Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Lion or Lamb
The scene outside our window seems to suggest that March came in like a lamb and is going out like a lion. The scene would be beautiful for any December day. There are huge wet flakes coming down and will not stop until they have accumulated to about 10-16 inches. IN MARCH!?!?!?! Yes, March. Along with the wonderful flood, we now have another blizzard to worry about. The good news is that the cold weather slowed the river rise....the bad news, this new snow will make the river crest again sometime in April. It could be weeks.
Onto non-flood related news, we have returned home and are going to "hunker down" as a radio DJ put it and wait out the storm. The weekend brought us some fun and challenges.
We were able to celebrate our nieces 4th birthday with her. It was a lot of fun.
We also learned that our great car rider, got pretty tired of riding in the car. He seemed to scream just about every time that we put him in the car seat. We are just hoping that it is his cold that made him upset, or it is a phase. All in all it was a great weekend!
Onto non-flood related news, we have returned home and are going to "hunker down" as a radio DJ put it and wait out the storm. The weekend brought us some fun and challenges.
We were able to celebrate our nieces 4th birthday with her. It was a lot of fun.
We also learned that our great car rider, got pretty tired of riding in the car. He seemed to scream just about every time that we put him in the car seat. We are just hoping that it is his cold that made him upset, or it is a phase. All in all it was a great weekend!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Flood Fight 2009
Who knew our vicarage would consist of sandbagging, dike building, and flood fighting? It’s unbelievable; you wouldn’t believe it!
The waiting game has begun. The front line of defense has been built up to 43-44 feet. With the crest expecting to be somewhere between 41-42 feet. And they are still not ruling out the very real possibility of a 43 foot crest. The good news is that because the weather has been so cold, it has really slowed down the rising of the mighty Red River. Ice and snow is not able to melt so that has given more time to ensure dikes are standing strong and backup bags are being made and stored. At last projection, they now think the crest will not be seen until Sunday. Once the river crests it will lay that height for about 3-7 days before it begins to go down. It’s going to be close and the hardest part is now just sitting back, keeping an eye on the dikes, and waiting for the water to rise. Water has poured into backyards and streets are flooded from melting snow and clogged drains. The regular shoreline of the river is now being held at least 200 yards beyond normal. Again, the water is about 30 feet higher in the river right now. For the most part the levees are up and the dikes have been built. The bulk of most volunteer sandbagging has completed. Well over 3 million sandbags are estimated to have been made over the past 5 days. Last I heard over 30,000 volunteers have been here from all over the nation. Fire departments from all over Minnesota and at least 1,800 National Guard members are on the frontline, walking the dikes 24/7 to make sure no leaks or breaches occur.
Currently they are evacuating; about 1/3 of Moorhead people have been strongly encouraged to evacuate. Not sure about the numbers of Fargo but they do are asking certain residents to evacuate. Most of this is done as precautionary and to limit people/traffic in the area. The hope is still that all of dikes will hold back the water. All patients from area hospitals have been evacuated and sent to hospitals throughout the state. Nursing homes and senior communities have also been closed and their residents dispersed to families or other places statewide. Any business that does not aide in flood relief has been asked to close until further notice. Streets are closed and arrests are being made without hesitation if you are somewhere where you should not or do not need to be. (Even a CNN reporter was arrested for being too near a dike.) All colleges are closed until further notice and public schools in the Fargo-Moorhead area have already cancelled school for all of next week. In fact, the college campuses have been evacuated to help prevent sewage backup. Everyone has been told to plug all their basement drains. People throughout the two cities have been asked to limit their water use to aid with this help.
It should be noted that the area did know this was coming, so we were prepared. However, it is much worse than expected! As the mayor of Fargo said, this is unchartered territory. A number of factors combined to make this flooding the worst in the Fargo-Moorhead area, in all of recorded history. The fall of 2008 was extremely wet and saturated the ground. That ground has since frozen and not thawed out so there is no where for melting snow and ice to go. In addition, over the past week over 2 inches of rain and 8 inches of snow have fallen.
