Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Too many Fires!




Southern California (mainly San Diego) as most of you know has been battling many wild fires that have allready destroyed more than 1500 homes. On monday morning we were ordered to evacuate from our home in Carmel Valley. It was all to sureal knowing that as we were leaving our house there was a possibility that it would be the last time we would ever see our home. It is now Wednesday and we have been allowed to return to our home. I thank God for his mercy and grace and for protecting our neighborhood. We know that the fire could have easily come our way if the winds had shifted in our direction. Sadly, may San Diegans are without a home tonight and must start their lives over again (from a material point of view).


Overall it has been amazing to see how awesome San Diegans came together to help each other. The supplies and aid that are available for more than a million people displaced and ordered to evacuate has been incredible. The good news is that more moisture is coming into the air causing the humidity to climb higher. Also, this weekend is supposed to bring fog which will further help in calming down the fires.


Please pray for San Diegans without homes and for the brave men and women who are fighting the fires, including law enforcement and medical practitioners.


When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2

21 comments:

jen-shaktifit said...

I am sending my thoughts and prayers...

Taikei Matsushita said...

I did not hear this news. Assuming your relatively new house? Must have been stressful to you and Yoanna.

Take care.

Sean Schniederjan RKC said...

glad to hear you and yoana (and the baby!) are OK.

man, that will put the fear of God into anyone!

Franz Snideman said...

Thanks Jen. We all need it.

Franz Snideman said...

Taikei, we are well, although it was a little stressful, no doubt.

Franz Snideman said...

Thanks Sean. Yes, we are well and the baby is still inside Yoana's belly, which is probably a good thing considering the poor air quality.

Aaron Friday said...

Glad you're all OK. San Diego has had its share of disasters this year, eh?

Unknown said...

So glad to hear you're okay. The verse you quoted has kept my head above water many times. Thank you for the reminder. God is good.

fawn said...

Aaron and I have been thinking of you both... we are relieved to hear you are alright. We are sending thoughts of peace your way.

Mike T Nelson said...

I live in a bubble lately and was just going to drop you a note to make sure you are ok. Glad all is well. I will pray for both of you (and the little one to come too.)
Take care
Mike N

Franz Snideman said...

Aaron and Fawn,

thank you for your thoughts and prayers. It was a little scary but we are very lucky as is everyone in our neighborhood. San Diego is an amazing city with reslient people though. It has been awesome to see the city come together like it has!!!

Franz Snideman said...

Tim,

Gracias!That verse in Isaiah is a keeper! Something we can all meditate on during time of trouble. But we are fine though!

Franz Snideman said...

Mike T,

We are well bro, thanks! Congrat's on becomming an RKC! You must be pumped! What did you think of the cert? How does it tie in with your Z -health? I am curious to get your oppinon.

Pete said...

Franz,

I am sorry that you had to face that ordeal. Thank God you are all okay. Your faith and positive nature is refreshing, and an inspiration.

Stay safe, brother.

Pete

Franz Snideman said...

Pete,

thank you brother! We are well and yes, faith is was gets us through EVERYTHING!

Hope you and your family are well!

Franz

Mike T Nelson said...

Thanks Franz!
See my latest blog about RKC and Z Health for my thoughts. Short answer is I think they are very compatible.
Rock on
Mike N

Mark Reifkind said...

thank God you guys and your home are ok. I can't imagine how scary that must have been.

Franz Snideman said...

Mike, I will check our your blog bro! Thanks!

Franz Snideman said...

Rif,

thanks bro, yeah, it got a little scary. But the threat of losing your house makes you think about the bigger picture of life and that in the long run, it's the relationships with "people" that matter most rather than our "clutter" that we collect over the years.

don't get me wrong, I like having my material things just like anyone else, but they are replaceable. Overall I am just so happy that God showed us mercy and grace and spared our house. God is good!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear you all are safe! The news said the fires should settle down by tomorrow. It angers me that this loss for so many could be linked to arson. :(

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Yoana :)

Franz Snideman said...

Thanks Sara. We are fine and luckily the fire was not directly near us. Maybe 3 mile away, but it was headed in a different direction. Yoana was at our Church today building wood sifters for the people who lost their homes. The sifters would allow them to "sift" through the rubble and ash of their burnt homes to find anything that might be of value to them. So sad indeed for so many people who lost everything they own :(