Damage Control

Sunday 5 September 2010

Today, Alison and I got up at 6:00 am. We got ready and waited for Alister to see his gift. He was up and about, but didn't notice the table, because he was trying to see if the water was on. We had trickling water, but that was it. No hot water though. We stayed in our room for quite some time until we heard, "Oh! What's this?" Then after a couple minutes, we heard Alister chuckling as he read the list. Then he came and gave us a hug. So Happy Father's Day from New Zealand.

We headed over to the high school where Civil Defense was and started working. The first thing that happened was a guy asked me if I had a knife. He proceeded to say, "I'm not going to stab anyone or anything." Prior to that, I wouldn't have thought much of the statement, but when he tagged that statement on afterwards, I became nervous. There were other people there who questioned him and actually lent him a knife to make some sort of funnel. He returned it, but it was strange.

There were people who were from the news station who were taping us (Alison and I tried our best to avoid the camera). Alister got an interview last night that was broad casted on the radio. About 10:00 rolled around and we headed into town to check on a building. Most of the city was sectioned off, and we were not allowed anywhere near the building in a car or even by walking. So we drove off. We saw the damages along the way. It is quite incredible. Water pipes have burst and have flooded areas. We could see water all around trees trunks.

We went home for a bit, but had to return to the centre at 3:00 for the tea shift. Before returning, I was able to skype Kevin, Michelle, Karsie, and Mom. I told them everything that has been happening thus far. I hadn't felt a whole lot of aftershocks in the afternoon, but while I was talking to them, there was an aftershock. After I was done, there were two more pretty big aftershocks.

When we came back to help Civil Defense, Domino's pizza, Subway, and other places just came in and brought food. Actually MANY people have just come in to give food away. The sad thing is, we have way more food than people. We don't have refrigeration, so a lot of the food has to be thrown out.

We met a couple with two kids who had lost their home. They didn't want to take anything at all, but relented eventually. They felt so bad and didn't want to accept help. They were actually trapped in their house. The earthquake did damage to the doors where they wouldn't open, and the automatic garage door openers wouldn't work. So they had to literately break the doors down to escape from their house. I found out that a couple of people from our Church lost their homes and several people have massive damage.

Earlier today, I emailed my boss to ask about work. I was told that the preschool had no damage and they would be opening tomorrow. Then someone told me that all schools in Christchurch were closed until Wednesday. I texted both of my bosses and found out that I was accidentally forgotten to be sent the general message from my boss telling us there was no work until Wednesday, but there would be a meeting Tuesday afternoon to reevaluate.

We left and went to Anne's sister's house. Anne's brother and sister-in-law were coming over for the night. So we spent some time with them, but we were quite exhausted. It has been a long couple of days. We have not had much sleep.

The Earthquake and Other Disasters

Saturday 4 September 2010

The start of this day was an interesting one. I couldn't get to sleep until around 4:00 am. There was a major party going on downstairs and we had very thin walls. People were so loud, and I am a really light sleeper. So I didn't sleep until everyone else went to bed. Then I was awakened by my phone going off just before 5:00 am. Alison had texted me, asking if I was okay. I read on and found out that there was a 7.4 earthquake in Christchurch. I texted her that I didn't actually feel it and was okay. Then, I got a text an hour later from one of my bosses asking if I was okay. I tried going back to sleep after all these interruptions, but then one of my roommates got up a little later. So I just decided to get up and start getting ready to catch the bus. I got my breakfast and read for a while. Then I went on my way.

Something I forgot to mention was that I had sopping wet shoes and socks, so I have to wear my jandals (flip-flops) as well as my pyjamas. It was really cold outside and I couldn't feel my feet after a while of walking. I made it to the bus. The bus driver told me that, due to the earthquake, no buses were running down to Christchurch. Roads were damaged, water lines collapsed. He made it sound as if most of Christchurch was level. He told me to change my ticket inside the building. So I went inside and changed it to tomorrow.

