We were in Bangkok last week when we found out Christchurch had been hit by a major earthquake. My sister text me and we immediately tried texting my husband’s family. Feeling so helpless so far away, we went online and read with horror of what was unfolding down there.

Lyttelton – where my inlaws live was hit hard.

Our wedding reception venue, The Cave had been obliterated.

We didn’t get a text reply from our family so we tried calling from Bangkok. Success. They were ok. All of them. Staying with other family at their house near the airport.

It’s been a week now since the earthquake. My thoughts go out to those with friends or family still missing.

Thanks to all the support we’ve had from our overseas friends. It’s crazy with media these days how the world is linked by a few strands. Many of you across the globe knew about the earthquake the moment the rest New Zealand found out and before we knew anything about it. It feels like a small world and I feel so much closer to you.

We will be observing 2 minutes silence at 12.51pm today in honour of the quake victims.