Slowly the rains come, new life begins, things start to return to normal for most of us. For a few thousand who lost homes, not so much. Many are still displaced and you know what the government agencies provide: $1000 and a good luck pat on the back. Insurance is rarely much better, and dirty fire cleanup is rarely fun.

I blogged our BwB/AMO trip in early December at: inkenzo.vox.com/
There are ~100 photos, some of surviving structures, others of the wreckage now carted away. The monastery was clear and ready for new life when we last visited at the end of 2007.

At Madre Grande we saw just a bit of this firsthand; we spent a total of 5 days there in late 2007 and Tracey and the monks there can give you a much more accurate assessment of the current situation. A few from this community have been wandering down on weekends off to assist, although the rainy season leaves little to do on the outside buildings until spring.

Madre Grande has a unique parcel/zone situation which gives them "farm" status, a rare thing for an intentional spiritual community. They have an opportunity to do some amazing things with their property but it will take people with love and dedication to help manifest a new future in Dulzura.

The good news: they can host a CIRCUS! up to four times a year. Go agri*culture!
I heard that Kevin and Cirque Berzerk may have new tricks up their sleeve (no big surprise) and I can't wait to see what manifests for 2008.