I knew when we first came to New Zealand that the land was geologically and historically young. The folds of the hills looked to me like the wrinkles of a new born child. As a geographer I knew all too well the physically volatile nature of New Zealand’s land. But the danger always felt distant. There were moments I felt the land’s power; small earthquakes in Wellington and Napier, a small volcanic eruption on Mt Ruapehu one winter’s day in 1997 when we were skiing down the slopes of Turoa, the geysers, mud pools and smoking fumeroles of Rotorua; walking on the acidic, barren and sulphur rich, active volcano of White Island. But these glimpses to New Zealand’s powerful underbelly excited me.
When Charlotte asked me the ‘What if?’ question about an earthquake happening in Wellington I gave her an honest, but gentle reply.
We live in a very young country, but it is because of it’s volatile nature that it is so very beautiful. We should always be prepared, but we shouldn’t live in the presence of fear. We are just as likely to have an accident crossing the road, slipping in the bathroom or falling from a tree.
Many people believe that our lives are in the hands of God and when our time is up, it’s up. We may have lived a long or a short time on Earth, but our spirit will live on. What is most important is to live every day the best we can. To make sure our family know how much we love them. To work hard to get along and be kind to one another. To make every moment count. Life is like a gift, that’s why it is called ‘the present’.
Charlotte was content with my reply and said she wasn’t always worried. We talked about all the wonderful things people are doing to help the people of Christchurch. New Zealanders have BIG hearts and are very open, friendly people. It wasn’t just the land that attracted me to Aotearoa. The people have hearts of gold and genuinely care about one another.
The recent events of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch have naturally made me a little more fearful of the fact that Wellington is ‘overdue’ a major earthquake. Yes, I admit to getting online and looking at properties in the UK with the thought of, ‘Could we relocate? Should we?’.
But then, this week, I’ve seen my children happy at school, spending their after school time running barefoot and free on the sand, walking safely to and from school in the heart of a a community that really cares. None of us can anticipate what life will throw at us. I know it sounds flippant, in the face of the recent tragedy, but perhaps it is even more important than ever to really live life fully.
Many people have lost their lives, babies are among the dead. I look today at my children’s faces and when they test me or drive me to frustration I stop myself short and think, ‘What if?’.
This week I have been in awe of the way New Zealanders have banded together as a country to give, with so many ‘Stories of Kindness‘. I have faith in this country and no matter where my life journey takes me a part of my Aroha will always lie in Aotearoa.
To help see links here:
NZ Ministry of Civil Defence – includes information on making a donation, giving blood and the Government ‘Hotline’ number.
Christchurch Earthquake Support on Trade Me – Emergency accommodation, transport, lost & found pets, volunteer labour
Wellington
Cafe L’affare opening on Sunday 27 February – ALL PROCEEDS to Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
Welly Walks the Walk for Christchurch – 26 March
Related posts
November 22, 2016 A week of earthquakes, floods and wind
July 23, 2013 Prose for Thought | In Transition – Preparing for an international move (whilst the ground shakes beneath us!)
March 26, 2011 Welly Walks the Walk for Christchurch!
March 1, 2011 Two minutes silence for Christchurch today
February 27, 2011 Into the School Groove
February 22, 2011 In total shock