The Balance of my Comfort Zone

Yesterday I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Fire!!... The Grampians are on fire !!

My natural instinct is to STAY AWAY.  But instead of staying safely at home and simply praying for those affected, I got in my car and drove with 3 other people towards that fire, through the smoke, on roads well chosen to avoid the road blocks....

I spent the evening in the company of an amazing team of volunteers and some even more amazing evacuees in a town I don't know but now have a piece of my heart invested in.

Probably the longest conversation I had was with a gorgeous little 3 year old who chattered away in her own little language completely oblivious to the events unfolding around her, happily playing in the playdough and running around with her big sister, the trust they showed to someone they didn't know but whom obviously was trusted by their parents was humbling.

The machine that goes into action when an emergency happens is incredible.  Every agency has their role and within a short time a centre is set up allowing shelter for those who need it, information when it's available, food, water, bedding, and towels.  Adjacent to this centre was the staging ground for the emergency services, an awesome sight.  Local businesses were so generous with donations of water, and food.  The locals were very generous with offers of accommodation, so the numbers who needed to sleep at the centre was kept to a minimum.

The facilities, in a local recreation centre were basic, however, those sleeping there were grateful for the safety and the provision of a bed and I hope happy to have people caring for them and being a listening ear.

When I received the call, I guess I could have chickened out and simply said I couldn't go, but then I couldn't count this amazingly privileged experience as a part of my life.  Perhaps this is another way of maintaining balance this year...by stretching myself ... by allowing myself to be uncomfortable... because the reward and sense of being of some help is all worth it :)

Tonight.. those people I met, some from the local area and some traveling through... I will think of them and pray that they are safe and feel that they were cared for.