massive aftershock earthquake in christchurch NZ..6.3

[Pinot's Mom]

Carole, prayers continue, I feel so badly for the people going through this; it just seems so ongoing.

[davidpizzica]

david that is wonderful news that he survived and can report back what is happening, there was another rather big jolt of 4.4 this morning, oh i so wish they would stop, and not be so big, so scarey for all down there.

sasvermont THANK YOU so very much from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all NZer's,your kindness is so appreciated.

Oh Wom i sure hope you find your friend, so worrying for you, prayers he is ok.

My sister was just saying the gardens they visited ,which were one's told her to go see have been hit really badly, they were in sumner, thank god my sister was not there or in the CBD when it struck, they are still flying out on sunday from Christchurch, so please prayers they return home safely would be so appreciated, i don't think i can relax until they are home again.

Sadly there have been no more rescues, we are all hoping for some miracles, but they don't look like they are going to happen.

I gave some money today in store, and will also donate via my mobile phone, and i have some auctions on trade me(llike ebay), which if i sell will be sending to the red cross.

I would like to do more,but not sure what i can do, i was reading on trademe all the offers of homes, rooms been given by the Kiwis, it was really great, so many people from all over nz offering their homes, holiday homes , etc for free, and many offering to take in animals, as well, catterys and kennels offering to board animals for free or reduced cost,fantastic.

If only i had room in my own home, i certainly would be offering as well.

Thanks everyone for your continued support, kind words, and caring, means a lot.

Carole, she is a young lady, about as old as Melissa.

[carole]

Oh David, i cannot imagine if i lost my melissa, i am so happy she survived to tell the story, bless her, let he know all Nzers are thinking of everyone in the quake not just the kiwis.

I have donated some cans of food and noodles today, and will sent donation via text for the animals and the people today when i top up my phone.

sasvermont ar you able to put the link up to where you donated, incase any others here wish to, they need money more than anything apparently,remember american dollars are worth more here, anything at all will help, thanks.

[cassiesmom]

After "The Amazing Race" last night, Phil Keoghan (sp?) announced that he is from Christchurch, NZ and that he would be there talking to people and giving an update on the rescue efforts for the CBS Early Show. "The Amazing Race" was in Australia on last night's show but I don't know how long ago it was recorded. I like "The Amazing Race" because I get to see parts of the world on that show that I'll never see in person.

I donated through Samaritan's Purse because I know of them from my church. I didn't even think to go directly to the Red Cross of New Zealand. Wish I had and wish there was more I could do. I'll keep praying too.

And a candle
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...g&cid=12785795

[carole]

A huge thank you cassiesmom, i don't think it matters where you donate, they will get it i am sure, yes i saw Phil on the Tv this morning, his parents run a Bed and Breakfast in Rolleston, which if my memory is correct is out of Christchurch, they have been sleeping on the floor to accomodate people, great stuff.

Phil sure has picked up an american accent, still here a twang of kiwi in there ,but not much,but then he probably has been living over there for some years now.

They mostly want MONEY, as sending goods etc, they just don't have the people to sort it all out.

The region is still having continous aftershocks, which is to be expected, the last one 3.9, it must be just terrible living with this all the time, and they have been doing that for the last five months as well.

There has been an outbreak of gastroenteritis, but it is only small ,nothing to be concerned about, let us hope it stays that way.

Everyone worldwide has been just amazing, we kiwis are just so grateful,words alone cannot express our gratitude.

[cassiesmom]

Carole, I was just thinking -- the stories from Japan have been on the news every day; New Zealand, not so much. How are things there? Is the business district getting back up on its feet?

[Karen]

I saw just a couple days ago a memorial service being held for the victims in Christchurch, such a sad time for the western part of the Pacific Rim.

[moosmom]

Dear Carole,

You've been in my thoughts and prayers since this all came about. I am SO relieved that you and your family are okay. I couldn't send much, but I was able to scrape up $20. It's something and comes from my heart.



Donna and furkids

[carole]

Thank you for asking, yes well things are going ok, they have got most people with power, water etc now, it is still on the news here, but of course Japan's tragic events have been the headlines now, we still feel for those poor people, ours was devastating, and not to minimize it at all, but we are lucky in comparison, but i am sure those who have lost loved ones, their livelihoods, homes are not feeling lucky at all.

It will take some time for things to be back to normal, they had a 5.1 aftershock just the other day, that is scarey,we just have to hope and pray for things to improve, certainly not a very stable place to be, Christchurch also lost the chance to host the world rugby cup, which does not seem anything,but it would have boosted the city quite some financially and morally, however it was just not to be.



on a lighter note:
About Phil, yes he sure has a mixed accent, but to us more american, shame he chose to loose his kiwi one, but then i have no idea how long he has lived there,i must admit the american accent is so pleasing to my ears, i probably would too if i lived there, i am sucker for the american accent, just love it.LOL

Oh and Donna, thank you so very much on behalf of all kiwis, you are such a sweetie to give, i know finances are tough for you, and just remember your american dollars are worth more here, it is very generous of you and everyone else who donated to NZer's and so much appreciated, every dollar counts, we have sent people to Japan , as they did here for us, and i will also donate what i can to them, as we sure know how it feels.