Flooding Update

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.  He ONLY is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense: I shall not be moved.  In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  Trust in him AT ALL TIMES; yet people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.  Psalm 62:5-7

This post is going to be a brief update; it has been a very long day (and last night was a very long night) and I am exhausted and sore; I think I have undone everything the chiropractor did on Tuesday (was that seriously only yesterday!?) and taxed my injured hand (not too bad though, so don't worry).  And can feel every muscle in my back and shoulders.

The water has begun to recede.  Before we left last night, the water inside my parents' house had reached approximately 20 inches and the outside water level was nearly up to my waist in places.  As of the last trip to their house today, there was little to no water standing inside their house and the outdoor water level had dropped significantly.  Still not enough, but progress nonetheless.

It is amazing the strength that water possesses.  My parents have a large chest freezer that was full of frozen foods... and was floating.  My large propane tank (not empty) is almost upside down.  So many run-away items...

Pray that the water continues to recede and that the rain in the forecast as well as continued warmer temperatures do not cause more snow to melt (beyond what the culverts can handle) and increase the water level again.

Most thankfully and gratefully, the sheep weathered the flood much better than we had anticipated; the majority of them survived!  At this point, we believe we only lost 7 of them.  With the help of family and a borrowed large 4-wheel drive tractor, we were able to rescue the remaining sheep from the two "islands" where they had gathered to be out of the majority of the flood waters.  Now as long as none develop pneumonia from being so very wet and cold...

As the water drains, the cleanup involved in my parents' home, in my wool mill, and in the yard and fields will be extensive.  In fact, there will be a number of decisions that will need to be made regarding my parents' house and the water damage that has resulted from this flood.

We have received many offers of assistance.  While we definitely appreciate the offers and the friendship and consideration that have prompted them, we are currently in a holding pattern as we wait for the water to drain and as decisions are made.  Hopefully soon the water will diminish and we will be able to form solid plans for the future.  We will definitely let you know.

As I have said so many times during this past year, God IS good.  He is still on His throne - He is King and will see us through.

"Rejoice the Lord is KING, your Lord and King adore.  Rejoice, give thanks and sing and triumph evermore."