October 22, 2007
Today was a hard day. Much of San Diego County is on fire and I had to go to work right in the middle of it all. I knew on my way there that there were fires all over, but I didn’t really know the extent of it until I was in the car, driving into Escondido with a massive sky of black above me. I don’t know if it would have affected me so much had I not had to go to work and be so near it all. I was driving into it and it was like I was driving into doom. The black sky looming overhead, the wind and smoke. It brought tears to my eyes.
The hospital was in a state of emergency and we were on our back up generator. We were not in danger at all or they would have evacuated us, but the hallways were full of smoke and we started wearing masks about half way through the day. I came home smelling like I had been to a camp fire, but I am just glad I was able to come home. After our shift ended, we had to stick around and were told we possibly could have to stay and work another 12 hours if they were unable to find sufficient staffing. We could lose our license if we didn’t stay. I couldn’t imagine 12 more hours of work, but I was willing to do it, to help all I could. People couldn’t get to work because the 15 had been closed and there was no way to get there. So many people were evacuated and a few doctors we know actually have already lost their homes. We only had to stay 45 minutes over until we were released to come home, thankfully.
The fires are all around us, but we are safe. Vista is in a nice little safe pocket and the sky is clear-no smoke, no ash, little wind. We are blessed. It is hard to imagine the world is going on around us. I have felt consumed by the fire and the disaster around us all day. The weather is not expected to change till Thursday. The fires are out of control. It really makes me think about what is important and puts things in perspective.
Please pray for those who have lost their homes, for the safety of the men and women fighting the fires, for the weather to change and the wind to let up.
I have never been so happy to live in Vista, our safe little pocket. Pray it stays safe.
Comments
Tisra Fadely:
Eric’s parents are here visiting and we are having the darndest time getting info on the Rice Canyon Fire. Tanneke got out all their photos and recipes, but with the fire having hit Reche, they are wondering if they will return to a house or not. I guess we won’t get accurate info for some time with everyone being evacuated from Fallbrook. I’m glad you’re safe and doing well- it assures me as far as my dad is concerned. He’s got his girlfriend, her daughter, and his girlfriend’s elderly dad at his house (they’re from Escondido) and is a bit too busy to keep me updated on each new bit of info. National news is slim as far as the Rice fire goes- they’re focusing on Malibu and San Diego proper. Here in Franklin, it is pouring- I wish we could send you some of our rain. :-( Love, T
October 23, 2007 9:25 AM
Pamela:
I’ve been praying for a miracle of rain, and that the wind will cease. I have also been praying for the Lord to keep all of our family safe. I love you and will continue to pray that this will all be over as soon as possible.
October 23, 2007 10:54 AM
Jennie:
Here’s some info on everything. The site may be slow due to high demand. http://www.211sandiego.org/
October 23, 2007 1:30 PM