Texas Wildfires

This past weekend, Central Texas took a tremendous blow. Fueled by incredibly high winds, our drought-stricken land was eaten up by fast-moving wildfires.  More than 36,000 acres in my area have burned.  Over 1000 homes have been lost.  Almost 5000 homes were evacuated with many families still not allowed  home.

the view from Austin on Sunday, September 4, 2011 (photo rights - deannaroy.com)

Many of you know that I live in Central Texas.  I have received numerous texts and messages from you all regarding if I was effected by the devastating wildfires that have engulfed so many homes here over the past few days.  Thank you so much for reaching out - you all are so incredibly sweet.

We were thankfully not effected physically.  We live about 30 minutes from one of the most hardest hit areas, Bastrop.  But on Sunday, the fires were a little too close for comfort, with one less than 20 miles from us.

Many families were given 5 minutes to evacuate their homes, that's how fast the fires spread.  Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out.  Entire neighborhoods. As the week goes on, we are slowly learning about families that have lost everything.  My heart hurts for these families.  I just can't imagine what they must be going through.  I know that it is possessions that are lost and many possessions are replaceable.  But it's the devastation of losing everything that makes is so impossible to deal with.

And what would you grab if you were given 5 minutes to leave?  Clothing, sentimental possessions, pets? It's a conversation that many of my friends and I have had over the past few days.  It's a conversation that I've had with my kids.

This city has rallied together with amazing love for the victims of the fires.  There are so many agencies, churches and individuals coming together to help our neighbors.  Just today, While at a PTA luncheon, we discussed the possibility of having a Backpack & Binder drive to give all the children some sense of normalcy back.  Normalcy.  That's all these families want and they won't get that for months.

I have been effected by this emotionally - it's just so close to home.  So I am asking that you pray with me for these families.  Pray that they are able to rebuild with speed - not only their homes but their lives.

Pray for those still fighting the fires - As of today, only 30% of the Bastrop fire has been contained.

Pray for rain - we have had so little here over the past year and we are desperate for it.

Thank you.

pictures - dailymail.co.uk