大家还记得五月阿省麦克默里堡的森林大火和十万灾民吗？还记得我们华人社区的各种义卖活动吗？以下这封信来自灾区的Charlene，她告诉了我她的近况，并让我向大家表示诚挚的感谢！

    We have worked so hard cleaning and painting ceilings and walls. We had to get new beds and furniture and bedding and curtains, etc. It was all such a slow process dealing with insurance one step at a time, and waiting for things to come in to the stores, which were overloaded too.

    Many things were covered by insurance, but there were extras as well. Plus we had a water leak that caused some damage not covered by insurance. We had a boil water advisory - no drinking water - all the way till July, so it was like camping at home. We had gone to the lake and rodeo for 3 days all summer for a break, and the first day, our area flooded in Fort McMurray. It was almost too much for my daughter to handle - all she could think of was more work - but just the front yard washed away some and might have got some water in the muffler of the car. So, it has been quite the "summer" for us. 

    It is already starting to get cold and leaves turning yellow. We are finally starting to put things back together so we can get back to school. We have still to put up some curtains and pictures and finish sorting stuff out and putting it away. My daughter is finishing up some of last year's schoolwork, and we have this years school plan almost ready. 

    So, things are finally coming together - praise the Lord!! He has faithfully watched over us and given us the strength to get through all things. 

    Many of our friends and neighbors are still grieving and feeling unsettled, waiting for permission to rebuild their homes and having trouble with insurance and permits. It is very hard on them emotionally. Other people are back to normal and not affected by the fires very much, but I think all of us will never be the same. For those of us who know the Lord we have comfort, but those who do not have seen how fragile life and things are. May many salvations come from this tragedy! 

    We are very touched that you and your friends want to bless us with help.. just the thought that people care and we are not alone blesses us so much! 

     Thank you so much and also for your prayers, they have helped us most. Please tell all your friends a BIG THANK YOU from us as well.