Neighbors had a bad house fire

Friends and neighbors of ours about a mile to the south had their house burn up early Monday morning. Not sure yet of the cause but it's likely that it was lighting as their was a lighting storm right at that time and how the fire was immediately in the attic. Mom, Dad and the three little ones made it out alright but nothing left but the clothes they had on. One of the reasons why I'm sharing this story is to show what a difference a caring community can do in peoples life. Everything was lost and within a 12 hour period, they were offered 7 different houses to live in, not to share with others but to use for themselves till they had a new one built. They are staying at a nearly new house fully furnished house till they get back on their feet. They we given a car to use and by 5:00 pm there was a 30 ft enclosed trailer with clothes toys and life essentials backed up to the donor house providing relief for them. Their 12 yr old boy loves to hunt and fish and there was two new fishing poles and a new compound fishing bow on the front porch waiting for him and I'm sure he has a new 20 gauge shotgun back by now too. This is just a brief description of what has been done for them within 12 hours time. My point is look at what people can do for people when they hurt, and I'm soo happy to be in a area where if one hurts we all hurt. If you see a neighbor in need, be the answer to their prayer, YOU can can be their answer. Helping and showing the love of Jesus one person at a time is how we get this country back from the hate we see everyday.

Wow - this really underscores what is right with this country. While I'm sickened with the news of riots in Portland (40 minutes from my place) every night I can certainly share in the joy these folks must be experiencing. Not just the recipients, but those who gave so very generously to meet the needs of a devastated family.

Tears in my eyes - thanks for sharing this Seth.

Glenn

It's so great to hear they all got out and were unharmed. That is truly awesome how much the community stepped up to help them and it is great to see it happening. My thoughts and prayers go out to them!

During the various trips we've made to the US of A we've met a great cross-section of the local peoples.
Two distinct impressions ensued: The townies/city dwellers wouldn't p*ss on you if your ass was on fire; but the more rural/small-town folk would go out of their way to assist in any way they possibly could.

That was shown in what happened in your neighbourhood.
Your average Joe Bloggs American is a real good bastard.

You can all feel proud of who and what you are.

Having been through our own house fire back in 2007, I feel their pain. Also lucky enough to have a place to stay, while still staying close to our damaged home. Insurance would have put us up at the local Howard Johnsons (yes, still had one local back then), we declined. Glad everyone made it out safely, that is the most important part. The house can be replaced, your life cannot be. Sounds like they have a great support structure in place, make certain they pay extra attention to the young ones, as the trauma may not show up immediately, but will be embedded within their young minds in different ways.

Wish them all well.

Bill

What a mess, both the house fire and what it does to those involved! Great to hear how the community has come together, not much of that left these days! No lives lost and no injuries, the rest of it is material stuff that can be replaced!

We do live in kind of a goofy area,sometimes it seems like everybody's full of greed and then people really open their wallets when somebody's hurting.

To Bill's point about the kids, my family home burned when I was 10 with flood waters surrounding the house preventing getting to it, and with the house fully engaged the waters receded and the fire was so hot it burned to the foundation, dropping the floor into the basement full of mud and water. Small SW Missouri town, parents both teachers in the local school and we had a similar outpouring of care, concern and love from the surrounding area. It's not something that you forget.

Thankfully, I don't think the youngest seem much for trauma. They are about five and seven with the oldest being about 12. There was no flames inside the main part when they all got out, and the youngest two went to an uncle's house right away so they didn't have to see much of the fire. The oldest one seems like he's taking it ok but I'm sure it has it all sunk in yet. Like you said though, the outpouring of help is something that none of them will ever forget and hopefully they carry on to others.