By Jennifer Rae Vliet
There are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the inferno that Maui had instantly become on August 8, 2023. There is also a lot of grieving to be done. Many of us have been watching the stunned survivors of the village of Lahaina begin to accept the reality that their home, loved ones and beloved pets did not make it. Those that have spoken out on social media are not only emboldened to tell us what is really going on at ground zero but through tears express having grateful hearts that their very own lives have been spared in this nightmare. It has been said that once the fire descended from the hillside onto the homes in the village, as it became an urban fire in nature, it took all of about 20 minutes for Lahaina to be leveled to smoke and ashes and all anyone had time for was to run for their lives.
I had a chance to listen to a trustworthy source on the ground in Maui. His name is Ben, age 54, and a native who lives 15 minutes from the village of Lahaina. He has been able to help by boat and jet skis with some of the other locals to bring supplies or attempt such a thing, at least. He spoke of how many people saw mattress-sized pieces of insulation ablaze, caught in the high winds flying about 50 feet above that were blown onto the rooftops, setting one house after another on fire. Once a gas station exploded, then propane tanks, then trucks as well and adding to that the insane winds and all of the combustible items people have in their garages, there just was no chance.
Did you know that Lahaina has been known for being a thriving wetland village? Known for even being one of the wettest places on earth! So, what happened to cause Lahaina to become dried out and subject to something like this? The water was stolen for development over time is what I am hearing, and the townspeople have been sharing their frustration that present day for the village, they have been under water rations due to the drought situation, unable to wash their cars or water their properties. This is where the anger is starting to surface. Just five miles away are the green, lush resorts of Maui. Sprinklers dousing the luxurious rolling green landscapes with round the clock running water features to dazzle the tourists and all of these resorts are still standing. I personally am waiting to hear that they are going to house the displaced families and give them comfort and safety in a time like this. Apparently, the water rights fight is said to be gearing up to the intensity of the fire itself. And this is not really anything new, but everyone still wants to know where the mayor and the governor were right way and even now. And where is the federal help? Ben said people are questioning why the military wasn’t called in to do what they do best; they can create a functioning village within 12 hours. Where are cargo planes loaded with supplies to drop for those in need?
It is all very suspect and overwhelming, and our hearts and prayers go out to the Hawaiian people. They have been graceful and steady from my experience and have been asking solid, honest questions while they mourn. And with that said, there are many other places burning to a crisp as I write. Spokane is ablaze and Canada is still burning and burning and burning. Canadians are expressing their anger with the new laws that Trudeau has put in place, allowing the blocking of news items such as the fire. I also just poked around online, and a plane is shooting out flames from its one wing headed into Houston and they are safe thankfully and we have multiple buildings burning in NYC as we head into the sunset. Pray, pray, pray.
Here is an interesting article about some things to consider when a fire starts and what you need to consider doing to survive in all sorts of scenarios.
Some good news to end our Sunday night: Even though just 3 years ago Sacramento, California was being choked out by fire and in the throes of major evacuations, there was a gathering of 12,000 people at the state Capitol to praise Jesus and pray together. The same thing is happening this evening in Spokane County as the Gray fire burns in southwest Spokane with no sign of containment. Christians are gathering together to pray. Here is that excellent piece by Bob on Why Does God Allow Tragedy – The Plain Truth. There is chaos everywhere it seems and what a better time to spend time with God and thank Him for all we still have and what is yet to be. He certainly has been doubly good to us. Love this meme from the Rives ministries.
To that end, here is a little sweet song from a beloved Hawaiian singer that is going around the internet again.