Black Saturday

Victorian Bush Fires

As I sit in my room listening to the swirling winds which could bring another round of devastation on my state I am touched yet again by the tragedy which has faced my nation. On Feb 7th I went to see a movie with my mum, a friend and her mum. It was a lovely afternoon, we all said so. But as we drove back home mum and I both felt an eeriness. We knew it was the hottest day ever recorded in an Australian Capital City-over 46 degrees cel. But there was no one on the roads and sky was glowing. It was the strangest feeling. Little did we know over 200 Australians were perishing, and over 5000 homes were being destroyed. The next week that followed was so exhausting, so devastating. As hour after hour we watched the death toll rise and we heard people tell their stories on the TV and radio. How could they possibly get through it? I just couldn't imagine the immense trauma they were enduring. I cried many, many, many times a day. I felt almost as if I shouldn't be so touched, I didn't loose my home, I didn't even loose an acquaintance, I didn't personally know anyone who died. But for some reason I felt connected to this. These were Australians, they were just like me.
I also saw an outpouring of love and generosity. And I am so proud to be an Aussie. Millions of dollars raised, more blood donated than needed, and countless material donations... Thanks-not just from me or the fire victims, thanks from all of Australia!! Show the world what a brilliant nation we are!! And to the fire fighters who risked their lives, some loosing their own homes and families while they were saving others-You are our HEROS!!!
Thanks for your prayers and thoughts...its not over yet, today we are having intense storms which could cause and fan more fires, not to mention the damage the actual storms could do... I just pray that God will have his hand on the wonderful country!!