Still Waters...

Rick managed to get downtown Moorhead this afternoon and took these photos. I just find it so hard to comprehend the volume of water contained here. I see the pictures and my mouth hangs open and its hard for my eyes to take it all in. I wish I had easy access to a "before" photo to compare for you. But I can just tell you typically you can stand on this bridge and the water is way, way below you.

Its clear to me we've all been affected. Even Dakota sought refuge with an unlikely ally. Normally this would be the last little wild boy she would choose to curl up with.

But for now, we are surrounded by nature's beauty. By stillness. Peace. Calm. At least, all we have to do is STEP outside the house and this is what is at our fingertips. The boys are challenging some of the "quiet" and "calm" but that is normal on any given day. I took the photos below the day we arrived and they were sheer joy to my battle weary soul. And the last photo is one my father-in-law took of an owl residing in one of his trees. It isn't hard to see where Rick gets his photographic eye from.

The news on the river is that it may have crested and gradually declined although this is only a preliminary report. With the forecast for more precipitation Monday or Tuesday and more water flowing from the south, all reports are cautious in proclaiming anything concrete on whether or not this is a stable condition.

I've been asked this question a lot lately... "What can I do for you?" I'm at a loss as to know how to respond. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such caring and compassionate people who are always thinking of others. I also feel extremely blessed to have all of my needs met right now. Our house is still dry, we are comfortable and warm and safe. And most importantly we are learning that "home" is really where your family is. It isn't about the four walls, the roof and the floor, its all the intangibles that make a home. "Together" is a home.

So in a sense I feel like I have joined you. I'm on the outside looking in. I itch to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty again. There are still too many people that are not dry, safe or comfortable. Friends are reporting 24 hour dike watches and at homes with no power and no running water to the house, only the constant lapping water at their front door. I can only imagine the fear they stare down every day, the exhaustion on a magnitude that I don't know that I could endure if it were me and perhaps even loneliness if you've remained at your house and sent your family on to safety. So will you continue to do this with me? Will you continue to keep those that are suffering in your hearts, your thoughts and prayers? Pray for stamina and alertness for those on watch. Pray for endurance and guidance for our leaders. And for those who have suffered losses of a portion or an entire home, pray for comfort and courage to rebuild.

And for all of us parents with yet another whole week of school being cancelled, pray for mommy's and daddy's to stay patient, loving and supportive for the upheaval our kids are going through. Thank you all.