ChCh & the 3 R's

From December 3-6, Brian and I were in Christchurch, New Zealand (abbreviated ChCh).  If the name rings a bell, it might be because you heard about the earthquakes here back on February 22, 2011 that killed 185 people and damaged or destroyed 100,000 buildings.  Walking around, however, you would think it hit more recently.  Some buildings have been repaired or newly built; many still lie in ruins or have been sealed off since 2011 thus becoming a time capsule.  When tragedy befalls a place, we often hear about the rescue and relief efforts and that's when we are most generous with our prayers, time, and resources.  But, as we discovered in ChCh, the third R - the rebuilding - is just as important, just as involved, and can be just as painful.

The markings were how rescue workers communicated when buildings had been cleared and if there were fatalities.  These buildings have been sealed off since February 27, 2011 (27/2) and February 24, 2011.  

Inside a restaurant that's been untouched since 27/2.

Construction equipment outside a damaged building.

Christchurch's cathedral.  There's a lot of controversy about whether to demolish it or restore it.

In an attempt to add beauty to painful reminders of 22/2, spaces have been reclaimed with creativity and other art.   

ChCh's trolley just started operating again a few days before we arrived.  

The outside of Restart, a shopping area.  Until their permanent locations are rebuilt, stores and restaurants occupy shipping containers.