The Four Seasons

Tonight, Lesli and I attended the 4th of eight receptions to welcome us to Calvary Community Church. Bill Rehwald, an elder, introduced us by reviewing the fours seasons of Southern California: 1) earthquakes, 2) sunshine, 3) mudslides, and 4) fire. He joked about how the Thornton family has experienced three of the major seasons. Mudslides are the only season yet for us to experience.

Today the reality of the infamous SoCal brush fires became obvious to us. Traffic was backed up on the 101 and the 23 freeways (since the 118 was closed). Smoke was so thick from the major fire about 10 miles from the church and somewhat closer to our house that fire alarms went off at the church and Jon and Katie's school. Ash fell from the sky like scattered snowflakes. The smoke created an eerie yellow affect to the sky and daylight around noon. 

All this was caused by dry conditions and by strong Santa Ana winds. These winds are strange to someone from the east. Skies are blue (until the smoke moves in) and wind gusts like a major thunderstorm blow through. A very unusual occurrence when you are accustomed to storm clouds forming along with such winds.

Everyone we ran into throughout the day today simply said: "Well, welcome to Southern California!" 

One of the great things to observe involved a sister church to Calvary. Shepherd of the Hills, a strong Evangelical church near the main fire has had a tremendous testimony as the main evacuation center for families. What a refreshing demonstration of the kindness of Christ in this tough season!