It is a time of national grieving in two of the countries suffering their own disasters. It was confirmed that all 29 men trapped in the Greymouth mines located in the South Island died in the blast last week and eventually another blast about 2pm yesterday. Although people want answers to the deeper questions and people are also angry their grief needs answers. Yellow ribbons were tied on areas within the city to help guide the miners back home as a hope and symbol that the 29 men will come home.
In another continent away we were also informed on the stampede and deaths of over 300 people who attended the Water Festival Celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. People, friends and family that are very close and dear to me are asking the same questions seeking answers from this national disaster. A young boy, Vichay, died who was very close to us! He was the oldest in the orphanage among the 5 boys that came under the care of the Ecumenical Church at the time. I was informed that his funeral was held yesterday at his home town province in Kampot Province.
It has been difficult to return home to be in the middle of the two disasters evolving before my eyes and the eyes of many in both countries and around the world. As always we feel vulnerable and hopeful trying to figure out how this all happened! What brought this on! I can’t imagine how people are feeling about this! Especially those closely affected.
In both countries it is only natural that we get angry and try to find answers to the deeper questions. Nonetheless I wanted to write this blog to help us remember those who have died both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and Cambodia. As I write this blog there has also been a shelling of a South Korean Island by North Korea. Let us keep them in our prayers.
To all the 29 men who have passed away, their families, friends and communities I would like to express my sincere condolences.
To the family and people affected by the Water Festival Stampede I would also like to express my sincere condolences.
And we remember those who have died in both North and South Korea.
Let us keep them all in our prayers and thoughts.
