was I so special that I wouldn’t be one of a small percentage of people that suffers accidents, natural disasters, or untimely deaths and tragedy? There are over seven billion people on Earth. Kaikoura has about two thousand permanent residents. And I happened to be there in that exact location during the earthquake.

Finally in New York, there was no longer any more risk of an earthquake, my greatest fear at the moment. But even though I, and all the students, were finally safe, our challenges had only just begun.

*      *      *

As I’ve had time to reflect more, I’ve changed my mind about my hopes for the convent. I still hope it gets torn down one day. I know it will never be inhabited again, and the spirit of the place I once knew is dea...

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