Friday, February 1, 2019

Monsoon update and a chat...

Might seem strange but I just felt like having a chat with you tonight, as though we're sitting at the kitchen table with mugs of hot coffee and thick slices of fruit cake to enjoy, birds chirping outside and a cool breeze stirring the curtains as we gaze out the window into the lush green garden. 

One day I'll relive that scene, but right now we're in the middle of a once in a hundred year weather event, our town declared a natural disaster area, and rain that won't go away. 

We've now got four pumps in the yard (two out back and two out front) doing their best to keep the rising water from getting inside the house. Today we had a good break from the rain where it eased right off and during those few hours the four pumps moved a lot of water out of the yard - 65,000 litres an hour to be exact. That number just does my head in to be honest because that's how much water is being pumped out of our yard every hour. Add that up over 24 hours and it's astounding that we still have the yards under water. Mind boggling.

The laundry ceiling which my husband fell through on Thursday is getting worse and there is mold growing as the water continues to seep across it. Being the tropics it's still warm and very humid (96%) so mold is rampant in these conditions. I scrubbed the bathroom with bleach this morning to keep it under control in there and we have the ceiling fans running flat out in the rest of the house.

Our home is a small 3-bedroom with a huge yard. One bedroom is ours, one is my sewing room and one is hubby's study. The house is low set and built on a concrete slab...which is why we are concerned about the fact water is rising up through the slab and slowly spreading across the carpet in his study. 

We discovered a sink hole down the side of the house when I was walking through the water to check the outside drain...I put one foot to the ground and it was getting sucked into the mud and down so I quickly pulled it back and tried a little further on. Same thing. 

Nothing we can do about these things while the monsoon continues to deluge us with bands of intense rain. 

In the past few days our town has received 1,200 mm of rain - that's twice our annual rainfall. And there's a lot more to come yet. The dam was at 62% on Tuesday morning and three days later it sits at 190%.

We've received a council warning this afternoon of possible flash flooding in our suburb (from the dam spillway up the road being opened further and the river swelling like crazy) and though I hate thinking the worst I also don't want to be blase about any warnings we receive. They're given for a reason and though my hopes are that all will be well and the house won't flood inside, you can't be ignorant to possible danger.

Yet we have been blessed. 

As hard as my man has worked day and night to keep the waters from spreading through the house, there are so many in other areas of Townsville who have lost their homes, and there are many who are yet to lose them as the floodwaters rise and rivers breech their banks over and over again. With no immediate end in sight it's heartbreaking to think about what these dear people and their families are facing right now, tomorrow and next week. 

We moved to Townsville just over seven years ago and I didn't want to live here. I was shattered about leaving the small country town I hoped to call our permanent home, yet in order to gain employment my husband had to move us here. For quite a while my attitude was negative, and I held close to my heart the dream that we could return to that little town one day.

I guess it was a couple of years ago that my heart began to turn. I had found a wonderful friend in Rosie, our daughter Blossom had become a mother, and I'd become a member of our city's football club (North Queensland Cowboys). My heart was being given over to this very hot and humid place I'd originally not wanted to be and just over four months ago we bought our very first home, here in Townsville (in a suburb we didn't want to live in)!

But how I love this place now. How I love knowing we'll always be here. And how I love the suburb where we live. 

"And we know that God works all things together for good, for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NKJV)

Now a natural disaster to face.

 I was telling my husband how calm I felt during this unpredictable weather and then yesterday I stopped for a bit and actually noticed  how my body felt. It was tense, on edge 24/7 with the flight or fight response, and I had nausea all the time. So though I was trusting God, am trusting God, my body knows the truth of how I feel deep inside, what state my emotions are in...and that's okay. It's okay to feel horrible when unpredictable events are dictating every hour in a highly stressful time of life. 

There are people going through much worse than we are and in life there always will be those who face significantly more difficult challenges than we will...but it does not diminish how we feel right now. For me today, for my precious husband, we're exhausted from being on alert all day and through the night, constantly going about doing what we can to alleviate the worst of circumstances befalling us. 

So we chose to laugh a lot, make jokes with each other and choose to think of something good...like drilling a hole in the water logged bird feeder and filling it with fresh seed so our dear Cockatoo mate can eat.



Sorry I can't answer all the emails which are being sent, or the comments left in the Gentle Domesticity Facebook group...to be honest, so many days into this flooding event, I'm just too weary. 
So let me say right now, THANK YOU, for your kindness, your prayers, your care, and your concerns. We are indeed blessed that you give them with whole hearts.