So we’re not out of the woods yet! Not at all, phase one has been completed and phase two is underway as we wait on the river. Smaller towns north and south of Fargo-Moorhead have not been so lucky, those without the resources and manpower found in FM. These cities have been turned into lakes. One day this past week I was going to go out to a city called Oakport, and they redirected us saying there was nothing more that could be done for this area. Another small town, Georgetown, is completely submerged with most sandbagging efforts now rendered useless.
We ourselves have evacuated—sort of. We were supposed to be in the Twin Cities this weekend for our niece’s birthday party anyway. We had originally decided not to go so we could continue to help with volunteers and be around for any church members who were in need. Our apartment building is in no real flood danger, perhaps just sewage backup. And since we are on the third floor we will definitely remain out of the waters. But now the city is slowly starting to shut off water, and since we did not want be in a situation where we could not wash Isaiah’s bottles we thought it would be smart for us to journey on south. Plus, I did not want Calie driving down south alone so now we are all in St. Peter at Calie’s parents. We may still go back to the FM area tonight or perhaps stay until Monday or so.
This certainly all sounds grim. There are many frustrations, anger, and broken hearts. People are facing the very really responsibility of losing their homes. There is a silver lining! Not a single person has fallen victim to this flood so far, no deaths! And the optimistic attitude is still our battle cry. “We’re going to beat this!” “We’re not giving up!” “We are not going down with a fight!” But it has been awesome to see the community come together. People from all backgrounds, all denominations, many faiths, many states, and all ages—coming together for the good of people in need. Working their butts off to protect people from losing their homes. It has been awesome. College and high school students have been doing so much hard labor. Businesses have been donating food, resources, and their employees. Volunteers who can not to the hard labor have been making sandwiches, providing childcare, baking cookies, and offering massages. Chiropractors and doctors are even giving free services to those serving. People really come together in times such as this, just too bad it often takes a disaster to unite us. There is still a long way to go, much to be done. Please continue to pray for this area. That is perhaps the greatest need, that in all of this people will turn to God and put their faith/trust in Him.
By the way, a good website to keep posted of Red River flooding is www.valleyfloodwatch.com.
The waiting game has begun. The front line of defense has been built up to 43-44 feet. With the crest expecting to be somewhere between 41-42 feet. And they are still not ruling out the very real possibility of a 43 foot crest. The good news is that because the weather has been so cold, it has really slowed down the rising of the mighty Red River. Ice and snow is not able to melt so that has given more time to ensure dikes are standing strong and backup bags are being made and stored. At last projection, they now think the crest will not be seen until Sunday. Once the river crests it will lay that height for about 3-7 days before it begins to go down. It’s going to be close and the hardest part is now just sitting back, keeping an eye on the dikes, and waiting for the water to rise. Water has poured into backyards and streets are flooded from melting snow and clogged drains. The regular shoreline of the river is now being held at least 200 yards beyond normal. Again, the water is about 30 feet higher in the river right now. For the most part the levees are up and the dikes have been built. The bulk of most volunteer sandbagging has completed. Well over 3 million sandbags are estimated to have been made over the past 5 days. Last I heard over 30,000 volunteers have been here from all over the nation. Fire departments from all over Minnesota and at least 1,800 National Guard members are on the frontline, walking the dikes 24/7 to make sure no leaks or breaches occur.
Currently they are evacuating; about 1/3 of Moorhead people have been strongly encouraged to evacuate. Not sure about the numbers of Fargo but they do are asking certain residents to evacuate. Most of this is done as precautionary and to limit people/traffic in the area. The hope is still that all of dikes will hold back the water. All patients from area hospitals have been evacuated and sent to hospitals throughout the state. Nursing homes and senior communities have also been closed and their residents dispersed to families or other places statewide. Any business that does not aide in flood relief has been asked to close until further notice. Streets are closed and arrests are being made without hesitation if you are somewhere where you should not or do not need to be. (Even a CNN reporter was arrested for being too near a dike.) All colleges are closed until further notice and public schools in the Fargo-Moorhead area have already cancelled school for all of next week. In fact, the college campuses have been evacuated to help prevent sewage backup. Everyone has been told to plug all their basement drains. People throughout the two cities have been asked to limit their water use to aid with this help.
