Saturday, March 28, 2009

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.


12 comments:

  1. Hey Vicky--We are on our way out to the lake tomorrow morning. We will be going through Park Rapids. Do you need anything from home. We are going to pick up a few things for a friend and we will be two blocks from your house. Give me a call at home or e-mail me if you want me to stop by your house. kaskatvold@yahoo.com Things look pretty bleak here in town even with the crest holding. Our home is fine, but on an island. Andy is staying here for now.

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  2. Those photos of all that water make my heart ache... and when i saw on the news tonight that we will have rain or snow each day next week, i cringed hoping the same wasn't true for you. It's something to be at the hands of Mother Nature.

    Just know how much you're in my thoughts and I'm praying that your forecast calls for dry weather. Take good care of each other [as it looks like Dakota and Nolan have learned to do]. :)

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  3. My heart just aches for all of you to be so uprooted and threatened. And I know what you mean about those who might be scared, or lonely, or both. And I worry about those who DON'T even HAVE family to send on. It's just them against all this and nowhere to go. How do you fight water?

    Just wish there was something we could do. And we will absolutely be praying for you, for them. I will add you to our prayer time during church tomorrow as well. G'night, Vicky. Hugs to you all.

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  4. Oh Vicky my heart goes out to you and everyone there. The photos as amazing. Stay safe, take loads of care, hug your loved ones tight and we will join with you in prayers that you will all be back in your homes soon and the damage is slight. Just love your father in laws pictures. They are like postcards. Absolutely wonderful.

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  5. I have been thinking about you guys all weekend. I am so glad that things appear to be good. I am still praying for dry weather to come your way and for this to be all over! Hang in there girl!

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  6. Yes I will continue to pray!

    I cannot begin to imagine what everyone your way is going through. In our part of the country we deal with hurricanes and flash floods...but at least it isn't FREEZING!

    I'm sure that the grandparents are enjoying their grandchildren...but I know what you mean about school being canceled. Our 17 year old whined like a 4 year old, when we were without power for a week after Gustav blew through...and school was canceled for another week because of wind damage. I don't know who was more happy when they finally opened back up...the child or me?

    Stay safe and keep posting. We really do care!

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  7. We certainly will keep praying for you.
    Thanks for the pictures.
    I guess as long as you can stand on the bridge and the water isn't on it with you it is still all right.

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  8. Vicky, We've been watching the news coverage and I love seeing the pictures of Grandma Westra's wonderful cozy home. I just feel the security looking at them. I pictured the bridge with water waaayyyy down and like Dr. John, I'm just happy folks can still walk on it. Pls. let us know. I love you and I'm praying for the week ahead.

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  9. I am glad you are safe and dry! Enjoy the beauty where you are. I am trying to keep my kids entertained. I am hoping they can enjoy the outdoors more this week. I will be trying to "teach" Leiton some schooling this week. We'll see how that goes...I am constantly thinking of you and your family. If you need anything let me know...I am not too far from your home. :)

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  10. Thanks everyone for your continued support. We're still looking down at the water from the bridge :) I gain strength each and every time I read your comments, so thank you for taking the time to do so. Love and blessings to you all!

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  11. Just got your comment over at my place and must say - YOU SAY THE SWEETEST THINGS GIRLY!!!!! And in the midst of all you're going through you find time, and energy, to encourage me. You're one-of-a-kind, my Vicky friend.

    Put you on the prayer list at church today and will continue to LIFT YOU UP.

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  12. And now the snow is arriving -- the natural forces that the FM area is being hit with is just unreal. My sister baptized her baby yesterday - as I told here - certainly no shortage of water -- I felt bad that I couldn't be there - neither could Michael's mom - but they decided to do it before Todd left. He called several times on his way down I29 - said it is totally unbelieveable -- he had to try and get out between the flood and the snowstorm. Let's just hope the winds do not come with the snow. My family is all still holding tight in the area. Talk to you soon. K

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I welcome what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to grace me with your thoughts and words!

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