I was so upset. I really wanted to go home and see my family (meaning my New Zealand family)! I walked to another bus line and asked the driver if there was any way of getting to Christchurch. He said they didn't even have contact with Christchurch, and all buses were down. I just sat and waited. The other bus already left, but this bus hadn't yet. I stayed until it would leave in case there was some chance of getting somewhere. About 15 minutes later, the bus driver came to me and said the bus had left Christchurch and would be returning. So I asked if I could purchase a ticket then and there. He said I could pay for his bus, but I would have to pay again for the other bus (I had to change buses midway). I said that was fine and boarded the bus. The driver contacted the headquarters and made sure I could go all the way to Christchurch, and they said that was fine. I was so relieved and just ready to be home. It had been a difficult trip, and I just wanted to be with people I know.

The bus ride was interesting. Everyone was quiet and anxious. Only seven of us were going to Christchurch, but you could tell all of us were anxious and wondering what we would be going to. When we got to Blenhiem (where I changed buses), I had about 3 hours before the next bus. I didn't know what to do, so I just walked back and forth trying to use some of the adrenaline pumping through my veins. The bus finally came, and I told the driver that I needed to buy a ticket. He said the bus was full, and he may not be able to take me! I said the other bus driver already contacted headquarters, and they said it was okay. He finally agreed, and I quickly boarded the bus. I was not about to stay there.

I went in the very back. There was one guy on one side, and a guy and a girl on the other side. There were two other seats left, so I sat next to the guy and left the middle open. Then a very...large lady sat in the middle seat. Well, actually, she sat in the seat and on me as well. I shifted over very close to the guy next to me. Every time this lady moved, I had to move closer to the guy. None of us had any personal space, let me tell you. It also didn't help that in each stop, she got out to smoke. So...I had absolutely no room, I was getting way to close to the guy next to me, and I was getting sick from the smell of smoke. I put my hand up to my nose to try to block the smell. When the lady left, I got a very meaningful look from the girl on the other side and some not so very hidden smiles from the guys by the windows.

We stopped in Kaikoura for 1/2 hour, and I got asked if I was wearing pyjamas. Fun times. Anyway, we finally got to Christchurch. People kept asking the bus driver where we would stop. It really annoyed him. He had no idea where he would be able to stop, because there were constant aftershocks. After each aftershock, there was more damage. The bus driver was getting more and more reckless. He was fine in the beginning, but the closer we got to Christchurch, the more he slammed on his breaks and slammed on the gas. We were all getting headaches from the constant stop and go. Roads were closed, and he didn't know how far he could take us. As soon as we were in the suburbs, we were all silent and staring. It was hard to tell, at first, what was due to the earthquake and what was normal. Then we could tell immediately what was done by the earthquake. People would point constantly.

I apologise for not having pictures yet. Alison has quite a few pictures, so I will upload them to show you. For now I will just describe. Many roads are blocked. The asphalt is broken apart, pushed together, or dropped out leaving holes. Heaps of chimneys have collapsed. Sides of houses and buildings have holes from bricks falling. A couple roofs have holes in them. Windows are smashed. Silt is everywhere, and some of them look like volcanoes. There are two serious injuries, but no deaths. The fact that it happened at 4:35 am helped. If it was later in the day, people could have been majorly injured with all the bricks falling and all that.

We were dropped off a couple kilometers from where we were supposed to be dropped off. I texted Alister, and he came and picked me up. I felt vulnerable waiting for him. I was all alone and it was dark. People were walking around with luggage. One of the guys on my bus had to go to the university, but had no way of getting there. None of the city buses were running, and he had to go through sections that were blocked off. It is 30 kilometers away, so I have no idea how or if he got there. I felt so bad for him. I was so relieved to see Alister walking toward me. It had been a very taxing day. He gave me a huge hug and told me that he, Anne, and Alison were at the Civil Defence place where people who have lost homes could come to get food and figure out what to do. I went with him and got hugs from Alison and Anne. I shared all that had happened to me. They told me there were so many aftershocks. I was able to eat dinner. Then I helped serve some of the people who were there. Most of the people there actually hadn't lost there homes, but needed to be with people. People just kind of stood around not knowing what to do. I was so glad to be with family.

