We have wept, yelled, and been unusually quiet. We've argued, we've made up, we have constructed boundaries because our chaotic new reality requires it. We've registered with varying state agencies, and talked with countless insurance adjusters, we've worked on compiling a list of what we've lost, while mentally compiling a list of all we've gained.
We've been to the property and looked through ashes, we've tried to remember the details of the space that once held our lives, and we've been as positive and encouraging as we have been frustrated and depressed.
We've dealt with loss in varying degrees, first the obvious one, but then also the loss of a friend that is practically family.
We've been painfully transparent and authentic, and we've also withheld some things because, frankly, it's just too hard.
Through every detail God has been faithful toward us. He has provided well for us through the generosity of our friends, other churches, family, and through the generosity of strangers. He has graciously granted us not just the practical needs our family has, but also the desires of our hearts.
Through a connection of a board member of our church, we have been able to procure a house within our community of Hidden Valley Lake. We have yet to see the home, but because rentals are at such a premium with essentially almost 2000 families needing to establish new residences, we felt it was God's provision for our family. Every time I (LeAnne) am in the community for meetings, I run into people at the grocery store or coffee shop who have either lost everything or are dealing with the after effects of the fire. Each time I've had the opportunity to pray with them, hug them, and just listen. This solidifies our knowledge that our family as a whole needs to be in the community full time.
Our family was designed for ministry from the beginning, and each of us has a unique gift or personality that we bring to the table, and so we are eager to get back and get busy. While Zach has been working from the office of a board member there, the rest of us have been struggling to reintegrate. Having a home will aid in this, and when the sweet landlady asked if I needed to see the house, I replied, "Ma'am, I am homeless. What the interior looks like really doesn't make a difference to me." And that is very true. I've lived on three continents, four countries, and I know that it isn't the walls that make a home, it is the essence of the people living there. Already God has provided all of our linens, our master bedroom bedding, and some other things that I wanted that will help make it homey and inviting. I'm trusting Him for the rest, including the furniture. (I'm being VERY intentional about this part. In other words, I'm choosing pieces that will last, are economical, and best fit our family. We had insurance and so have the means to choose this part of the process, which, when you literally have NO control over anything else, is important to us.)
This is a temporary housing solution until we determine what, if anything, is next for us as far as Zach's parents are concerned. We've been in daily communication with them regarding our decisions and they've been nothing but supportive, encouraging, and gracious through the process.
Our church has been meeting at the local elementary school and this location will suit our needs for the foreseeable future as we pursue rebuilding our church and provide ongoing support and assistance for our community through the long process of healing and recovery.
While we are eager to move back (hopefully on November 1st), I have to say that our haven of provision here will be missed. David, Tamah, and Abby McQueen have provided us with an environment that has fostered our healing and recovery. Their home is peaceful and the Presence of God is welcomed and an environment of worship and prayer and the Holy Spirit fostered well here. This has been an integral part of our personal recovery and healing on numerous levels. People ask how we can minister and move forward .... well... it is because of them and their graciousness toward our family.
One thing among many that this experience has taught us is that God has gifted us with incredible friendships. The kind that are sustained no matter the space of distance or time, friends that will mourn with us, laugh with us, and help hold us up when we are weary. Authentic relationships where we can be angry when we feel angry, sad when we feel sad, and joyful even when it might not make sense to rejoice. Friends who are "boots on the ground", providing for us practically through housing and a registry where we can receive items that we want, and also spiritually as they encourage, pray, and intercede for and with us. These treasures cannot be stolen by fire.
We are continually amazed at the way God has brought us through what could be the most devastating experience of our lives, and caused us to realize His goodness and His love for us. Where some might say, "Where was God?" we can say honestly that He was and is with us every moment. Sometimes, the greatest blessing is not in what He may have prevented, but in what He allows. Truthfully that perspective is not easy, it is a continual choice that we make daily to trade in our human eyes for supernatural spectacles. To trust that in the midst of chaos and brokenness, that there is goodness and mercy and a brilliant future. What a mighty God we serve.
This experience is humbling, hard, exhilarating and we are expectant for what God is going to continue to in and through us as we continue on this journey together. One thing is for certain. Living for God is the least boring lifestyle you can ever embark upon.
Thank you for your continued prayers, your support, and your patience as we continue to seek the Lord in all the areas of our lives.
Taken from the Pyzer home, through what was once the front door. 
New rental home 
