all is well

"are you calling to report a forest fire?" the voice over the telephone said.

"no, i am wondering if we are being emergency evacuated" i replied

*****************************

since saturday evening, smoke replaced rain as the clouds causing us most concern. we have had perfect weather since our arrival to canada, and the kids have been perfect. we had a great week with penny, doug, karen, grant and lita. and now, saturday night, there was a report of a fire. in westbank. the glenrosa area. (at left, map of the fire in relation to our fintry location prior to evacuation on july 23)

it didn't really affect us, although we did feel guilty. and received many wonderful phone calls from concerned friends.

and then, we heard rumours of another, closer fire.

by tuesday night, ash was drifting down and we knew this fire was spreading. there was little in the news about it due to the fact it wasn't in a populated area. the focus was still on the glenrosa fire. the skies were cloudy and you could smell smoke in the air. we started packing. small bags. (at left, map of the fire in relation to our fintry location the morning after evacuation on july 24)

Maureen in the news...

and wednesday morning we were placed on evacuation alert. and the kids learned for the first time that there were forest fires nearby. they were concerned and wanted to leave RIGHTTHENTHATMINUTE but we convinced them we would leave in plenty of time. last night as the sun was a red bloody globe in the sky and smoke and haze and ash and char floated down sebastian observed, "this looks like hell does." i did a lot of remining the kids of jeremiah and God's promise to us that He has a plan for us, a plan NOT to harm us, but a plan that we should grow. repeated that one a lot.

i talked to my dad and we agreed that we should pack up the car that night. so we did. and last night i slept downstairs in case emergency services came by. the kids slept with me. no ess. but at 9.50am, we got the alert. and in 15 minutes, we were on the road.

i had to leave behind a lot of stuff. carseats, even. we did not drive incredibly safely to vernon, but i was so proud of the kids. they were so impressive.

the fire, after five days, is only 20 per cent contained and has burned up over 4000 hectares. there was some rain today, but not enough to make a difference. there is smoke in vernon, and we are safe and we are so grateful. (left, terrace mountain fire on july 22 from Kelly Hayes - Castanet)

i cannot say enough for the salvation army and how welcome they and the other volunteers in vernon made us feel. the SA had free tim hortons donuts and they were offering them so generously along with CHEETOS that the kids must have thought they came into town for a party. almost.

i found us hotel rooms, and we are here for the next couple of days. we can;t stay in limbo forever, the kids will get bored very soon of hotel life. who knows what we will do. be grateful for our safety, that's for sure. my dad was brilliant.

night. i am exhausted but can't sleep. just woke up from a dream where someone was hurting the kids. going to channel surf.

Comments

[Auntie Pammie]

Great blog Tess, I think sebbie describes the visual side of this fire best....
I am glad you are all safe and out of harms way. We are thinking and praying for you.. dont think a little fire is going to stop me from coming to see you !!
Tell Mom she looked fine for her interview.
Love to you all
Auntie Pammie and bebe
ps) call if you need ANYTHING!!!

[Odila Braga]

Wow, what a hot summer story!! Since you are all well and out of danger we can look into the social side of the story, which is: loved seeing Cerys, Cela and Maureen. The 3're looking very well, very comfortable and very at easy. Tess, the girls have grown, hey? They're above Maureen's waist!! What are you giving them to eat? I guess when it's all back to routine in HK, you will need some vacation from the verb "pack", no? Love Odila

[Lowa]

That was so cool to see your Mum and some of the kids (and you?? In the brown??) walking along! It is like seeing celebrities! LOL

Charles (or you??) said something on FB so I quickly asked my brother (who lives in Kelowna) if he knew of anyone that could take you all in. Alas, he did not. He has a teeny place and is a single man, so there was no way he could. He has been e-mailing me since, asking after you, worried that you are alright. Isn't it amazing how people can come together and help in times like this?? He can't help, but wanted to and is now concerned for you all!

I knew God would work it out for you! We were there in 2003 when this happened then as well. It is scary, sad and yet somehow kind of pretty? At least it was then. Maybe I am just weird.

Glad you are safe and praying that the fires are out ASAP and all can return to normal. What a memorable trip!

[Lucy Moran]

I'm so glad you are all alright. What an ordeal. I hope you can return to Fintry to finish your holiday. Love Lucy

[beckyk]

What a scary interruption to a holiday! So glad all are safe.

[Kippie]

Maureen you were cool calm and collected as always.
Karen

[Louise M]

I have been wondering if you were at Fintry or not. My Aunt lives in Westbank and was evacuated. Then I heard about Fintry and hoped the family was doing ok. The news said that some residents didn't evacuate, glad you did. I agree with the comment about your Mum on the news, just like seeing celebrities. Your Mum is very well spoken, very calm, didn't allow the reporter to make it a "sensation" story. Kudoos to her.

Keeping the family in my prayers.

[Jill]

Tess, please feel free to come to the Island...we have a travel trailer and access to an ocean front campsite. The trailer sleeps six comfortable - plus we have a spare room at our house for anyone else. Don't hesitate as our home is your home....a big back yard, lots of kids toys .... just keep us in mind.

XO (i'm glad you are safe!)

[Coral]

I am so pleased you are all ok!

What a scare for you all.

xxxxx