We stayed until 9:30, then returned home. I got to check my email for the first time, and had so many lovely notes from people asking how I was. Some of you wrote and asked about me, and I just want to thank you for that.

I felt a couple aftershocks, before going to bed. It has been an incredibly long day. Anne and Alister have to get up at 6:00 am to serve breakfast. There is no Church tomorrow, because the city is blocked off and the plumbing is down. The water is not safe to drink out of the tap. We have to boil the water 3 minutes before drinking it. We actually lost power for a while. We lost water, then got it back, then lost it again. So I was not able to take a shower. We have to use hand sanitiser and are not able to flush the toilet. It is going to be interesting.

Anyway, Alison and I volunteered ourselves to help for breakfast. Anne and Alister told us "no", because they wanted us to get our sleep, but we told them we really wanted to help if we could be used. So it is 6:00 am for us tomorrow, but we were not finished with tonight. We had to get a Father's Day present taken care of for Alister. We though of 15 reasons why we could call Alister "Dad" and wrote them down. We had fun doing it. We also got him a mug and some lollies he likes. Then we set it out on the table, where he always sits in the morning. We said we wouldn't go out until we knew he had seen it. We are pretty excited about it.

Recovering from the Rain...Kind of

Friday 3 September 2010

Today, I tried to sleep in, but there is so much noise here. I have been awake since 7:00. At 9:00, one of my roommates and I got up and went down to get free breakfast. I had my first crumpets. Sorry, but it was disgusting. Then I went outside to explore Nelson before heading back to Christchurch tomorrow. Originally, I wanted leave Nelson today to go to Franz and Fox Glaciers, and then return to Christchurch on Sunday. The problem was, Sunday is Father's Day in New Zealand. Alister has kind of become a father to me, to I really wanted to be there to celebrate it with him. So I cut my trip short a day.

I went outside and walked along the river. I walked in the opposite direction from Wednesday. I went under several bridges and tried to make sure I wouldn't bang my head against them. I was trying to go where there aren't as many people, because I had to wear my pyjamas. I only brought one pair of trousers and they were soaked. The only option was to wear my pyjamas. I sat and started to journal along the river (Maitai). I took my jerseys, journal, book, and anything else that was wet and set them out on the bench. It was sunny and warm, so they did start drying off. A dog went behind the bench I was sitting on and wet the tree. Then he proceeded to go in front of me to relieve himself. Twice! I must have made a good impression on him or something!

I noticed it was starting to get cloudy. So I started walking along. It was really beautiful. Then...it started raining. I started running for cover under a bridge. These are the only clothes I had that were not wet. So I really didn't want them to get wet. I continued ducking and running under bridges, trying to dodge the rain. It was not easy, and I did get wet, but not soaked.

I made it to the hostel. As soon as I went to my room, it was bright and the sun was out. I started toward the door thinking it was okay, and immediately, there was a downpour. So I just gave up and read my book.

So the first picture you see is along the river. The second picture is all my stuff drying out.

Abel Tasman National Park Adventure

Thursday 2 September 2010



I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time. It is a tramping day for me! I know that sounds terrible. So if you don't know what that means, it means hiking. I have been wanting to go to Abel Tasman National Park and found a, kind of, tour that took me from Nelson to the National Park. I first took a coach from Nelson to Marahau. In Marahau, we picked up a water taxi to the walking track. We all were on the boat, which was pulled by a tractor into the water. I was in the very back, and it was raining. So I got pretty wet before we started. The people at the water taxi place told us that today was supposed to be rainy and windy. Tomorrow would apparently be better. Not that that helped me at all. We first took the boat down to see the Split Apple Rock. Then we went to a couple beaches to drop off some people. Then we went to Adele (a bird sanctuary). By now, it was really raining, so we could barely hear the birds above the drops. Then we went to Tonga Island where there was a seal sanctuary. We only saw a couple seals.


