared with dear friends.

That is why I haven't blogged. I feel I have little to share, other than things really are no better here in Christchurch, and to share something lighthearted feels trite when so many around me are struggling. I'm not sure if I'll continue to blog, unless it be to just post pictures. Or perhaps I'll relax my expectations and keep my posts much more simple.

And, I can always, always give thanks.



* For every one of the 3275 earthquakes that have rocked Christchurch since I arrived

* For all He has taught me in the experience

* Learning to exist on minimum pay, and realising... He really does supply my needs. All the rest were just unneeded wants.

* Frosty nights and sunshiney days

* The amazing people I have the privilege of boarding with

* Late night fellowship

* Skype talks

* Unexpected blessings

* After church dinner and silly conversation and laughing so hard

* The opportunity to volunteer

* Birthday parties

* Good food

* The way He saw me through my marathon cramming for final exams... so that I didn't have to flunk

* Electric blankets

* A safe and secure and warm house

* For bumps in the road

* Shovelling liquefaction with good friends

* Hiking, walking, talking, photo-taking

* New Zealand scenery

* Himself... His presence, His reality, His revelation. The awe of the Gospel story, that I could be united with the King of Heaven. Such love... such grace.


Photos: Quake Damage, Liquefaction, Lake Taylor in North Canterbury - young people's hike

Wednesday, June 1, 2011