Minot, ND
Population 40,000
June, 2011 - 10,000 people were evacuated
due to the flooding Souris (french for Mouse) River
It turned into the Mighty Mouse River last week
and flooded like never before in recorded history
We drove 70 miles to shop there yesterday.
The waters are beginning to recede.
What we saw:
Sand bagged houses
Huge dirt dikes
Houses, barns and businesses standing in water
Roads closed
National Guard Hummers everywhere
People camping in the Kmart parking lot
One homeowner tearing out his damaged interior
Water boil orders
No Drinking from the Water Fountain signs
No Hand Washing in the Bathroom Sink signs
Limited menus because of the boil order
A River that looks like a lake
A big tent and a smoking pit in a park.
The Red Cross feeding flood victims.
What we heard:
I haven't seen my house yet
I can see my spruce trees, but not the house
The water is half way up the windows on the second floor
We put stuff on the second floor thinking it would be safe
We got everything out
We tried to prioritize what we moved out of the house
We were moving the furniture when we heard the dike broke
We can't go back until there's a big red X on the house
We are staying with my parents
We are staying with my brother-in-law
Our house was 100 years old this week
It was in the National Registry of Historic Homes
It can't be replaced
Yes, we had insurance
No, our flood insurance goes into effect in two weeks
We rebuilt in the flood of '69 - we're not doing it again
Our kids are having a hard time with losing the house
7 family members lost homes - all historic
Houses are really just about the memories made there
That can't be taken away
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
(Psalm 29:10)
So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the west,
And His glory from the rising of the sun;
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
(Psalm 59:19)
Incredible.......
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