Thankful

As you've probably already heard on the news, a 6.3 earthquake hit Christchurch, NZ yesterday killing an estimated 65 people and wreaking havoc on the downtown area. The floor of the airport bounced like walking on a trampoline.

I know that because my husband was there. Waiting for the plane that was supposed to take him on the first leg of his journey home.

It's rather ironic, really. I tend to think of Antarctica as the more dangerous part of his trips given the bitter cold and isolation from help, but NZ gets 14,000 earthquakes a year - and this is the second time in a row there's been a significant quake while he's been in Christchurch.

Eric called last night and sent an email this morning, assuring me that he and the rest of his crew are safe and just biding time until the airport can be reopened and their C-5 cleared to leave. They're prepared for such contingencies, and making the best of it.

I'm very thankful this morning. For their safety, for the strength and positive attitude with which Eric and his coworkers consistently approach the interruptions and unexpected events often involved in their work, for a global communication network that allows him to contact me and let me know he's all right.

Waking up to the realization of how richly one is blessed and how different the world could have looked this morning but for the grace of God really puts life in perspective!