Remembering 22 February, 2011: Christchurch, NZ

Here is some of my photography of the aftermath of the earthquake that occurred on 22 February, 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Click on any photo to see it enlarged.

Life stands still in a vacant coffee shop:

The pavement just outside of the above coffee shop:

The next 2 photos portray one of the first sights that my friend, Rach, saw when she ran out of her office building that day:

(Some of this has begun to go through the demolition process):

Every structure (from house to high rise building) in Christchurch has a "sticker" on it - green meaning it is completely safe to enter, yellow meaning only certain people may enter, red meaning it is very unstable and highly unsafe to enter:

This bridge was a popular place in Christchurch, and when I visited in 2009, I actually walked across it to the city centre. It is called the Bridge of Remembrance. There were some memorials at the gate restricting people from entering the city. I found it really interesting to see someone's physical photographs of that very spot before the earthquake made it's mark. Notice the high rise building that is missing to the right of the arch:

Snippet

A little preview of the photos I've been working on. Aftermath of the February earthquake in Christchurch.

A Better Day

Day 2 of my NZ holiday:

I slept in and when I got up, looked into some more visa stuff that I am still trying to get sorted.

Rach was at work until almost 3, so when she got home, we went to get some stuff done for my visa, including a chest x-ray. I must say, I love Christchurch. I walked into the radiology clinic and the whole waiting room was decked out with streamers, balloons, the words to the haka (new zealand maori dance which I have placed a link to the video below as an example), and the names of the All Blacks team members on each seat in the waiting room. So funny. The All Blacks are NZ's rugby team. Because the Rugby World Cup (RWC) is on right now, it's a huge deal here. I have never been much into sports, but I actually would like to get into watching it, because it creates so much community (well, and division I guess, if you let it. Haha).



We ate some pizza at an Italian restaurant, I met her boyfriend, and we all played some indoor mini golf! The place was so cute. I'll have to post some photos soon. Then we went to my favorite coffee shop here, the place Lydia and I went to in 2009. We fell in love with the shop, and I was so happy to be back. It was affected by the earthquake, but they have reopened since. Then we headed out to a park, where there was a place for fans of the RWC to gather. It's a small stadium & rugby field with huge tvs, food stands, etc. You can sit in the stands and watch the rugby on the huge tvs. It was lots of fun watching the two places I call home play against each other - Australia vs. USA game! I just wish I understood what was going on. Haha!!

Speaking of the earthquake that happened in February, we actually drove around the city to see where my friend was in the earthquake and to see some of the damage it caused. Rach was on the 3rd story of a business building, and thank God she was okay. But it did scare her, and the building definitely shook. She explained to me the whole story of how she got out and where they went and waited. She also showed me the first building she saw as she exited the office she was in - an old historic church, crumbled to pieces. She stated it was at that point that she knew something serious had happened. She then pointed to a high-rise building in the distance and explained to me that it used to have a glass elevator. She said when she had gotten outside, the glass was no longer there. I imagined what it must have been like that day. Terrifying, to say the least.

But I have high hopes for Christchurch. There is something beautiful about this city that goes beyond any landscape or historic building. There really is a heart of Christchurch - the people - who are ready to move forward - together. I love that. I have some photos I want to take, but my camera's memory cards aren't working and haven't been for months, so I need to sort that out. But we passed a whole street of local businesses, mainly car dealerships, that had been destroyed by the earthquake. Every building had spray paint or some kind of signage on it saying, "We have moved to...." There was one particular car dealership, though, that had written on it's window, "Our showroom is broken, but our spirits are not."

God is moving here, and what seems like a loss of heritage is actually an opportunity to rebuild a new future. As we passed this one building with a fence around it, I asked why no one was allowed to enter. There was no apparent damage. My friend explained to me that it was unstable, and therefore dangerous. That made me think about how we, in our own lives, go through times of shaking every now and then. It is in those times that we find out just how stable we are, and how well our foundation was built. Even sometimes we appear to be strong, but we are actually weak to the core. I saw a physical representation of this through a brick wall that had crumbled to the ground, whilst others around it had remained. Rach said, "It just depends on how well the structure was built."

That reminds me of what Jesus said so well Luke 6:47-49 =

"As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

I want to build my life on the Rock. I want it to be built on a firm foundation so that the storms of life will not be able to shake or destroy it. Thank you Jesus that you have saved me by your grace! Thank you that your grace is more than enough for EVERY season.

One of those "that-was-so-ridiculous-it's-comical" kind of days.

I am here. I made it. I am in New Zealand.

But, I must admit, today I couldn't use my usual, "getting there is half the fun" line.

