Disaster in Central Texas

You'd have to be living under a rock to have not heard of the fires raging through the greater Austin area. The fires began Sunday, and they are still active with approximately 11 varying fires blazing at present. The largest and most devastating fire in Bastrop (a town about 30 miles outside of Austin) has been contained by 30 %, which is better news, but still terrible. I believe the current stats from this fire alone is almost 40,000 acres burned with 600 homes destroyed and two deaths.

We are thanking God for the safety of our family - we have not had to evacuate because of the fires and we hope that it stays that way. There's a reason there's the saying "spread like wildfire," and that's a scary reality.

Smoke over downtown Austin

In light of all the effects the fires have had in just a few days -- coworkers left homeless, schools and roads closed, power outages -- I am all too reminded of the landmark disaster of my home state, Hurricane Katrina, and it stings. The only difference is that water and wind was the enemy...here, it's fire and an extremely dry climate. It's hard to say which one is scarier - for me, it's fire because it's so hard to contain and because it can start not only naturally but more often by people - but it's probably because I'm much more used to hurricanes...this is a first for me. Of course both can be equally devastating. 

But light emerges in the dark. Everyday heroes emerged from the ashes as it were, and this is so inspiring to witness.You have to marvel at the resiliency of the human spirit during times of suffering, no matter if it's happening across the world or in your own backyard.

Whether or not you're in the local area, you can help! Taken from an Austin blog, here's how: 

Make a cash donation to the Red Cross of Central Texas, who can most effectively use the money to get needed supplies and assistance.

Most needed: bottled water, canned food, baby food, clothes, socks, dog & cat food, crates, litter

If you want to drive things out, take them to:

Rundell Business Park: 704 W Highway 71 Bastrop 78602 call: 512-332-8661

Places in town to bring things:

The Thrift Shop at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection is accepting donations for victims. The shop at 2008 Justin Lane will take donations of clothing, housewares and toiletries, which will be taken to distribution centers.

To help the families affected by the Steiner Ranch fire, Austin Christian Fellowship is taking donations of bottled water, sports drinks, non-perishable snacks, toiletries, work gloves, heavy duty trash bags, flashlights, batteries and pet food. Donations can be taken to 6401 River Place Boulevard.

Collections are also being taken in the Liberty Hill area. You can call Chuck Licata at 512-466-7751 to help.

Anyone in Hays County hoping to volunteer or donate water and food for firefighters or evacuees can contact Volunteer Coordinator Lidia Contreras at 512-393-7302.

The OASIS on Lake Travis has announced it will be a drop off point for the Austin/Bastrop fire victims. The restaurant is accepting donations as well as water, work gloves, toiletries, non-perishable food items, clothing, trash bags, and flash lights with batteries. Boxes and donation jars will be in the lobby area starting Monday afternoon.

The Austin Disaster Relief Network is currently assisting victims of the fires. Organizers say donations of food and clothing can be taken to any local food bank or charity.

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. Disaster Response (LSSDR)is accepting monetary donations for the fire victims here: www.lsss.org/give-now

Cash donations should be made directly to the Red Cross of Central Texas.

Foundation Christian Ministries in Cedar Creek is setting up a donation/supply center on its campus located at 177 Union Chapel Rd. E., Bastrop, TX 78602.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas will accept donations for wildfire victims on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Donations can be brought to the Diocese of Austin Pastoral Center at 6225 Highway 290 East from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donations will also be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin at 1817 East Sixth Street. Organizers are asking for donations of the following items:

Medical Supplies

• BP Cuff

• Nebulizer

• Thermometer

• Glucometer

• Pen lights

• Tongue Depressors

• Ibuprofen

• Gauze Wrap

• ACE Bandages

• Neosporin Cream

• Bandages

Other Supplies:

• Sleeping Bags

• Blankets

• Pillows

• Towels

• Shampoo

• Body wash

• Toothpaste

• Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins, Plastic Utensils

• Deodorant Sprays for men and women

• Disposable Razors

• Shaving Cream

• Baby Wipes

• Size 4 Diapers

• Baby Shampoo

• Sanitizer

Donations can be taken to the Click Computers of Georgetown store, located at 1102 S Austin Ave, Suite 109, Georgetown, TX through Friday, Sept. 16.

