The evacuation was lifted from our area this morning around 7:30.
The number of homes destroyed has risen over 1,300. Acreage destroyed is an incomprehensible amount. Fires still threaten homes and land. But as I look out my window, the sky is blue. Yesterday the sky was smoke.
While relief seems to be in sight as several areas have been reopened, my heart goes out to those who have suffered the loss of their homes and belongings.
For the last two days, I've been sitting in my husband's office waiting to be able to go home. And in the last 48 hours, I've heard "Well... Welcome to San Diego" at least six times. Can I just tell you that phrase has been freaking me out. Finally, the last person who said it put me at ease and told me these major fires are not normal.
Yesterday morning we got the mandatory evacuation notice. But not knowing the area that well, I was just like, "Oh, I'll wait and see." Yes, the ashes on my patio were alarming, not to mention the huge brown cloud. But I had a paddle and was happily taking a boat trip down the river of denial. I mean, I did just move there. How odd to think there was the very real possibility it could be destroyed in a fire. I kept checking the Internet and the news and the radio, then Mapquesting the area to find out how close the fires were. Finally, Mike called me to clarify the notice was for us. I was in such a hurry I completely forgot to pack shampoo, conditioner, razors, face wash. But thank goodness, I remembered the deodorant.
Now Katie Couric's here. The president is coming. These fires are so bad. I can't believe it. Over 300.000 people have been evacuated, 100 homes destroyed, which means that Mike and I are only two out of that huge number that's being affected. But Mike and I, as of now, still have place to go back to. It's heartbreaking, though, watching other people's homes consumed in flames in less than two minutes. When I'm watching it on the news, I can see the frames of washing machines and dryers. Bicycles. Dining room tables. It's sad to think that everything a person has can be burnt up. Just like that. Yet some people are so in love with their homes that they would rather die than leave. But I don't get that at all. It's just stuff. Yes, memories, too. But stuff can be replaced. And memories can be remembered.
Another thing I keep thinking about is how do people go through these devastating times without having a relationships with Jesus? I've needed His peace several times throughout these last two days. And every time I ask for it, I'm overwhelmed with comfort.
So that's the update. Quite an interesting last two months of living here. My goodness!
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