Brad and I, along with Declan, Rhys, Tess and Meagan are currently staying in the mobile home park right by our place. Friends of ours had moved out before Christmas and offered it to us; we are thankful that we can be close to our place so we can keep an eye and oversee the work that gets done. Meagan heads out Friday for Halifax and her new job! Noah and Dan are staying with the Kelly's, Carleigh has a room at a friend's house just minutes away and Ben boards with Donnie and Lauren and will continue to do that while he works with Ray this summer.
Many have asked what they can do to help but until we finalize things with the insurance company, there really is little to be done! Brad, Dan and the older kids spent Saturday moving our belongings out of the main area of our place where the significant damage was done. Our offices and bedrooms were located in the south wing of our building and only sustained smoke damage, and fairly minor damage at that. In fact, we are using two of the beds that were taken from that wing here at the trailer, and they don't smell at all. The furniture from the main living room and tv area has been tossed; furnishings haven't been a big priority in the Allison household and simply were not worth cleaning. Friends of friends provided a pull out couch and a love seat; Dan brought over one of the chairs from his room that has no smoky smell and Noah and Casey cleaned one of the tables that had survived so we have room to sit and eat. Our large dining table was broken, but its days were numbered. I'm holding out for one of those big harvest tables!!
The trailer is equipped with fridge, stove, washer and dryer. It has satellite still hooked up, so we didn't lose treehouse t.v. (thank the Lord) and Brad has been enjoying the playoffs in the evenings. There are air conditioners at either end of the trailer for our added comfort, though we only had one on for a short time on Saturday evening. We've set Brad's computer up here and brought the printer/copier over so that we can run the office and we're able to retrieve messages from our office phones despite the fact that there is no hydro over there. Not sure how that works!
Our greatest need at this point to reach a settlement with the adjuster. We would like to be dealt with reasonably and fairly, but for the first week after the fire all we heard from the adjuster was what our policy did not cover. That gets a little frustrating after a while, so we'd appreciate prayer in that regard. Once a settlement is reached, we will then have decisions to make, and help may well be needed at that point. We have options and that is great. I will continue to post here when there is something to share.
We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We see this as an opportunity for a real good Spring cleaning! I walked the building and property yesterday and when I was outside I coudn't help but notice that the fire took out all of the old dead grass and revealed the new green grass that was underneath. I love analogies, and that spoke to me. Just like you can't put new wine in old wineskins, it had been impossible to see that new growth when the old stuff was there.
We lost some stuff, but stuff is replacable; nothing of any value to us was lost. I am sooooo thankful that Declan not only smelled smoke, but was smart enough to realize there was something not right and alert me to it. He's my hero.
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy oer your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When what youve done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair
I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound Ive been set free
Ive been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair
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