I've resisted writing this post, despite needing to.

Writing is how I get things out. It's one of the ways I cope.

But words just seem so futile at a time like this. The entire dictionary - even every word ever uttered - can't describe what's going on right now.

A nation sits in shock. This isn't our burden, surely? This isn't our event? This is what happens in some foreign land, some distant place, to people who aren't us.

But no, this is our place. This is our event. This is our land.

As a mother hen gathers her chicks in close, so New Zealand gathers its people together. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who have lost everything. We protect those who are weakened. We guard those we have lost.

Nightfall is coming. The rescuers will continue to search, and we will continue to hope. 'Recovery' is a word still far too raw to be uttered. Until we have our people back, we will hold fast.

We will get through this.

Together.

Kia kaha.