The Fires

Dear all,

We are now into day four of the bushfires.  While the story has left the US headlines, unfortunately the fires burn on.

This is such a strange part of this journey.  This event is traumatic for so many communities here and has brought into question many issues ranging from fire fighting strategies to forestry practices to climate change.  When the fires first started, we had assumed, as newcomers, that this was a pretty common situation.  Yet, we are realizing that this is highly unusual and really presents a major challenge for the years ahead.  The question now is, "how can this not become an annual event?"

The last 24 hours have seen relative calm and at least there have not been any major changes for the worst.  The great hope is that the winds do not pick up.  Optimistically we hope that the major fires will be controlled by the end of the week.  

School is somewhat trying for the children right now.  Many of the children and faculty members have left to live with relatives elsewhere.  The pervasive smell of smoke and the reddish clouds provide an ongoing reminder of the fires.  Not a lot of work is getting done.

Margaret started school yesterday and had a wonderfully funny travel story - more on that in the next posting.

Be well,

Nord