fire drill!

i can't believe i didn't get photos! since we've been in the midst of all these fires, we've had an impromtu fire unit study. yesterday the best part was my kids climbing out of the boys' bedroom window and holding hands running to our "meeting place".
j opened the window (i'd already removed the screen), he pretended to PUNCH out the screen (very exciting), then he jumped out (carefully, but very excited as it was his first time jumping out a window!) k then helped kj up the bunk bed ladder and turned her around on her tummy with her feet dangling out the window. k lowered her to j - they were such caring brothers! then k made his move and j helped him down so they could all run together to the special safe spot.
this is something i'd wanted to do for a while, but i didn't want to bring up the idea of our house burning from out of nowhere. so now seemed like a great time as the kids are all asking about "the fires".
sunday we were on our way to the cousins' house in bakersfield and we saw the castaic fire coming closer to the 5 fwy we were driving on. we were not sure if we'd even be able to come back that way if the fire were to come much closer. the kids saw tons of smoke and some huge flames. on the way home it was dark. the smoke was not visible, but we could really smell it and there were several huge glows of orange in the darkness on either side of the freeway.
consequently, they've shown more interest than if it was just something on the tv.
each morning and evening we've checked out what the current stats are together. then we've had opportunity to talk about a wide variety of fire-related subjects. they've really learned a lot of science, math, and social science. we pray for the firefighters (our neighbor is one) and the evacuees. we've talked about preparedness and what steps we take to avoid such danger in our home and community.
j seems to be really understanding so much and it is really fun to watch him grow in his understanding. i am amazed at how he really gets it!
at the same time, i know that they don't really comprehend all of the circumstances affecting our region right now - i don't even. i feel stressed by whole thing and i am not in anyway directly affected by it. i keep wondering, "what can i do?" but even if we don't have a tangible gift, we will keep praying.