After that, we went to Tonga Bay. The problem was, there was no dock. So we all had to take off our shoes and socks to exit the boat (something none of us were prepared for). So I was expecting cold water and a sandy beach. Well, the water was indeed cold, but the sand felt more like I was running on sharp rocks. It was so incredibly painful! Then I had to put my shoes and socks back on wet. It was raining so hard, it was obvious we wouldn't get dry enough to put them on. There were about 10 of us and the only guys in the group were standing on the table whining and asking how we were supposed to get our socks on dry. I said, "We don't." I started waiting for them to start the track together, but I realised that if I waited for them, I wouldn't ever get anywhere. They were still belly aching about being wet. So I started off on my own.


So the way the track works, we all start at the same time and can stop in one of three places. The first stop we arrive at is Bark's Bay. This is the first place the boat can pick us up, and it is halfway down the track. It takes about 1.5 hours to get there. The second place, and supposedly the most beautiful was Torrent Bay. It takes about 3.5 hours to get here. The last stop is Anchorage Bay. It takes about 4.5 hours to get here. All this is average, and does not include high or low tide. We arrived late at our stop and we would have exactly 4.5 hours to be picked up. This means that we basically would not have time to go all the way to Anchorage Bay unless we booked it. I was determined to make it all the way to Anchorage Bay, so I had no time to wait around.


Well, the boat driver was laughing at us and telling us, "Good luck!" as he left. So I started heading toward Barks Bay. I tried avoiding huge puddles, but after a while, it was raining so hard, it didn't really matter. My shoes, socks, and pants were so soaked, I might as well splash all over the place. I couldn't have been wetter if I took a shower.


There was a part of the path that split, so I went down about 15 minutes and came to a pool of water. I started going through a lake and just thought it was ridiculous. So I went back to where the path split and discovered there were two options to go. The way I headed was during low tide. The other way was high tide. Well, it was high tide, so I went the wrong direction. So now I was behind schedule, plus I had to go the longer route. I was able to get to Bark's Bay, but I didn't spend much time there. I had a lot of ground to cover.

I walked on and on through majorly muddy areas, and puddles that looked more like swimming pools. Also, it was getting really windy. I knew that if I made it to Torrent Bay by 2:00, I might have enough time to get to Anchorage Bay. I encountered an extremely long swinging bridge that made me very nervous. I was the only one around, so it was a bit unnerving. I almost fell over on several occasions.

There was a forest area that started creaking and sounded like a tree would fall over at any moment. There were very pretty sights and many big hills that drained every ounce of energy I had. It didn't help that I was weighted down by my wet clothes. At this point, my camera stopped working properly. It would take pictures every once in a while, but it would not zoom or anything else.

I trudged on and made it to Torrent Bay at 1:59, so I decided to continue to Anchorage Bay. I walked along, and all of a sudden, the path didn't seem to exist. It was quite frustrating. I picked a path and just hoped it was the right one. I realised later that I had to take the longer track route as the tide was in. So instead of the hour track I was promised from Torrent Bay to Anchorage Bay, I had to take the 1 hour 40 minutes track. I was too far in, so I couldn't exactly turn around. So...I started running. I was exhausted and really hungry at this point, but I had to keep pushing on. I had to be there by 3:30 or else I would miss the boat and have a 4 hour walk to get back to Marahau, which is many many hours away from Nelson. So now I was racing against time. I did make it to Anchorage Bay at 3:13. So the 4.5 track that I was supposed to take was more like a 6 hour track...but...I did it in 4 hours and 13 minutes. I was quite proud of myself. I was not surprised, but I was the only one who made it to Anchorage Bay. In fact, I was the only one who made it to Torrent Bay. They were all pansies!

I then did a short survey to get a free CD of photos. I figure if I couldn't get proper pictures from my camera, at least I know what it should have looked like. I then caught the coach to go back to Nelson. I was sore, and I had blisters on my legs where my wet trousers constantly rubbed on them. I then got food, had free dessert from the hostel (chocolate bread pudding!), and went to bed.


