Arizona and California (Fires!)

"The wilderness and the desert willl be glad, and the desert will rejoice and blossom:" Is. 35:1

Our first ministry stop was scheduled in Sierra Vista, Arizona. We were very close to the Mexico border, and enjoyed the Southwest flavor of the region. We shared great times and meals with good friends, the Wright family, from Sonoita. The boys shot blue rock (and other unfortunate targets) and had a great time doing 'guy' stuff. Everyone was very impressed with Mike's Wright's ten-in-a-row record! The Hitch boys didn't do too badly, either!

We were scheduled to minister in California during that first week, but the wildfires began that weekend, and we were advised to stay in Arizona until things were under control. Our Friday night concert was cancelled.

Our family and friends hiked at Catalina Park near Tucson, Arizona. It was a very warm day, and we were lured on by the promise of a deep and cool pool of water further up the trail. Promise fulfilled! Most everyone jumped in the cold water (some jumped 25 feet off the rocks into a deep pool that no one could ever find the bottom of!) and finished the hike back down very refreshed.

This photograph may not look like much, but it is an actual photograph of the sky over the desert the day we hiked! It was absolutely astounding!

This is a photo of the camp set up for firefighters.

When we did get to El Cajon, California, Foothills Church, where we stayed, was directly across the street from the Firefighter's Camp. There were hundreds of firefighters staying in the tents pictured above and below. Every evening, dozens of helicopters would fly over us and land nearby to rest for the night. Fire engines would come in for the night in long lines, full of weary firefighters.
The air quality was so bad, we had great difficulty singing from the very first day we arrived in El Cajon. Our eyes burned and our throats were dry and irritated. It was the poor air quality that caused schools to be closed and many people to be displaced. We were thrilled to be with our son, Nick, who joined us in Arizona because his college classes were all cancelled and the campus was closed. We were grieved about the loss of life and property in the area.

The firefighters camp in El Cajon housed hundreds.

Community support was impressive and genuine. At times there were more firefighters than there was equipment and they were forced to wait for the rigs to come back in to work them. Notice the heavy smoke hanging over this photo.

By the time we left El Cajon ten days later, this camp was nearly abandoned. Most of the tents were removed as the fires were brought under control. It was almost a culture shock to experience the California fires. Nebraska has its own threats, but none like this! We heard many stories of how God worked in people's lives during this tense time. Many people came to the local churches seeking spiritual consolation and direction, too. It was humbling to see such mighty power displayed by nature in spite of man's attempts to take control of it.

We had many great concerts in the El Cajon area, and met up with old friends whom we deeply appreciate. God used the music to encourage our audiences and share His love during difficult times. We were so honored to be there.

Kathy