Los Conchas Fire update

Gentle Readers,

Thank you for your prayers and good wishes as we are watching our community undergo yet another wildfire.  The Cerro Grande fire of 2000 was heart-breaking.  The problem, and the good thing, too,  this time around, is that we know more and everyone was better prepared.  However, we are still in a wait-and-see pattern, and watching what will burn.  Dave, Marilyn and I are at my parents' home in Rio Rancho, just north of Albuquerque.  We are safe, and right now our home is not being threatened.

For those of you who don't know, the fire began about 12 miles from town on Sunday afternoon, and within 12 hours had grown to more than 30,000 acres.  Now it stands at over 60,000 acres.  Its eastern boundary is at Route 4 along National Laboratory property.  Its southern boundary is now pushing through Camp May and the Pajarito Mountain Ski area.  I have to admit that I can't type that without tears. This was the only ridge spared in the Cerro Grande fire, and became a symbol of hope for our community.  To have it burn now, with its old-growth forests and almost 30 years of memories is heart-breaking.

Below are the best links I've found to stay informed.  You will find pictures, video, and updates at these spots, and this is where I keep informed:

Los Alamos Monitor (local paper)
NM Fire Info (an inter-agency information site with official updates)
KRSN (local am radio on the web)
Los Alamos National Laboratory (where Dave works and a jewel of the US research facilities)

It's hard for me to express the emotions of this time.  Suffice it to say that there is a sense of heartbreak that is intense, but also, a knowing of hope.  Today I went to the local branch of gym I belong to, without the requisite "pass", and they welcomed me with open arms. A woman approached me with tears, offering room for others who have evacuated.  People seem to rise to their best at such times, and it gives me hope!

And God is the Father of all hope.  We are not despairing, though we grieve.  We know that God's fingers are running through our precious places, and working His will there.  His fingers are sifting our worldly things, and removing the dross and the things that tie us too tightly to this world and its things, and redirecting our gaze to the things that are important. (Thank you, Amy LAwrence, for using that illustration when you lost your home 11 years ago in Cerro Grande!  You are still a hero of mine!)

For those who would like specific prayer requests, here are some from my heart:

• Pray for the hundreds of firefighters- some volunteers- putting their lives on the line to turn something of tremendous ferocity.  Pray for their safety, and their success.
• Pray for those who are losing their homes and possessions, that God would bless them, and cause them to turn to Him in their time of need.
• Pray for those who can minister to others in this time--  which is all of us!  May we see the needs around us and step up top fill them.
• Pray for God's mercy in stopping this fire.  He is mighty and able.
• Pray for all of us undergoing loss to turn to God and seek His face with fresh vigor. 

Thank you, Gentle Readers!  I will update as I am able.