What did you do this summer?
Did you ever have to write an essay on “What you did on your summer vacation?” Well, if I was back in school, I would have an interesting essay.
July 2026, began with me having to call 911 after my husband collapsed. He was in and out of hospital for most of the month with a nasty bladder infection, as they could not find an antibiotic that would work for him. He was home at the end of July and was finally getting stronger and walking on his own.
On August 1st, while we were visiting friends about an hour away from home, we got a fire alert, for our community just north of Vernon, BC. Within an hour we had another order to evacuate our home. By the time we got home, packed a few things and drove away from our house we could see the fire rapidly approaching. We were able to stay with family and church friends until we got the all clear after a week. We returned home on Saturday August 8th to find our house untouched by fire. Our power had not been interrupted, so our fridge and freezers were not affected. The community we live in has its own wells and water system, so our water was safe too. We are now settled back in our home, but we were still on fire alert for more than a week.
Looking back, we see how God had His hand leading us even when we thought we had no place to go. God provided for us. We knew that there were many people keeping us in their prayers and we felt God’s protection even if things did not turn out well. We know that God has provided for all we already have, and He will provide for us even if we had to start over.
We were fortunate, but many were not. Please continue pray for all of those who lost their homes this summer because of the forest fires in our country. Pray also for all of the firefighters who work tirelessly to control those fires, and all of the volunteers helping those in need.
In this summer essay I will remember to: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Praying that no matter what kind of summer you had, you can also give “Thanks.”
Pauline Huth, LWMLC Christian Growth committee, ABC District
