Yesterday was the two week mark since the fire. The past 14 days have been some of the slowest and fastest days of my life as we have had to navigate some incredibly challenging situations. Yet through everything we’ve been through we have had a deep sense of peace, comfort, inner rest… and yes, even joy. It isn’t because we’re “good people” or “super saints” who have a knack of handling stress and pressures well. No, this kind of peace and rest doesn’t come from within ourselves, this only comes from Jesus.

Over the weekend we were grateful for some times of slower pace and even some extra rest. We began constructing a new rabbit cage, sorting clothes, and enjoying being together. Monday we purchased new storage bins to help us organize the clothes that are being washed and returned to us. Thank you to each of you who have taken a load or two and have washed them for us! That has been such a huge help and blessing!! 

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”(‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Today was a full day meeting with an insurance adjuster, contractor, and remediation team. We learned that the entire house will need to be completely gutted down to the studs, the whole roof will need to be replaced (including the trusses) and the whole rebuild process will probably take between 7-10 months. Wow.

Monday, November 13th around 1:30am Alissa and I were jolted from our sleep with the sound of the fire alarm beginning to erupt with warnings. Alissa bolted for the kids' room and I quickly made my way through the house looking for the fire. Smoke was hovering around the ceilings yet there was no sign of a fire. Alissa and the kids made it outside in about 60 seconds. I ran outside in our back yard and went to the East side of the house. To my horror, the eves were completely engulfed in flames for approximately 20+ feet.