October 21 – “A Flood Report”

So we went to Waco yesterday. 

After a few close calls with wide load vehicles, Chris established herself as a road force to be reckoned with in her own right.  Needless to say, we made it to our Bucees stop in record time.  After our quick lunch there, we started looking for evidence of the Great Central Texas flooding that we have been hearing about for the last several weeks.  We don’t cross many actual rivers on the route we generally take, but the one we do cross, the Navasota River, was well out of its banks.  Virtually all of the ponds and streams we cross that are usually nearly empty were full to the brim.  And once in Waco, the Brazos River was obviously swollen. 

Once we arrived in Waco, the flood watch continued. The kids informed us that it had been raining there for at least two weeks.  That’s an eternity for children who want to go outside and play.  It’s even longer for stay-at-home, homeschooling Moms, right, Christi?  I went with Josh to pick up Zak and Caleb from their homeschool Co-op classes.  On the way we passed over a bridge, and Josh showed me what it looks like when Lake Waco is 100% full.  The point where Josh and the boys usually go fishing was completely covered, as was the nearby playground and picnic tables.  We even saw some confused deer that had been forced from their wooded hideout to an area near the highway.  Closer to the school we passed a stream bed where Josh said the “Usual” was enough water that anyone could wade across easily.  It was a raging river.  On the way home he showed me another part of Lake Waco.  The marina where the boat they sometimes borrow to go fishing was at least halfway under water. 

Cary and Kay Lynn came to the birthday party, and then they were going to Lake Whitney to check on some property they have there.  He showed us pictures of the boat ramp and pier that they use.  We had to take his word for it.  All we saw in the photo was water lapping onto the bank.    He said the powers that be were releasing water from the lake at a seemingly astronomical rate, and it was still rising. 

All in all, it appeared to us that the reports of flooding are pretty accurate this time.  Oh, and did I mention that it started raining while we were there … again?

Psalms 106:4-5 says, “Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.”

Father, would you protect the folks there in Central Texas?  I’m sure they are ready for the rain to end.  Amen.