It should be noted that the area did know this was coming, so we were prepared. However, it is much worse than expected! As the mayor of Fargo said, this is unchartered territory. A number of factors combined to make this flooding the worst in the Fargo-Moorhead area, in all of recorded history. The fall of 2008 was extremely wet and saturated the ground. That ground has since frozen and not thawed out so there is no where for melting snow and ice to go. In addition, over the past week over 2 inches of rain and 8 inches of snow have fallen.
So we’re not out of the woods yet! Not at all, phase one has been completed and phase two is underway as we wait on the river. Smaller towns north and south of Fargo-Moorhead have not been so lucky, those without the resources and manpower found in FM. These cities have been turned into lakes. One day this past week I was going to go out to a city called Oakport, and they redirected us saying there was nothing more that could be done for this area. Another small town, Georgetown, is completely submerged with most sandbagging efforts now rendered useless.
We ourselves have evacuated—sort of. We were supposed to be in the Twin Cities this weekend for our niece’s birthday party anyway. We had originally decided not to go so we could continue to help with volunteers and be around for any church members who were in need. Our apartment building is in no real flood danger, perhaps just sewage backup. And since we are on the third floor we will definitely remain out of the waters. But now the city is slowly starting to shut off water, and since we did not want be in a situation where we could not wash Isaiah’s bottles we thought it would be smart for us to journey on south. Plus, I did not want Calie driving down south alone so now we are all in St. Peter at Calie’s parents. We may still go back to the FM area tonight or perhaps stay until Monday or so.
This certainly all sounds grim. There are many frustrations, anger, and broken hearts. People are facing the very really responsibility of losing their homes. There is a silver lining! Not a single person has fallen victim to this flood so far, no deaths! And the optimistic attitude is still our battle cry. “We’re going to beat this!” “We’re not giving up!” “We are not going down with a fight!” But it has been awesome to see the community come together. People from all backgrounds, all denominations, many faiths, many states, and all ages—coming together for the good of people in need. Working their butts off to protect people from losing their homes. It has been awesome. College and high school students have been doing so much hard labor. Businesses have been donating food, resources, and their employees. Volunteers who can not to the hard labor have been making sandwiches, providing childcare, baking cookies, and offering massages. Chiropractors and doctors are even giving free services to those serving. People really come together in times such as this, just too bad it often takes a disaster to unite us. There is still a long way to go, much to be done. Please continue to pray for this area. That is perhaps the greatest need, that in all of this people will turn to God and put their faith/trust in Him.
By the way, a good website to keep posted of Red River flooding is www.valleyfloodwatch.com.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
22.80 ft. and rising...
(Blog Disclaimer: This is a blog from us, that is actually not primarily focused on Isaiah. No cute pictures or stories this time, but trust me they're on the way!)
"How high is the water Momma?" These are the infamous words of the beloved man in black, Johnny Cash. Well it was rising whenever he penned those lyrics and it is rising here now in Moorhead, fast and furious. The Red River is getting deeper and deeper, wider and wider. At a normal time the water level flows at 13 feet. Currently it is nearing 23 feet and the most recent predictions say that by Thursday night it will rise and crest somewhere between 40-42 feet. That's worse than the Red River flood of 1997, infamous to those in the Fargo-Moorhead area. In fact, people were told twelve years ago that the '97 flood was a once in every 100 years kind of event. So much for that!!! This flood is predicted to be much worse. For more information on the '97 flood check out this link to the Wikipedia article. Just copy and paste: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_River_Flood,_1997.
So word is getting out throughout Fargo-Moorhead. The flood water is rapidly rising. Flood warnings are all over the TV and radio stations. Warnings that scroll across the bottom of the TV screen are followed by requests for many volunteers to bag sand and build dikes all over the roads and homes that boarder the river. They're desperate. Bagging sand is now open to volunteers 24 hours a day. Businesses are closing so they can waterproof the stores and allow their employees to volunteer with flood prevention. They're actually at the point when colleges (perhaps even high schools) will be closing so that students can get out of the classrooms and help bag sand. Hopefully the students will actually answer the desperate pleas and not just sleep in, play video games or party!
