I can't seem to think about anything accept for the Tea Fires that have ravaged Montecitio, California displacing many of our dear friends and leaving some homeless. Apparently, fires continue to burn in parts of California including Santa Barbara. I spoke with dear friends late in the night on Thursday as they huddled in the smoky gymnasium at Westmont college. Residence Directors had a big job on their hands that night as they managed to ensure everyone's safety. The entire college was evacuated to the gym due to road closures, as fire swept through the campus. My friend, a spouse of Westmont staff who took refuge in the gym along with hundreds of students, stayed low on the floor trying to keep her six week old baby clear of the smoke. As the gymnasium doors swung open letting students in and out to use the restrooms, flames were visibly surrounding the structure. Some buildings were spared while others were not. Unfortunately, one of the buildings that was completely destroyed happens to be the home of our dear friends and mentors, Mark and Nora McCormick. Mark and Nora have lived in the cottage on Westmont's campus for over fifteen years. They have served the students and us personally by introducing Shane and I to one another and marrying us. Nora, who is a flight attendant was out of state during the fire and will be returning soon. Please lift them up in your prayers as well as all of those who have and continue to be victims of the fires in California. For photos of Westmont after the fire visit http://www.westmont.edu/teafire/pictures.html.
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