this evening i received news of a fire in santa barbara. i hopped on the net to see what was up only to find out that it was westmont and the hills and homes of montecito that were ablaze. i was (and am) shaking. frozen. scared. my heart sunk and began to beat more quickly at the same time. i called my friends and former classmates. everyone is safe. and in surprisingly good spirits. i am a mess. yet reminded of something very powerful. westmont is a community built on so much more than a montecito hillside. it is built on an unshakable faith in christ. built on friendship. love. hope. joy. it is a place full of amazing people who want nothing more than to learn and to become more christ-like individuals. who strive to make the world a better place and who answer the call that our creator has on our lives.

i grieve for the losses though. the burned tress, historic buildings, and peoples’ homes. peoples’ homes!!! ugh, i can’t imagine. my heart goes out to Mark the RD and his family who lost their home in the blaze. and to the students who lost their belongings. not to mention that countless others who lost their homes. it is tragic. unbelievable. and terrifying. my prayers are with all of my fellow westmonters, friends, brothers and sisters. you are so dear to my heart and i am so grateful that you are safe. praise jesus. we must continue to pray people. never cease. and remember… “great is thy faithfulness. morning by morning…”