1. 5:45am.
I wake up to my phone ringing. My beautiful friend, who is so kind as to pick me up at this time, is outside. We were supposed to leave at 5:30am. And I am still asleep. I didn't hear my alarm. Apparently my housemate in the room next door has though, as she so kindly knocks on my door at the same time. Oops! I run downstairs and, half-awake, open the door. There's my friend! But what's that noise I hear behind me? I turn on the light. Of course, the ceiling is leaking! Perfect! And now there's water everywhere. It's so bad that it's soaked through the couch onto the floor. Someone turns the water off in the midst of me brushing my teeth. Guess I won't be washing my face today! (A pipe was leaking, so we had no choice.)

2. 6:10am.
On the road. I start to get nervous, because traffic is getting bad. It's morning time in Sydney, hello! Check in closes at 7:55am, FYI.

3. 7:25am.
I head over to check in. I am notified that I am not allowed to leave the country without a return flight back into the country. Um, what the heck?!?! Why did the website say, then, that I should not make arrangements to return into the country before the visa is granted? And why did neither of the 2 people I spoke to in immigration mention this to me? So here I am, backed into a corner, and I have no choice but to buy this extremely expensive ticket. I am advised that I have to return within 6 days. Seriously, this still makes no sense to me. I'm not sure the airline lady knew what the heck she was talking about. Furthermore, my luggage is overweight, and I have to pay a good chunk of change for that. (I was taking carry on luggage only, but had to check in one bag in the end)

4. 7:50am.
I finally check in, and just in time.

5. 8:00am.
I rush through immigration and security. I have to be at my gate no later than 8:25am. And I haven't had breakfast. I'm starting to feel a bit sick to my stomach.

6. 8:15am.
I find a place with some really nice on the go breakfast. I pick up a blueberry and almond muffin, as well as some muesli and yogurt. I realize the queue is backed up, and there is no way I'm making my flight. It's either food or flight. Which one?...flight wins.

7. 8:20am.
I pass a newsagent. I buy a bag of soya crisps. I just need SOMETHING - and other than a candy bar or a bag of Doritos, please!

8. 8:25am.
I board the plane. Perfect timing!

9. 8:55am.
Take off. And to accompany it, what seems like two small children's first time on a plane - screaming, crying, and whining. And just silliness. I get that children have a hard time on planes, but these kids are old enough to be disciplined. And the parents never do. Not a big deal, I have headphones. And bright side of things, I had an empty seat next to me!

Other than the crappy trip here, I actually am having a great time with my friend, Rach, and can't wait to meet the people in her world and spend more time here in her beautiful country!I am looking forward to seeing the heart of Christchurch and what's left of this beautiful place just a little over 2 years from my last visit.

Just a little update on what my day looked like after all the bad stuff happened, because it only got better from there!

We went to a coffee shop after Rach picked me up from the airport and we got to catch up a bit. After that, we came to her house, and she made dinner for her, her brother and me. I applied for my visa, and I just have to sort out some things, but my application has been lodged and is being processed right now. I just have to get a chest x-ray. After I lodged the application, we went over to Rach's friends' house and tried her amazing date scones. They were so yummy! Much better than Baker's Delight.

And well, now I am off to sleep, because it is past my bedtime in NZ. (We are 2 hours ahead of Sydney time. Don't ask why, we just are. Haha)

Goodnight world.
(or Good Morning, depending which side you are on)

10 Years

Thinking of those who have lost loved ones over the past 10 years due to terrorism and war. Thank God He is always faithful to those who continually seek Him, and a comfort to those who mourn. Continuing to pray for America - that we will draw closer to God in the coming decades, and that the next 10 years will be even brighter than the last.

Read what my senior pastor wrote about America:
http://hillsongnyc.com/image/10-years-ago-today-i-was-nyc

A Living House

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."

- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Radioactive

I love this music video.
(and, of course, the music)

I watched a short behind the scenes thing on TV about it. I had never even seen the video before, but went and watched it on youtube right after I saw the program on TV.

The choir is amazing, and I love this concept. It's always neat to see the down to earth side of well-known musicians. How cute are the kids?! The energy level of the choir makes me smile and want to dance!

Here's a peek into the video that I saw on TV that day:

Mountains, Oceans, & Other Fleeting Things

Has anyone else noticed a theme amongst amazing songwriters lately?

Maybe it's just me. I believe it's no coincidence, either. This season is about knowing my Foundation - that I have a strong one, and just who He is.

"Take Heart" by Hillsong United.

There is a light
It burns brighter than the sun
He steals the night
And casts no shadow
There is hope
Should oceans rise and mountains fall
He never fails

So take heart
Let His love lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again

All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome

All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome

All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome

All our burdens
And all our shame
God our freedom
He has overcome

God our justice
God our grace
God our freedom
He has overcome

God our refuge
God our strength
God is with us
He has overcome

Beauty. Beauty. Beauty! Wrapped up in a song.



And, of course, a beautiful song I played the other day on my itunes for the first time in quite a while. Sometimes the older songs (though not necessarily old) just need to be busted out again.


