Home, Sweet Home!

I write now from my desk in my office at Koinonia! But wait! Please do not pick up the phone and call us. We have much to do to get up and running again before this weekend and we simply don't have the time to talk about the fire over the phone. The fire trucks used most of our water, hoses, and fire extinguishers, and everything lit by propane needs to be tested and reset so we can be sure we are safe. The buildings smell like smoke and debris from Thursday's winds litters the camp. The offices were torn apart when we evacuated the computers and valuable files, and everything that was left outside has a very light smoke scent and a smidge of ash.

The entire Koinonia staff returned to their residences last night and slept soundly in our own beds. We can't see any fire damage from camp, but we know it is right around the corner. The road is open only to residents and visitors with a resident escort, and it could be that way until every flame is put out and the fire trucks return to their places of origin.

Many people have asked about Daryl and Tami's house, and even though the area their house is inside the fire lines, their house is fine and the firefighters were able to clear an area around their house before the fire got too close. Some of their neighbors had their water tanks melted, and Koinonia is looking for ways to show Christ's love and help them and the Buddhist camp become livable again.

Keep us in your prayers and keep checking this blog. We hope to post more pictures soon and updates on how you can help