California Fire Survivors Give Thanks

Sunday October 28, 2007 8:16 PM

By CHELSEA J. CARTER

Associated Press Writer

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Survivors of firestorms that destroyed more than 2,000 homes in Southern California found reasons Sunday to be thankful even as the damage toll mounted and firefighters worked to contain blazes.

Fire officials kept an eye on warm, dry weather that moved in behind a moist, tropical system that allowed fire crews to make gains Saturday. Winds up to 15 mph were expected but weren't considered a problem.

``This is fire conditions that we can actively fight, unlike the Santa Ana winds,'' said Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

But there was a possibility of strong offshore winds in another seven days, he said.

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De Colores!

I returned home yesterday after a weekend retreat in Chautauqua NY at a Koinonia retreat. Wow.... that's about all I can say right now! lol!

Here's a little description of the Koinonia....

Koinonia is a term derived from the early Christian Greek of the New Testament. The term meant "Christian Fellowship" or "to gather together for the purpose of Christian Fellowship".

The term has been adopted as the name of the ecumenical Christian movement that came from the Roman Catholic experience called Cursillo, which means "short course" in Spanish.

Koinonia is a lay group that has developed out of the ancient purpose and activity of Cursillo. Other groups that share the purpose and activity of Koinonia are recognized by different denominations by such names as: Crysallis, Kairos, Walk to Emmaus, Footsteps, Great Banquet.

To me, the weekend was unbelievable. I came home with a brand new relationship with God. I came back with many, many new friends and lots of wonderful memories.

I can't wait for our group reunion at the end of the month! To my wonderful new friends, Dody, Maria, Bonnie, Patty, Darlene and Judy, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!