Christchurch day two

A dull grey drizzly morning welcomes us after a decent night's sleep, disrupted only four or five times by aftershocks. We have been unable to contact Sister Elsie Close, a CANZ veteran and legend, so decide to make the hazardous trek across Christchurch to find her.

The results of liquefaction, an occurrence I had never heard of until September last year, are everywhere to be seen. Grey, heavy silt, up to 30cm deep in places, now lies in massive heaps at the roadside, having been dumped there by householders keen to get it off their property. The roads themselves are in places like crumpled bedsheets, in other places deep holes have appeared - all making the trip an arduous one.

Arriving at Elsie's Carehome, we find considerable destruction - and thankfully we find Elsie too, one of a handful of remaining residents. "I wasn't really afraid, the Lord was with me - and if it is my time, well I'll go to be with Him - but it was horrible." The staff are doing an amazing job - coping with few resources - yet more unsung heroes. Elsie is flying up to Auckland tomorrow to stay with the other CANZ legend, Sister Kath King.

Then off to Hornby for a Community lunch arranged by one of the students on our Certificate in Evangelism and Local Mission. Around 40 people enjoy food, company and friendship. The earthquake has brought a sense of urgency, so the usual talk is Jesus focussed and to the point - get yourself right with God, His friendship will see you through.

The Canterbury Kids' Coach heads out once more, the Community centre cannot be used as we have no water, but it is vital to maintain a presence on the streets. Many people have left Christchurch already, but others cannot - so friendly familiar faces are needed and appreciated.

A large aftershock causes more fear just before the evening meal - they go on and on, each one bringing memories of the "big one" and renewed threats of more to come. The only thing I can liken an aftershock to is when a large ship judders - but here we are on dry land, and these last longer and are louder. The whole house shakes, windows rattle, and we hold our breath, hoping it will soon subside.

The student army has been awesome - cleaning up endless tonnes of silt and helping in any and every way. Farmers came round at 10pm last night offering water to everyone. If only we could keep hold of the community mindedness when things settle down, and the sense of perspective - it is about people not possessions - life would be so much better.

Fear lingers - some people choose to sleep in tents as they worry that their houses may not survive the next aftershock. As adrenalin levels inevitably fall, and exhaustion increases, frayed nerves and quick tempers come into play. This City will take months if not years to rebuild, and its people at least as long to begin the road to recovery. It will be a long painful road, and I thank God that i have met some amazing people who are in place to make that journey possible.