I'm not sure where to begin. I live 5 miles from 2 rivers. One to my east, one to my west. A levy broke on both within 12 hours of each other. My family is fine, my animals are fine and my home is fine. Many homes in my area are completely gone. I can look out my front door at what use to be a lake with about 20 homes around it. There are only a handful of them left. The picture above is of my pasture. That is as close as it got to my house. 
My kids and I got on a boat and left our home last week because all the roads had at least 4 feet of water over them. I rode on a boat through corn fields and under irrigation systems watching propane tanks float by. My husband stayed behind to watch the animals and take care of basically everything. The farmers have lost all their crops.
I was able to come home yesterday when we found a route that is accessible with a 4 wheel drive. Unfortunately, it takes 45 minutes to get to town now instead of 10. I am grateful to be home and I am grateful that I had a home to come home to. I can't stop thinking of all the people who have lost everything.
Unfortunately, I will not have anything for my sheep to eat this summer. The pasture will be gone. I am going to have to get rid of almost all of my sheep. I can keep about 5 in the black fenced area that was not affected. What am I going to do with the other 20 sheep? If you know of anyone who would like to add to their flock...and do it cheaply, please let me know.
This is our normal route to town. The road is gone beneath all that water. It will be some time before we take that route again. We will only be able to go to town once a day so I will be waiting in town for my daughter while she works. I am looking forward to helping with the Red Cross this week to prepare meals for emergency workers at our church.
I've seen the news of all the other areas that are flooded even more than we are. It is just unbelievable how many areas of the country are hurting right now. One thing is for certain; people really come together in a community to help one another when they face a crisis together. Americans are strong and I know each of these communities will overcome whatever they have to in order to get their lives back. These are the times you really understand that the best things in life are not things. 
Verse of the week...hope you enjoy
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
