This Time

Family and Friends,

Thank you all for thinking of us during the latest fire outbreaks. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern. How kind of you to reach out! We are just fine. In fact, the Rye Fire started directly behind Josh's work. He looked out the window at the hill behind his work and there it was burning a mere 50 yards away. (The arrow is pointing to his building in the picture.) Power went out, the office closed, and he came home. The Santa Ana's were especially strong that morning. Our own power was in and out. We saw the writing on the wall and decided to pack up and head to West Los Angeles, to the safety of our parent's homes.

We had a peace when we were packing. For one, we knew we were being extra cautious, but also, if we lost the house, we lost it. We were okay with it.

By the time we were driving towards the freeway, the little brush fire has spread to 95 acres. Emerson's school was closed, road's were blocked, sirens were wailing, the wind was gusting. Traffic on the 5 freeway going north was nose to nose but south was pretty clear. Half an hour after we left we heard the freeway was shut down in both directions. The fire had jumped the 5. We were thankful we had left early.

It was eerie driving. Just as we cleared the Rye Fire, we entered the valley that was filled with smoke from the Sylmar Fire. Then again, after we had reached my mom's house, the 405 was closed because of the fire near the Getty.

Smoke, smoke, and more smoke.

We are home and all is safe for now. Our home is 5 minutes from Josh's work. Emerson's school across the street. If only the winds had been blowing in the other direction, our story could have been very different. Instead, this time it blew the other way.

I ache at the devastation. The lack of containment. The stories coming out of the ashes.

Oh but to have the hope of Jesus! "We think it's what's coming AT US on the outside that will bring us down, when really...it's what's going on IN US and in our hearts that determines our course." -GL Preaching to my own heart when I say I pray our foundation in Jesus is deep enough to withstand the strongest of life's storms, a hope not predicated on outside forces but held fast by the strength of God. Unwavering. Indispensable. Everlasting.