It’s been a horrific week here in Los Angeles. I’ll be the first to admit I can really struggle to be as moved as I would like when I hear of terrible things happening on the other side of the world or the country. I’m truly praying I can grow in this area. Admitting this because this past week that terrible thing happening was just a few miles away from where we live and not only was it something I heard on the news, it was something I could directly see and feel the impact of: the smokey, ashy air; the red golden sun, the updates and pictures from friends of friends that were directly impacted and lost everything.

This was something so close to home and absolutely devastating to see so many homes completely gone.

If you live in LA, and have been directly impacted, know that I’ve been praying for you all week and you have been heavy on my heart.

Even though I’m so close to everything happening, I am still a safe distance, which in ways makes me feel a bit guilty (also grateful). The most I have been affected is that I had to skip a couple runs and keep the kids/dog inside for a few days. The main stressor I had for our family was about the air quality we were breathing, which I quickly fixed by buying an air purifier.

I keep thinking about what a privilege it is to change a load of laundry, to make my bed, to put on my own clothes from my dresser. All these little acts can so easily be taken for granted and this past week has put in to perspective how quickly even these things can be taken away.

These terrible fires have also reminded me of how quickly life can change overnight. These people went to sleep planning for a normal day ahead and a day later, their home was gone. It’s a reminder to be grateful each day for everything (and everyone) we do have, who knows how long we will have it (or them) for.

Despite such a terrible week, my heart has been encouraged to see first hand communities coming together and helping in so many real and tangible ways. I’m on multiple group messages, where helping and giving and donations are happening over and over. People are moving and working and doing everything they can to get friends/families in new homes and settled with new things. Every day I am seeing a new connection of a real need and someone tangibly meeting that need.

There is a mom due in 2 weeks with their third baby that was in need of a new breast pump. Just a couple days ago, I was staring at our unopened breast pump that I ordered from insurance, but never needed to use for Declan. I was encouraged that this could be used for her. It takes so much prep and planning before a baby comes I couldn’t imagine losing everything just a couple weeks before delivery. Everyone affected is on my heart, but I definitely have been praying and thinking a lot of the mom in the middle of this devastation.

Another glimmer of hope has been seeing so many brands give back by sending care packages and replacing items lost in fires.

The community we live in is a place where a lot of displaced families are coming to. The school district my son goes to and the neighboring school district are both opening enrollment to families affected by fires. This has been another glimmer of hope to see our community so openly welcome families affected. It’s another reminder to be a welcoming and kind face.

In all of this, I’ve also been thinking about how disasters like this affect kids. Poor Hudson broke down in tears last Thursday when an evacuation order was accidentally sent out to millions of LA county residents. It was intended for those near the Kenneth fires in West Hills. We also had simultaneously turned on the news and as the boys and I watched, Hudson began breaking down in tears. It was a good reminder, that I probably shouldn’t have turned the news on to begin with. Visually seeing everything happening, along with the wrongly sent out evacuation order, made H feel like we were in danger. We weren’t, but he felt it for good reason. We immediately turned the TV off and moments later received the second notification informing us that the first evacuation order sent out was a mistake. H smiled with relief and went along playing. I found this list to be helpful when thinking about ways to support kids through all this.

There really aren’t words when things like this happen. Continuing to pray for everyone affected and all the firefighters, first responders, and leaders here. Praying for rain in Los Angeles and praying for the years of rebuilding ahead.