The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is requesting assistance in the following ways: Financial donations to CAFB can be made atwww.austinfoodbank.org. Funds raised will go directly to helping CAFB in this disaster response. The relief effort will be long-term and monetary donations will be necessary for many months.

CAFB food donations can be made at the following locations:

CAFB warehouse located at 8201 S. Congress Avenue, Austin , TX 78745 (8-5 p.m. or leave in boxes on dock outside of those hours)North Donation Spots for CAFB

Georgetown – Caring Place at 2000 Railroad St., Georgetown, TX 78627 — 512-869-473

Round Rock Serving Center at 1099 East Main St., Round Rock, TX 78664 — 512-244-2431

SVDP Round Rock — 620 Round Rock West -Round Rock, TX 78681 — 512-255-2330

To hold a food drive at your workplace, school, church etc., CAFB has large food donation boxes available for pick up at their warehouse. Once filled please return to CAFB or call 512-282-2111 to arrange for a pick up.Most desired food donations are healthy, non-perishable items such as:

- Water, Gatorade

- Ready to eat meals preferably with pull up or pop tops, e.g. chili, stew, canned pasta w/sauce

- Single serving snacks such as protein or granola bars

- Lunchables or other single serving foods that do not require refrigeration

- Diapers

- Baby formula

Other locations taking donations:

350 Discovery Blvd in Cedar Park

Paul Mitchell The School: 15635 Vision Drive, Ste 107, Pflugerville

Hill Country Bible Church: 12124 Ranch Road 620 North, Austin

Catholic Health Association: 6225 E. Highway 290

St. Williams Catholic Church in Round Rock


Learn more things to do with this post, including things to collect for both people and pets, and places in Austin to take them:

http://365thingsaustin.com/2011/09/06/how-you-can-help-fire-victims-donation-locations-what-to-donate/

More than anything, this area needs your PRAYERS! Please pray for healing, containment, safety and RAIN.
Many thanks,

Fleur

Nothing like a sister

My baby sister came to stay with us last week on her way to her new home in L.A! As always, we had a blast together. We're so proud of her - she has worked so hard to make this move happen. Coming from New York, this will be quite an adjustment, but we're hoping she'll love the beaches and sunny weather of the west coast! I know Joey and I are looking forward to visiting her soon.

I like to think that Maya and I have much of the same spririt -- we both love adventure, taking chances and going against the grain. But there's a difference in our situations that makes it a bit easier for me: I lean on Joey when things are tough -- Maya has to be brave all on her own. I'm only pointing this out to say that things are scarier on your own, and although I take chances, I have my partner in life to take them with me. Of course she has wonderful support from her family and friends, but ultimately she is the one making things happen. I just admire her so much. People always comment to me how brave she is, and it's absolutely true. She's a beautiful, talented and hard working woman who can do anything. We love you Maya!

This is Maya's second time to visit us in Austin, and she loves the city! We went to a baseball game (her favorite pasttime), swam at Hamilton Pool, went to the movies, searched for the best BBQ in Texas, drank beer, laughed too much, watched the famous Austin bats take flight and just generally had an amazing time.

I know I've said this before, but my sister will always have a piece of my heart that is only hers. I could write a book about our lives and our journey as sisters (maybe I will one day), but for now I will just say that my sister is my soul mate and I cannot imagine life without her. Here's a few pics from her visit! Good luck in Hollywood, my shining star!

Sisters

Baseball

Cows

Hamilton Pool

Sunset on Lake Travis

Polly Browne loves her Aunt Maya!

The day after Moosh left, my mom and Wendell stopped over for a night on their way to a horse sale in another part of Texas. It was a very short visit, but it was great seeing them just for a bit. We got to show them a tiny slice of what Austin has to offer. August has been the month for visitors from home, and we have loved it!