Waterlogged

For the first time in two weeks, I ventured more than 50 miles from where I live. Although the local area in which I live was not too badly damaged by the recent floods, there are many areas within 50 miles in all directions that have been severely damaged.

I had to travel to see a person with developmental disabilities for whom I serve as guardian. I was heading in the vicinity of an area where a river level is 33 feet higher than usual (and rising). I took several county roads to the meeting. There was only one spot that I thought might be impassible. It is a bridge over one of the rivers that has been rising steadily - even after the rains have stopped. The bridge was fine. However, water was up to the second story on several of the homes and businesses near the bridge.

The person for whom I serve as guardian was not impacted by the floods. Their home and workplace had no flooding. They are the lucky ones.

Keep in mind that the areas that I saw today are the ones that have minimal levels of damage compared to some other areas within 50 miles of where I live. Many people have lost their homes and their jobs. A resort town nearby had a man-made lake which completely drained when water breached a portion of land between that lake and a natural river. That man-made lake is famous for hosting a well-known waterski show. With no water, there is no show. That show employed many people and brought tourists to the area that supported many other businesses. It will take years for the area to recover.

Fortunately, there have been very few deaths and casualties related to the recent floods. However, keep the many people struggling to deal with floods in your prayers. And pray that no additional rains hit these areas.