I would like to share with you some of the observations of the people who are involved with the Christchurch earthquake.
“Fear is infectious, do not use it” would be one of the human spirits I have observed, and with 5000 aftershocks, when people must have thought that "I could die," the people continue on regardless!
One of my war cries for several years now has been “the most extinct species is dedicated, committed leaders.” Well, I have found a bunch, and seen a lot of committed and dedicated leaders here rise, like the phoenix, from the rubble of the Christchurch earthquake.
Leadership has been demonstrated at all levels, from the Prime Minister and the Christchurch Mayor to all the amazing people from many countries, our very own New Zealand officials, and the citizens in the street.
Constant updates from the Mayor Bob Parker and the various sector leaders have kept us well-informed, with constant messages of health (boil water before drinking) and the importance of taking care of ourselves and others when we experience anxiety or stress. The message is clear: “we are not in this alone.”
Comments from a US rescue team captain: “We are honoured by the graciousness of New Zealand people.” An Australian tourist commented that the New Zealand people "really care about us as tourists. They didn't want us to have a bad opinion of Christchurch and their country." (That is love, care, and commitment, all rolled into one!)
25% of the buildings so far have to be demolished but it is much higher in the central business district. We constantly see on television so many small acts of kindness. One thing that is amazing is that every person who has lost someone and experienced deep tragedy always finishes with a positive inspirational comment. It is quite amazing. I do not know if it is because New Zealanders are an island people, but it is so inspiring, and motivating.
The student army is now up to approximately 20,000. The leader commented “motivation is the oxygen we survive on."
This catastrophe has brought us all together, not only as a city, but as a nation. Out of this experience, we have an opportunity to grow and build not only a new Christchurch city, but to learn, and we can make a better New Zealand.
In the middle of all this, there is a newly built building with many panes of glass, which stands in the centre of the CBD. with no panes of glass fractured, built by new techniques. We can look at Kobe in Japan to show us that these things are possible.
Many years ago, a quote came into my life, which has proved to be true time and time again (nd I am a senior, senior citizen!) and that is: God's way of giving us a gift is wrapped inside a problem.
I have seen so many gifts come out of this Christchurch earthquake, which will make us as a people, as a nation, stronger and better equipped to face the challenges of the planet. As a long-time student of metaphysics, I know that in life, "there are no accidents.” Let’s put on a happy face, and encourage each other to love and care.