08/05/2026
What a devastating week for our community.
We were out of town for a memorial service. We had added an extra day to the trip to enjoy the San Diego beach before heading home when we got the Watch Duty alert for the Fairview Fire, and minutes later we were hearing from many of an immediate evacuation of our area alongside photos of billowing smoke approaching the property.
Within an hour, our pet sitter, my brother and mom had our pets, important documents and a few memory items out of our home. We are so incredibly grateful that they dropped everything to come rescue our animals and protect the property.
It was a surreal feeling being in Coronado on the beach with my daughter, and Ryan at the Padres/Giants game while watching tragedy unfold on our phones. We tried our best to make it the fun, memorable evening we had planned for our family while waiting for updates.
The last update we received - firefighters were trying to contain the fire at the main cross road to Peone Prairie, just a short distance from our home.
The next morning we got visual confirmation our home was still standing with the backdrop of Stoneman charred. The work the firefighters and local farmers did to protect so many homes on the hillside was a Godsend. We returned later in the day to Spokane.
Even now, several days later as the fires are still being contained, we are grateful for the miracle of a home to return to. At the same time, we are brokenhearted seeing this continue to unfold for many friends who have lost homes.
Please be praying for our Spokane community. It will take a long time for our community to recover from this tragedy. But we know, it will.
The devastation feels so big and overwhelming. And many are still in the midst of evacuations and uncertainty. When able, find a family or friend to walk alongside with encouragement and care.
Thank you to so many of you checking in on us and praying for us.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalms 34:18
