Home Again

I've been back for a week and so far it's been good times. I've done a lot of sleeping (a LOT of sleeping), eating, reading and a little shopping. I've already hit all the major necessary food places like Alberto's, In-N-Out and Panda Express. All of which do not exist in Virginia. It's been too cold to go to the beach yet but this week is suppose to be in the 80s and 90s so I will be getting my beach fill soon enough.

Africa Update:

I still need $800 by last Friday but it is ok because I know God will provide the money. I get the rest of my shots tomorrow and the medical forms I left on my desk in Virginia are on their way to me (thank you Josh) so I can finish them and send them to AIM. And I almost have everything planned for my arrival in New York for my briefing.

Your prayers are appreciated. And if you want to give financially please e-mail me at steph.rice22@gmail.com.

I will let you know how I do after my shots tomorrow night. Supposedly they have the potential to make me sick so let's pray that is not the case.

Thanks!

Fire Update

My family is doing well and did not have to evacuate. Yeah! Much of Escondido has been able to go back to their homes and there were houses and buildings damaged and destroyed but a small number considering the fact that most, if not all, of Fallbrook was consumed by the fire.

According to the New York Times there is still high risk of the fires burning more homes but Escondido is safe right now.

Thank you for your concern and your prayers! I keep praying that no one else is hurt by these fires and that they will no longer be a danger.

San Diego Fires

First of all, my family and house are okay as of right now. My parents have been told they may need to evacuate and they are ready to leave if they need to but so far that has not had to happen. When I talked to them last night they said the winds had died down and the smoke had cleared. While they can see the fire from the house on roughly three sides, the fire has stayed in a "C" shape around Escondido (said Mommy and Daddy). Some of southern Escondido has been burned and through e-mails from friends I have learned that many people have been evacuated but no word on anyone I know personally losing their home.

So my family is safe for now but this fire is very unpredictable so please keep them in your prayers! I will try to update when I can.

Here are some maps courtesy of Google and KPBS (I'm probably violating some copyright laws here...).

The general area. The white info bubble is on Escondido High School which is a few miles from my house and is being used as an evacuation center that is now at full capacity. The Witch Fire is what is the biggest problem for Escondido right now, its on the lower right. The Witch Fire has burned over 164,000 acres and is 1% contained according to an article in the New York Times this morning.

A closer view. The info bubble is directly over my street.