Just this afternoon I volunteered for about 3 hours...shoveling and hauling sandbags. Strangers coming together for the greater good of the community. People of all ages putting the needs of others before our own. Salvation Army and the Red Cross driving through the streets passing out water and food. So many people, whether they realized it or not, answering the call of Christ: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). But there is so much left to be done. And the unceasing rainstorms are only making matters worse and much more urgent. In fact, the number of current volunteers is only enough to meet 25% of the need/requests for flood damage prevention. Calie and I (and Isaiah) are not in any danger ourselves; nor is most of the members of our congregation. But not all of them are in the clear, and regardless of whether we know the people or not--there are still many people in need of selfless volunteers. So keep us in your prayers, we're not out of the water yet (pun intended).
Now bring it home Johnny, "Well, the rails are washed out north of town. We gotta head for higher ground. We can't come back till the water comes down, five feet high and risin."
"How high is the water Momma?" These are the infamous words of the beloved man in black, Johnny Cash. Well it was rising whenever he penned those lyrics and it is rising here now in Moorhead, fast and furious. The Red River is getting deeper and deeper, wider and wider. At a normal time the water level flows at 13 feet. Currently it is nearing 23 feet and the most recent predictions say that by Thursday night it will rise and crest somewhere between 40-42 feet. That's worse than the Red River flood of 1997, infamous to those in the Fargo-Moorhead area. In fact, people were told twelve years ago that the '97 flood was a once in every 100 years kind of event. So much for that!!! This flood is predicted to be much worse. For more information on the '97 flood check out this link to the Wikipedia article. Just copy and paste: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_River_Flood,_1997.
So word is getting out throughout Fargo-Moorhead. The flood water is rapidly rising. Flood warnings are all over the TV and radio stations. Warnings that scroll across the bottom of the TV screen are followed by requests for many volunteers to bag sand and build dikes all over the roads and homes that boarder the river. They're desperate. Bagging sand is now open to volunteers 24 hours a day. Businesses are closing so they can waterproof the stores and allow their employees to volunteer with flood prevention. They're actually at the point when colleges (perhaps even high schools) will be closing so that students can get out of the classrooms and help bag sand. Hopefully the students will actually answer the desperate pleas and not just sleep in, play video games or party!
Just this afternoon I volunteered for about 3 hours...shoveling and hauling sandbags. Strangers coming together for the greater good of the community. People of all ages putting the needs of others before our own. Salvation Army and the Red Cross driving through the streets passing out water and food. So many people, whether they realized it or not, answering the call of Christ: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). But there is so much left to be done. And the unceasing rainstorms are only making matters worse and much more urgent. In fact, the number of current volunteers is only enough to meet 25% of the need/requests for flood damage prevention. Calie and I (and Isaiah) are not in any danger ourselves; nor is most of the members of our congregation. But not all of them are in the clear, and regardless of whether we know the people or not--there are still many people in need of selfless volunteers. So keep us in your prayers, we're not out of the water yet (pun intended).
Now bring it home Johnny, "Well, the rails are washed out north of town. We gotta head for higher ground. We can't come back till the water comes down, five feet high and risin."
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Many firsts
So Isaiah had his first day of daycare this past week, which also means that I, Calie, have gone back to work. Here is a picture of Isaiah's first day.
He had a great day at daycare. I however, did not have such a great day. Even though he was just upstairs, I missed him SO much. It was hard to concentrate on my job, when I was thinking about him all day. The nice part of the week was that we got a snow day on Tuesday. I have to say that I am trying to be strong and continue working.
Isaiah has learned this week how to suck and chew on his bottom lip, which makes him slobber and make his chin all chapped. He has also learned how to grab and hold onto my hair. Not so fun.It is fun seeing him learning and discovering new things.
Well, my blog must end here. The little man just filled his pants.
He had a great day at daycare. I however, did not have such a great day. Even though he was just upstairs, I missed him SO much. It was hard to concentrate on my job, when I was thinking about him all day. The nice part of the week was that we got a snow day on Tuesday. I have to say that I am trying to be strong and continue working.