I'm finding it good to spend time during the day praying for those in other areas who are facing trials of their own - may the Lord who is our Shelter, our Shepherd and our Strength, be your anchor in every storm.

Hugs

57 comments:

Marie Atkinson said...

My heart goes out to all facing these life upsetting circumstances. I’m glad you are trusting our wonderful Savior with this situation. Praying for you all.

Susan M. said...

I am praying for your family, and all those involved! May He be your constant anchor!

gracie said...

Sending positive thoughts to you.

Pink Rose said...

Sending you a big hug my friend and praying for you all xx

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Jenny,

Prayers for you ALL in Townsville, coming your way from Guam, USA.

*hugs*
Kelley~

Karen said...

Thinking of you lots

barcord said...

Keeping you in my prayers constantly. You are such a blessing to others. May God Bless you with peace and safety in this difficult situation.

Glimpses of My Heart said...

Thank you for the update. Continuing to pray for you, your husband and Blossom and her family as well as the entire area. Be safe and keep us posted.

Kay said...

Bless you, Jenny. xx

Allie said...

Praying so hard dear girl - and yes, it's natural for that adrenalin to run high when facing such a storm. But the Lord is with you in it...and so are all who are lifting you up to Him. We may not be able to help scrub and sandbag, but knees are hitting the floor all over the globe on your behalf.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Please stay safe, a house is replaceable, you are not.

Debby said...

Praying for you, Mr. E and your lovely home.

Tammy said...

Praying Dear friend. That God will turn this Storm towards the sea or either towards the bush fire areas so it will extinguish them and your flood waters will recede. To keep you and Mr E protected and safe and to give Blossom and her mate and the girls protection during this time as well.

Sherry said...

Jenny Dear you are such a precious soul and I continue to lift prayers for you and Mr. E to remain safe. Your post reminds me that no matter how much we are enduring...there are always others who are worse off. May God keep you in his safe care and end this monsoon very quickly. xo

Diane Garton said...

Thank you for taking the time to update us, you and your family and neighbourhood are constantly in our hearts and prayers at the moment. My husband and I were both reading your blog this morning while drinking our coffee and although the virtual kitchen table was enormous, it seemed you were in the room with us just sitting and enjoying your cuppa and telling us your story. In return, through your words and photos we were there right beside you too. Your light shines so bright Jenny that I pray through your witness so many ladies on this site that don't know our God will be drawn to him by your honesty and shining example of what a Proverbs 31 woman is, in this modern age. May God continue to bless you, keep you safe, and provide you both with what you need to battle on & may He grant you respite so very soon. xx

donnasewnsew said...

You are in my prayers. My heart aches for the situation. Know that God is in control and this will end.

diamondc said...

Jenny: I am so sad this is happening to you and your town, I hope it stops very soon.
I know that we are tested daily by God, you have a positive attitude of what is happening.
I will add you to my daily Prayers.

Catherine

Chris said...

Sending you love and praying for you.

Holly said...

Dear Jenny,

I'm sending good vibes to you from the snowy Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. So sorry to hear about what you are going through. Hope you are safe and your weather clears up quickly!

Holly

Farm Quilter said...

Lifting you in prayer, dear Jenny and your beloved Mr. E., your town and the entire region of Australia dealing with the monsoon as well as those to the south coping with the fires. It is only through you that we are made aware of the trials those in your beautiful country are dealing with...thank you for that connection so that we may add our prayers to those more intimately involved.

Susan said...

My heart is full for you, Jenny, and full of prayers ongoing for you, Mr. E., Blossom and her family. I hope they are somehow in a safer part of the area, and not faring worse than you. I know the Lord did not give you this beautiful house in order for you to lose it. There may be damage, in spite of all you can do, but the Lord sees how hard you are working and that in the midst of your trials you are praying for others. Whatever damage you receive, the Lord will make a way that you can repair it and go on in your beautiful home. It is but a thing, and you have not put it above your faith in the Lord. I believe that in the end, all will be well, and maybe better than you can ever imagine right now. Rest when you can and know that during your sleep time, I'm praying for you both to be blessed in this trial and through this trial. I love you, Jenny girl.

Anonymous said...

Je pense bien à vous Jenny et à votre mari .Oui cela doit être difficile en ce moment pour vous , les éléments nous dépassent .
Courage , bisous de la France

Brenda said...

