"It happens to other people, not us." We all think and say this, and then "it" happens... 

The Amayas moved from Lincoln, NE to Las Vegas, NV in late May 2021. The move was a good one. They located a rental house for their growing family in a wonderful neighborhood with a fabulous school nearby. Roberto landed a job with a good and reputable company. Ellie, Bella and Raiden were busy unpacking and making their house a home - placing little slices of Nebraska throughout. The family had been preparing for Baby A, set to arrive in November.

We arrived in Las Vegas on June 25th to help them settle in and to visit in their new environment. Despite having to navigate several unforseen challenges since arriving, it was clear they were HAPPY. We have never seen their little family filled with so much peace, joy, connection and liveliness.

On Sunday June 27, 2021, we all ventured down to one of the Amayas' favorite places, Laughlin, to enjoy a day in the dry heat and cool Colorado River. It was breathtaking, magnificent. Smiles, laughter, good food and sunburns marked our day. And then they got a call that will change their lives forever. "The fire department is at your house. Your house is on fire."

Shock and panic. Those are the best words we can find to describe the rest of that day. The 2-hour drive back to Las Vegas was grueling - the questions and unknowns overshadowing every other thought. By the time we arrived back at the house, the fire department and investigators had gone and cleared the house for reentry. The official cause "accidental/unknown" - possibly rechargeable lithium ion batteries packed away in a bag that touched each other in just the "right" way to heat up and ignite.

Entering that home was an experience we, and they, will never forget. It was a surreal horror story, something you only see on TV. Black ceilings, holes punched through to let air out. Water, ash and soot-soaked carpet immediately stained our feet. Moving around the house our hands and bodies quickly turned black. Seeing the melted smoke detectors laying on the floor. Ellie could only enter briefly due to her pregnancy, but the devastation and fear we saw in our daughter that day will never leave us. The kids' tears and eyes, big as silver dollars.... Roberto, the quiet but swift responder, gathering the family to remind them how very lucky and blessed they were - it happened during the day when no one was home, property is replaceable but people are not. Still, the scene was like nothing we've ever seen. And the emotions - so raw.

The exterior of the house is salvageable. The inside is a total loss - it will need to be completely gutted and rebuilt. The estimated time frame is 6 months. Most all of the family's property is destroyed and/or unsafe for reuse. Food, medication, toiletries, clothes, shoes, toys, bedding, electronics, furniture, baby items - you name it - will all need to be replaced. Unfortunately, their lease was poorly written - seeming to state that if the Amayas didn't purchase their own renters insurance, the property management company would purchase it for them and just add the extra cost to their monthly rent. This was perfect, they thought, one thing they didn't have to worry about arranging. But, as you've probably guessed by now, the property management company's "renters insurance/fund" only covered the structure/building, nothing else.

We have been going back to the house, grabbing things we think might make it, but haven't had much luck yet. We're still trying, but demolition is set to begin within days. Anything we try to salvage will need to be placed in a storage unit and slowly and thoroughly cleaned/restored. And Ellie cannot be around the items much, if at all, while pregnant. Everything left will be tossed.

The property management company is trying their best to get the Amayas into another one of their properties while their house is remodeled, but the rental market here is beyond crazy. The family is booked in a hotel through Friday thanks to a donation of hotel points. Beyond that, housing is still unknown.

The American Red Cross and family donations have allowed the Amayas to purchase immediate food, clothing and toiletry supplies. Long term supplies will still need to be purchased.

We are asking for two things to help get the Amayas back on their feet:

1. PRAYERS! Never underestimate the power of prayer. At a time when everything feels so out-of-control, our powerful God has control over every single solitary thing. We have already seen His hand in such amazing ways in this situation. Everyone is safe and well - including Baby A and Vinny the dog. We "happened" to be here while this happened. This has allowed us to provide familiarity, stability and support at such a challenging time. Ellie and Roberto have linked arms and determined they WILL get through this - better and stronger. They know with God on their side, the impossible is possible. Bella and Raiden, while initially very shaken, are showing resiliency previously unseen. Family and friends near and far have reached out in all ways to support the Amayas.

2. Monetary donations. The Amayas are starting from almost scratch. From big things to the little things we take for granted every day. Monetary donations will ensure immediate and long term needs are met.

To those who have already contributed in any way, THANK YOU. To those who will contribute in any way in the future, THANK YOU. The Amayas are busy picking up the pieces, bit by bit, and will likely be MIA for awhile. Please know that they are forever grateful to each and every one of you. We love you all.

Lisa and Jeremy