Isaiah has learned this week how to suck and chew on his bottom lip, which makes him slobber and make his chin all chapped. He has also learned how to grab and hold onto my hair. Not so fun.It is fun seeing him learning and discovering new things.
Well, my blog must end here. The little man just filled his pants.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Two Months!
Everyone told me that time goes even faster after the baby is born, but holy cow!!
I can't believe that two months ago we were in the hospital having this little dude. He has grown and changed so much.
He is also becoming quite the ladies man. These cool shades attract most of the women.
We can't wait until we can use the shades without the snowsuit and cozy cover!
Monday, March 2, 2009
So I just realized that our blog has not been updated recently. So here is what has been happening.
Steve's parents and grandparents flew into Fargo the Thursday before baptism. Baptism was on February 15th. We had a nice visit with them; the pictures were in the last post. We did a lot of eating, since that is pretty much all there is to do up here. Oh yeah, we also hit up the mall. If any of you have ever been to Fargo, you understand that joke! If not, you will have to come and see for yourself.
We also received some sad news that my (Calie) Grandpa had passed away on Sunday. It seems ironic that he was called home the same day that his great grandson was welcomed into God's family. We are extra thankful that we were able to see Grandpa and have him meet Isaiah the weekend before he passed away. He was so excited to meet his new grandson, whom he knew from the very start would be boy! Here is a picture of the two of them. My last memory of my Grandpa.
Baptism went really well, Isaiah didn't even make a sound as Steve baptized him. After church we had a get-together with our families and friends who made the trip. The party was fantastic and Isaiah received a lot of wonderful gifts as well - thank you.
Since our impromptu trip to St. Peter for Grandpa's funeral the following weekend, we have just been getting back into the swing of things. Last week went so fast I am still wondering where it went.
I am currently trying to get over the stomach flu, that rocked me starting on Saturday. I am also trying to deal with the reality that I have to go back to work in less than a week. Steve is busy with vicarage duties--teaching numerous Bible studies, visiting sick and shut-ins, preaching, starting a '20/30 Somethings' group, and trying to squeeze in campus ministry when he is able. Though I am not looking forward to Isaiah starting childcare and going back to work, Steve is rather excited as Isaiah will be in the same building so he can sneak away for awhile to play.
We will try to keep you better posted as our kiddo is getting bigger and more grown up everyday (much to my disliking).
Steve's parents and grandparents flew into Fargo the Thursday before baptism. Baptism was on February 15th. We had a nice visit with them; the pictures were in the last post. We did a lot of eating, since that is pretty much all there is to do up here. Oh yeah, we also hit up the mall. If any of you have ever been to Fargo, you understand that joke! If not, you will have to come and see for yourself.
We also received some sad news that my (Calie) Grandpa had passed away on Sunday. It seems ironic that he was called home the same day that his great grandson was welcomed into God's family. We are extra thankful that we were able to see Grandpa and have him meet Isaiah the weekend before he passed away. He was so excited to meet his new grandson, whom he knew from the very start would be boy! Here is a picture of the two of them. My last memory of my Grandpa.
Baptism went really well, Isaiah didn't even make a sound as Steve baptized him. After church we had a get-together with our families and friends who made the trip. The party was fantastic and Isaiah received a lot of wonderful gifts as well - thank you.
Since our impromptu trip to St. Peter for Grandpa's funeral the following weekend, we have just been getting back into the swing of things. Last week went so fast I am still wondering where it went.
I am currently trying to get over the stomach flu, that rocked me starting on Saturday. I am also trying to deal with the reality that I have to go back to work in less than a week. Steve is busy with vicarage duties--teaching numerous Bible studies, visiting sick and shut-ins, preaching, starting a '20/30 Somethings' group, and trying to squeeze in campus ministry when he is able. Though I am not looking forward to Isaiah starting childcare and going back to work, Steve is rather excited as Isaiah will be in the same building so he can sneak away for awhile to play.
We will try to keep you better posted as our kiddo is getting bigger and more grown up everyday (much to my disliking).
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