This was across from Split Apple Rock. So this picture is actually for Michelle and my Mom. Sorry it is blurry, but can you see the Hidden Micky?

Split Apple Rock.

Adele Bird Sanctuary.

Seal Sanctuary. Sorry, the seals are there somewhere. It was hard to get a proper picture.

Tonga Bay. You can see a couple of the pansies and the boat leaving.

On the track I saw a lot of Silver Ferns. I did this for Mom. Sorry you missed them!

On the way to Torrent Bay on the high tide side, there was a beautiful waterfall.

The mud was incredible. This picture is nothing. It was hard to see, but the mud was deep and my shoes were covered.

I think this was coming into Torrent Bay. Still a long ways to go.

The spooky creaky forest.

The long swinging bridge.

One of the major puddles I waded through. One of MANY!

Finally making it to Anchorage Bay. I thought the rainbow was effective!

A Day in Nelson

This is a beautiful tree that I love.

Downtown Nelson. It was a very nice day.

Along the river in town.

A unique building, clock tower type thing.

A really low bridge that I smacked my head on! I guess I need a few more bruises!

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Believe it or not, this is the first day of Spring! It was pretty sunny too, just to make a statement. We all went together to say goodbye to me, and Alison's sister. I was the first to be dropped off. I got on the bus and drove all the way to Blenhiem (which was actually really cloudy and rainy). I switched buses and went to Nelson. I got there at 2:30, so I tried to find my hostel. I realised too late that I went the wrong way and had to work my way back to the city in the opposite direction. I found the hostel and was the only one in the room thus far. So (although I hate to admit this) I took an hour nap. I was so tired from this week and last. I then got up and went exploring. I went to the river and walked all the way to the shore (which wasn't really the shore) and couldn't go anymore. So I ate my dinner and wrote in my journal. Then I walked back to the hostel. It was pretty dark, and kind of spooky. I had to go under really low bridges and managed to bang my head quite hard. I ended up with three other roommates (thankfully all were girls). They were all decent, but one of the girls was constantly texting on her phone. I am a really light sleeper, so the click click click was really getting to me. It didn't help that there were a bunch of loud and obnoxious boys running from one end of the hall to the other just to knock on a door a run away. It was quite lame.

Family Time

Thursday 26 August 2010

Alison and I went in the city today as we were both off of work. We met a co-worker of Alison's and had breakfast. Then we went to the Art Gallery. Then Anne took us to the airport to pick up Alison's sister! She is staying for five days, but we won't get to see them much, because Alison is also house sitting for a lady. Also, one of Anne and Alister's sons come here with his wife and two friends. There is a wedding and the guys are in the wedding party. So I met them and talked until after 11:00 pm. Then I had to go to bed. I have an early start for work.

Friday 27 August 2010

After work, I went into the city to try to get a couple things settled. One being my plane ticket back home. It was frustrating to work through things, but I think I have it figured out. Now I have to actually purchase another ticket to go home and cancel the ticket I have. Then I took a bus to my boss's house to baby sit her kids. I was only going to be there for an hour, but it took longer than expected, so it ended up being three hours (which was fine with me). Then I went back home and spent time with the big group.

Sunday 29 August 2010

Yesterday wasn't exciting, so on to today. I met Alison and her sister before Church and swapped stories. They had been looking around Christchurch, Akaroa, and will be going to Kaikoura tomorrow. Then we went to Church. After Church, we went to Alison's cafe to kill some time. A little later, we went to the brass band concert. The people who are in brass band at Church were playing with CUBE (Canterbury University Brass Ensemble) for a fund raiser type thing. It was really fun. We thoroughly enjoyed it, especially since Alister plays a mean second baritone (I always give him a hard time about that).

