Not Ashamed to Call Them Brethren

It has been a long week-and-a-half here in the Red River Valley. Many have given of their time, energy, blood (especially anyone holding a sandbag while I shoveled), sweat, and tears. [It's not my fault ...I'm a "computer guy", I'm just not very good with tools. I learned that quickly during the sandbagging efforts and opted to be a "holder" or a "passer" instead!]

But, I digress...

I wanted to send a "thank-you" out to my two brothers who over the past week have demonstrated again and again that money isn't everything--despite what the world (and the media) might tell us.

Jared has basically lived in OakPort Township north of Moorhead since the flood fight began. You can read about some of his exploits here and here on his family blog. He has devoted his time, effort and resources into helping that little community survive the flood of 2009.

Jalon has taken the employees at Mill Creek Custom Cabinets out several days for sandbagging around people's houses that they don't even know. He's also spent a fair amount of time at the FargoDome making, passing (or tossing!), and stacking sandbags.

I'm proud to call them my brothers--because they consistently demonstrate to me an example of hard work (1 Corinthians 10:31), concern for others (Philippians 2:4), and genuine faith lived out by works (James 2:18).

I know there are heroes throughout our community this week--I'm just blessed to call two of them my brothers also.

[Yes, I realize that Hebrews 2:11 isn't talking about our relationship with our flesh-and-blood brothers. It is our Lord who is "not ashamed" of us as believers. But the title seemed to fit my thoughts, so please pardon the usage of the phrase out of its typical context.]

Sandbagging at the FargoDome - Part 2

Three million is a big number! But according to officials that is the number of sandbags that have been made in Fargo over the course of the past seven days. It is hard to even fathom that many sandbags--but having been a part of the process at the FargoDome, it's not surprising that it was accomplished. The two primary bagging facilities have been operating around-the-clock for the past week! Sand bagging operations have now stopped (as of 6:30PM Friday evening) and we are now in "watch and respond" mode until the water recedes.

I posted earlier about this same topic--but that was before I had time to download some additional pictures from my phone. There are also some pictures here, here, and here from the local newspaper.

Fargo Flood 2009 Update

Here is a set of high-quality photos of the Fargo flood of 2009. [As always with external links, I only guarantee the first click--after that, let your conscience be your guide.]

The National Weather Service is now forecasting a Sunday crest of the Red River at 42 feet. However, it could still rise to 43 feet. Most of the twelve miles of dikes surrounding the city are at 43 feet high and are being checked every two hours to ensure their integrity. Officials have also informed the public that the dangerously high water levels could continue for 5-8 days.

Some have been asked to voluntarily leave their homes--but most seem to be staying for now. Portions of Interstate-94 heading eastbound from Fargo to Jamestown were shut down this afternoon to test the feasibility of using both sides of the highway if a mass evacuation becomes necessary.

The Floods Have Lifted Up

At approximately 2:15AM this morning, the Red River at Fargo reached 40.15 feet, breaking the highest ever recorded height of the river (40.1) in 1897.

According to the National Weather Service, the crest is expected between 41 and 42 feet on Saturday. However, due to the fact that no one has ever seen the river this high--they are struggling to accurately make a prediction--saying it could reach 43 feet on Sunday.

The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;

the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.

Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O LORD,

the floods have lifted up their voice;

the floods lift up their roaring.

Mightier than the thunders of many waters,

mightier than the waves of the sea,

the LORD on high is mighty!

Your decrees are very trustworthy;

holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.

Psalm 93 (ESV)

Sandbagging at the FargoDome

The FargoDome is has been hosting perhaps the most unique event ever this week--sandbag construction. Below is a time lapse video showing the efforts during a portion of March 24th. As the night wore on, the floor of the dome became nearly covered with pallets filled stacked "hip-high" with sandbags. Many of the bags had to be stored overnight in the dome due to the cold temperatures outside.

Red River Rising

The Red River of the North continues to rise in Fargo. The crest is now expected Saturday at an all-time historical height of 41 feet.

City leaders at the 1:30 PM news conference called for more volunteers as 500,000 additional sandbags will need to be made, distributed, and installed to increase the height of the dikes we've been building for the last week. Complicating everything going on with the flood preparations is the snow that we received last night...and as you might expect it is a little chilly outside today too!

Overheard....

I love to listen to the kids' conversations when they are playing. It is so cute and often times very insightful. Today Chloe convinced Sam to play "husband and wife". Sam was kind enough to oblige her. Here's how the conversation went:

C: How about you are Jeremy and I am Lois
S: (leaving the room) Come on let's go, Lois
C: You know, sometimes Daddy calls Mommy "Love", so how about you call me "Love"
S: No, that's too embarrassing. :-)