"Shadowfeet" by Brooke Fraser

Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
Towards home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing; less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when i began
And I have sensed it all along,
Fast approaching is the day

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and the mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in you

There's distraction,
Buzzing in my head,
Saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
But I've heard rumours of true reality,
Whispers of a well-lit way

Or how about one of my favorite love songs to God!
"Trust" by Kristene Mueller

It's the sweetest thing
To trust you,
Just to know
You got everything under control.

You are making me a mountain,
You're making me a mountain
That cannot be shaken.

You are making me a mountain,
You're making me a mountain
That cannot be moved.

High up on a rock,
Looking out at the horizon,
Watching as the storm rolls in,
Wondering if my heart will survive it,
And as the waves crash all around me,
And I can't remember what it feels like to be free,

You say, "I've got you, my baby,
Oh I've got you.
It's quite a mess you're in,
But it's nothing love can't fix.
So sit here upon My shoulders
And watch as it all unwinds."

My heart rests when I listen to that song. It always makes we want to go climb a mountain and feel the breeze on my face.



I find it interesting that mountains, oceans, and skies are all portrayed in different ways in each song. In the first two songs, the point is being made that no matter what happens, even to the point of the very earth giving way, I will trust in You. I WILL trust in You, God. And the last song is a prayer of thanksgiving that He is making us unshakeable.

For me personally, I have gone through some rough spots in the last year. This season has definitely not been fun. But through it all, I have learned, and am learning, that no matter what crumbles to pieces in my life, my Foundation will remain true. Because though physical mountains may be uprooted whilst the earth is groaning for its Creator, He is making me into a spiritual mountain, one that cannot be shaken or moved.

50.

Today is my dad's 50th.
(Dad, don't freak that I just announced that on the internet, just embrace it)
;)

Just wanted to say that I love my dad very much. He has supported me in every season of life. There have been many times in my life where we have gone through different phases in our relationship, from vacations as a kid, to my stupid moments as a teenager where he had to intervene and make some big calls, to letting his "little girl" live on the other side of the world for 4 years. Through it all, I appreciate his love and respect for me, for not hesitating to make the unpopular choices, and for his desire to see me succeed in life in every way.

I remember there was this song dad used to play in the car for me when I was a little girl. It was about real love that a man had discovered for his woman. I remember that song (as cheesy as it may sound) made me think a lot as a kid, and I dreamed of a man like this for myself one day (I still do..hehe). Dad would always poke me in the belly button whenever the word "you" came on in the chorus.

Here's something just for you, dad. :)

"Any man can be a father.
It takes someone special to be a dad."

~Author Unknown

Love you!

fourth year.

This December will be the fourth time I visit home for Christmas. Last year I spent a mere 2 and 1/2 weeks in Charleston. Definitely not enough time to visit I have decided.

I don't regret it, though, as I had an AMAZING New Year in Sydney. It was one of those moments that I will never forget as being one of the most refreshing & beautiful time with friends. I tell ya, I never feel as close to my Maker either than when I'm in nature (especially at the beach...add the sun rising or setting over the horizon, and you have the perfect recipe to see some major heart melting).

This year, I will be spending almost TWO MONTHS at home! (December 9-January 30)


Crazy, I know! I don't believe I've been home for that amount of time in the last 3 years. In this time, I am planning to visit friends around America, and visit New York City for my first time ever!!

New York has been on my mind quite a bit lately. Tonight I went out to a park that overlooks a span of Sydney (well, the Hills district at least), and I sat down on a park bench to journal. I needed to get away. I needed to refocus and get all my anxious thoughts out of my brain, and onto paper. Immediately I was taken to a time when I'd done the same thing just three years before. I remember the time I was biting my nails over whether to come to Hillsong College in July 2008 or January 2009, or if I should even come, etc etc...it was a cold winter day in a local park back home. As I was writing in my journal, pleading with God to just show me already what the heck I was supposed to be doing with my life, I put down the pen and called Hillsong College. When I pushed the 'call end' button on my phone, I felt the greatest sense of relief, peace and excitement. It just took me making a decision and sticking by it.

As I was on a bench in some park in Australia 3 years later, I had the view of a lake in the distance, while the sun set. I was writing in desperation to get some answer as to what the next step looks like for me. It was an all too familiar scenario.

What did I take away from that life changing moment? I didn't have a sudden glimpse of what I'll be doing, an insight into what kind of job I could get in New York, or if I will make enough to sustain myself in that concrete jungle. I realized everything will be (as it always is) revealed in its proper time.

If only you could see
How heaven stills when you speak
I know all your days
And I have wrapped you in mystery

And oh, my love for you
Is as wide as the galaxies
Just hold out your hand and close your eyes
And come be with me

- "My Love Hasn't Grown Cold", by Bethany Dillon

Psalm 112:7
"They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD."

Time for Change

I've decided to revamp my blog. I liked the old layout, but it's just time for a change. So please excuse the messy look. I'm working on it. And a new post should be out soon. An update is long overdue!