Monday 30 August 2010

I am considered "one of the team" at work now, so I actually attend all the meetings and everything else that the preschool does. I could not stay for the whole meeting today, because I had to catch a bus to the Church. I was volunteering at the Mainly Music Night at Church. I was on the platform with several others to manage the kids. I didn't know any of the songs except two, but I was able to catch on quickly. Afterwards, we all went into the foyer to eat pizza and chips. People took many pieces of pizza, so I only had chips for tea. A couple from Church them dropped me off at home (Anne and Alister had a meeting), so I ate cereal.

Tuesday 31 August 2010

It has been a crazy couple of weeks, and it is starting to catch up with me. Although, I have to say, I feel incredibly...joyful. I feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Things are going really well with work. In just a couple weeks, I will be working full time (end of September). Also, in November, I will be considered a registered teacher, and will get a pay increase. My boss really showed me that she is willing to make sacrifices to help me so that I will stay with the preschool. I have a wonderful family here who I consider to be MY family. I love going to Church and being involved in the activities. I just feel happy to be here, to feel almost needed, and accepted and wanted. Sorry for all that, but that is how I am feeling now.

Alison and her sister came home and we swapped stories again. Alison's sister is leaving tomorrow. So we had a nice dinner and played skip-o the rest of the night. It was great. Tomorrow will be a bit different. I am leaving for a trip to Nelson.

A Few Missing Days

Well, a lot has happened in a short amount of time, as I am sure many of you have heard. I am going to continue on as I have before, but I will try to go quickly so we can get to most recent events.

I am going to skip a couple of days from the last post, because not a whole lot happened.

Friday 10 August 2010

Today was a regular day at work, but at night, we were volunteers for the big Family Night at Church. The entire Church was transformed into rooms with lots of games. Alison manned the bean bag throwing and some other station. The lady in charge said she thought Alison could handle two jobs since she seemed so intellectual or something. I only had one job, so I don't know what that is saying about me...I manned the golf station in the Sanctuary. I did not have many kids come to my station. The part that was really sad was that to my right, there were two guys who were doing a soccer station, which was constantly busy. In front of me was a bounce house station which two ladies were responsible for and it was constantly busy. So I was kind of lonely for a while. Not only that, but I had to dodge and block balls constantly that were flying toward my face. It was quite frightening. I was talking to a child once, when someone hopped over to me. I immediately blocked my face assuming it was an oncoming ball. The girl gave me a strange look trying to figure out why I was so defensive, so I had to explain.

Above me, in the balcony, I heard Alister screaming, "Get that one! That one over there!..." He was doing the laser tag section. I watched his enthusiasm much of the time. It was quite hilarious. I was able to do the horizontal bungee run. That was interesting. I tried it three times.

Saturday 21 August 2010

At work, I have actually been getting the responsibility to profile children. This means that I have a set number of students (about 15) to write learning stories, put up pictures, and such and put them in a wee book. Today was our one year anniversary for the preschool being opened. All of the staff got together and ate tea. It was a huge meal, and I got a lot of leftovers. We had a whole lot of appetizers plus the main meal. Naturally, I was the only one who didn't drink alcohol, so I had orange juice instead. I've got to say, I really am liking juice!

Sunday 22 August 2010

Alison and I went to Church and then went to a concert we have been wanting to go to called Celebrating the Elements: Water. It was actually a very short concert and not worth the money, but it was still good. The funny part about the concert was that the guy on the very end of our row started falling asleep and snored. The guy in front of him was so mad, he turned around and yelled, "Your were snoring!" It was a very tense and awkward moment for all of us around them.

The last piece of music was very annoying. It was basically two repetitive notes for 20 minutes and very strange sounds. All of us were relieved when it was over. After the concert, we went home and sat in the living room. I put my head down to rest and Alister came and put a blanket over me! It was so sweet, so I said, "Thanks Dad!"

Monday 23 August 2010

Today was another normal day at work, but at night we were invited to a couple's house for dinner. They were really sweet and had incredibly fancy food. It was so pretty to look at. The dessert was the same way! It was amazing. Then, we talked for a really long time.