|
Since returning from DomainFest I’ve been laid up in bed with the flu. For the past week I've felt like I had barely enough energy to lift my head of the pillow. While lying in bed I kept on smelling smoke and I couple of days ago I found out why.
I turned the television on to discover that my home state of Victoria had gone up in flames. Forrest fires had been uncontrollably raging across the state devouring everything in their path. Whole towns have been literally wiped off the map with every home, shop and community hall burnt to the ground.
 People have fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back and they count themselves the lucky ones. I watched a news segment where a man related that his wife and son were caught in the inferno and called him up to say good-bye. Incredibly they managed to get through and the thankfully the family was reunited. The raw emotion that was being displayed was one of the most moving things that I’ve ever seen on television. How do you comprehend the rollercoaster of anguish, grief and then joy that the family went through?
The magnitude of the disaster is mind boggling and what’s worse is that many of the fires were deliberately lit by arsonists who must get a perverted kick out of other people’s misery. Despite the lack of morality of these people there are others that shine so brightly in their courage, determination and generosity.
For example, in contrast to Victoria the state of Queensland has suffered its worst flooding in years. Many Queenslanders are donating the money that the government has provided them to get their lives back together to fire ravaged Victorians. This expression of generosity is almost overwhelming - people in need giving to those in need.
With the death toll continuing to climb past the 200 mark there are fears that there may be mass deaths in some towns that now no longer exist. My family was looking at taking a vacation in a beautiful country town called Marysville over Easter. It’s since been burnt to the ground and may even be one of those towns with yet undiscovered mass deaths.
What’s really scary is that the threat to lives is as real as ever. The fires are still burning and “Urgent Threat Messages” are being broadcast on the Country Fire Authority website - http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/incident_updates.htm#1476861156382
My thoughts and prayers also go to the fire fighters and their families. These brave individuals place their lives on the line for others and in such a disaster as Victoria is currently experiencing they express the ultimate in what it means to being heroes.
As an Australian, I want to thank all those international friends that have sent me emails and skype messages expressing their horror at this natural disaster. The positive feelings and expressions of genuine sorrow for the situation have been really touching. Many others have asked what they can do to help.
Since getting back on my feet I’ve found out that my church is raising funds, food, accommodation and other necessities of life for those that have lost everything. This is obviously an urgent request for help. If you wish to assist then you can paypal (
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
) me the funds and I will ensure that they are passed on. No amount is too small or too large, all will be greatfully received. I will also provide one of the ministers in the church access to my paypal to ensure that all money has been transferred.....in other words - I want it to be completely above board.
Send paypal donations to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Trackback(0)
|
Article Archive 
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
