The death toll is now at 113 with over two hundred still missing. Words are hard to find to convey how New Zealanders are feeling, and I know that is shared around the world as a number of those killed were visitors to our beautiful country. I can't bear to post photos of the damage so will share the words of our national anthem. This is the first verse only, there are another 4 verses but these are rarely sung. Following is the first verse of the Maori version "Aotearoa"
"God Defend New Zealand"
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
"Aotearoa"
E Ihowā Atua,
O ngā iwi mātou rā
Āta whakarangona;
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai;
Kia tau tō atawhai;
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa
Lyrics from http://www.mch.govt.nz/nz-identity-heritage/national-anthems/god-defend-new-zealandaotearoa
Hearing these sung always sends a shiver down my spine, but just reading them today brings tears instead, please say a prayer today for the people of Christchurch, who must wonder how much more they can endure.
Please take care where ever you are, and give someone you love a hug today.................Nicky
24 comments:
I don't even know what to say. It's devastating, and I can't imagine how New Zealanders must be feeling and mourning.
Prayers for you all, especially the families who have lost precious members in such an sudden and awful way. xo
How lovely to put the anthem up.... many, many thoughts and prayers... my grandies other grandpa and rellies are from Christchurch and we have heavy hearts for all of you....
Hugz
{{{{Christchurch and all her people}}}}
{{{{For you Nicky}}}}
well put Nicky, I hear the Cantabrians are really sticking together, and what better way to encourage that then the words of our own National Anthem!
Thinking of you Nicky and hoping that all you love are safe. It is the most terrible tragedy & our prayers are with you.
A lovely tribute to Christchurch & all New Zealanders. Bless you all in New Zealand & know the rest of the world mourns for you.
We're thinking and praying for you and your beautiful country!!
It has been so terrible to see the news of Christchurch in such a lovely country. Our thoughts are with you and those suffering.
So beautifully said Nicky.
Nicky you have said it all. Big hugs from the Shaking City. xxx
Hugs from Australia!
We are truly devastated by what has happened to our kiwi mates.
It is truly a devastating disaster, and my thoughts and prayers are with the remarkable people of New Zealand.
Nicky my heart goes out to all the families and everyone affected we have had 2 many disasters.
Hig hugs to you
cheers shez
I am so sorry to learn about the tragic earth-quake.The news and pictures we see on TV are almost unbelievable. Mother Nature has done a lot of terribly sad things lately. Wishing you and all the very best in time to come.
Thank you for your blog, we are thinking about you and your countrymen, hoping for the best, and sending loads of hugs.
Yep, too darn sad for words Nicky. My heart is with the rescuers right now, their job is not fun and what they will be enduring is not for the faint hearted.
God defend us all.
xxx to you
such devastation..........and sadness.........hugs from me
I've been thinking of you, Nicky, and all the other people in New Zealand--especially those in Christchurch. The devastation is just so, so heartbreaking. Sending hugs to you all...
The photos on our news here in the states look horrible. It is so sad to see all of the devastation and the loss of life. I love your post with your anthem, flag and detailed map. Bless you and all of your family and friends and know that you are in my prayers.
We have been watching the news with much sadness and tears as we yet again see another devastating thing happen. Feels like there's so much sadness and hard times affecting those we know and love in Australia and New Zealand. I love NZ's national anthem... :) My parents are supposed to be flying into Christchurch next week for two weeks holiday on the South Island. They aren't yet sure if they'll need to change their plans or not.
Que Deus dê força a todos vocês neste momento tão difícil.
Kia kaha all New Zealanders.Shirley
(((((((((((((((((New Zealanders)))))))))))))))
My heart goes out to all New Zealanders in this difficult time. Your post was beautiful.
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