
We have received many emails and text messages from people wanting to know how we’re doing considering our proximity to the fires less than a mile away. We have done our best to respond to those who have inquired, but I felt that this little update here may be in order. Please keep in mind that what we have experienced is nothing compared to at least 20 of our friends and people on our housing justice teams who have lost their homes. 🏡 Plus thousands of others.
Tuesday of last week, the winds began. It was hard to sleep. We heard banging everywhere from the 70+ MPH winds. Our avocados and oranges were flying all over our yard. The canvas sails over our cars to protect them loosened and flapped all over the place, hitting the back of our Chevy Volt, breaking the back window. At 11 PM that night we broke out the rest of the shattered glass and used a shop vac to clean up.
We packed up our valuables, including original art by Jill’s mom, watered the house, and stayed up late watching the news reports. There was a power outage from 2:30 -3:30 am.
Wednesday morning at sunrise we heard the loud alarm on our phones that we were mandated to evacuate—later police drove up and down our street announcing it on loud speakers. I had texted our pastor and learned that our church was open. So despite the broken window, we headed to the church where other evacuees had also found solace. We were greeted by the pastor who made breakfast for us and other evacuees. Coffee, juice, and hot buns (compliment of Pillsbury). We enjoyed meals and sweet fellowship as we all watched the news and listened for the latest fire reports.
That afternoon I went back to our home, again watered the house down, and made sure that debris around the perimeter was cleared. (But, later I learned from our Fire Chief, that with such low humidity, the water dries in a matter of seconds! ) That night we slept at the church on the couches in the youth room. It was so special to be with our church family.
Thursday, we went back to our home when evacuation orders were lifted and got the car window fixed. For the next five days of the water coming out of the tap was contaminated in our area. The smell of smoke and particulates in the air made it difficult to be breathe. We vacuumed the filters for our air purifiers, ordered new filters, and wore masks. We are so grateful for the donation of masks, and clean water. Fresh water was necessary not only for ourselves, but for our chickens and cats.
Monday at the city Council, it was announced that the city water filtration system for the majority of Pasadena, was finally fixed. Taking a shower never felt so good!
In the midst of all of this I’ve been dealing with pain in my foot due to the surgery I had on December 12 to have a neuroma removed, making it challenging to walk and get good rest.
On December 13, my mother passed away at 94. She moved to Pasadena 4 years ago, living in a board and care, and in hospice the last 3 years. She was well loved by and cared for by Lourdes and other caregivers as her Alzheimer’s eventually took her life. I feel eternally grateful for the opportunity to have my amazing mother close to us here in Pasadena. Our family planned beautiful services, one in Orange County on Jan 3rd (where we grew up), and one last weekend on Jan 11th, on the California Central Coast (where Mom lived the second half of her life). We set up a $5,000 Donna Shook Memorial Matching fund to support our housing justice work- which she totally believed in, and yesterday Jan 15th we exceeded that goal! Thank you so very much to all who gave!
I love how God never gives us more than we can handle. This beautiful message from I Cor 10:13 (The message Bible) speaks to the stress of this challenging times in our lives:
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
I see so clearly how God has sustained us, and I know he’s sustaining our many friends who have lost their homes. 🏠
But I have to say that it was only the night before last (this Wed) that my body finally allowed itself to relax and get a good night’s rest. What a gift! And what a gift you have been in our lives! Thank you.