Hello Jenny, You and your family are always in my prayers. Now, I am including your entire town that is facing this. I do understand, in a different circumstance, how you are feeling. You are filled with strength in the Lord! Bless you!

Sue Bulford said...

Hi Jenny, thinking of you all. Please take care & stay safe xxx

Dots said...

I just wanted to let you know that prayers are being prayed for you and your husband from Ohio. I contacted my daughter who has contacted her prayer list...and they will contact all of their prayer teams. Keeping you covered in prayer. God never fails.

Barbara Ann said...

I'll keep on praying for you and your sweet hubby! Be sure to listen to the Lord's nudging on what you should do to stay safe.

Margie West said...

Oh Jenny, I am sending hugs and prayers your way for you and your hubby! Margie/NY

abbeysmum said...

Jenny please be aware a flash flooding can rise through a house in 30 minutes to a depth of nearly a metre, some houses have already had this.
Now is the time to raise up any electrical as far as possible, washer, fridge etc.your pumps should keep the water level manageable.
Your best help with the mould is Dettol or a cheap substitute, tried lots and this actually works,dilute with some water and wipe on problem, it kills the spores !My daughter is in Kelso and they are almost surrounded, lucky they have 4 wheel drives.

Glenise said...

Sending love hugs and prayers to you and your family. Hope the water subsides and your house escapes further damage. Such a stressful time for you all. Wish I could help in some way.

Kelly P said...

Prayers are continuing Jenny. God be with you. You are across the world from me; yet your struggle sound so much like our yearly fight with rising waters here in the Houston, Texas area, along the Gulf Coast. It used to happen only with hurricanes; but in recent years, just a heavy rainstorm can cause dam failures and loss of life and property in our area. Some years, we come out unscathed, but watch the waters rise to our doorsteps on two sides as we pray and wait; other years, we flood, and have to rebuild -- if not us, then our neighbors and friends. We never know which will be which. The mold is always a constant concern. I hear what you are saying. Know that you are not alone. The Lord is with you, and many prayers are sent up in your behalf, for you and for all those in the path of potential harm. Be at peace, for even in our darkest hour, our dear Lord has a plan to use us for His great work and to help others who need reassurance and comfort. Our trials built us up spiritually, and we are never alone. The Lord is right there with you in each moment to comfort and guide your ways. Let your faith and hope rest in Him, and no matter what happens, you will be okay. The rain will pass, as it always does; and the Lord will bring a new rainbow to you in due time. God bless.

Nanna Chel said...

Jenny thanks so much for the update. I have been searching the news for some updates on the suburbs being inundated with that water being released from the dam. I can well imagine you are on edge as evacuations are going on at present according to the media. I am so pleased you were able to get another pump. When we had the flooding here oil of cloves was the recommendation for the mould and Queensland sold out of it in no time :-) We will keep praying for you and I hope it clears up for you soon. Big hugs.

Beverly said...

Thanks for the update Jenny. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since you first told us your serious situation. Praying for all those others in harm's way as well.

Susan said...

It certainly is a "natural disaster" - I'm concerned for my daughter with jut 4 weeks to go until her baby is due - I hope they stay dry and it is all under control by then.
I know you can't reply - but we are all thinking of Townsville - and Tasmania for the fires....and of course for the farmers in most of the east who have been in drought now for 8 or more years.Take Care & Keep pumping!

Catherine said...

Just so upset for you facing all this work and stress. In my prayers.

BJK said...

Sending hugs your way!

Regena Fickes said...

Praying for you and all your family. May God provide. You are a great blessing to me and countless others.

e.flyingsquirrel said...

I just said a prayer, another prayer of many. Just coming for an update makes me tear up so I can only imagine...yes laughter doeth good like a medicine, even if your brain is just desperately trying to cope. We'll keep the prayers coming for everyone Jenny. Hang in there. God knows the desires of our hearts. (((hugs)))

Catz said...

Praying for you Jenny from the uk. Stay safe xxx

Maria said...

Just stay safe ... I am also thinking of Blossom and her young family. Hope they are all safe too.

Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden said...

Thinking of you and prayers for your safety.

Eliane said...

oi só agora pude vir ler seu blog. Ontem tive meu próprio desastre natural. Uma tempestade tropical. A agua não entrou na casa mas ficamo9s sem luz por 8 horas e foi bastante difícil. Como vc também gastei meu tempo rezando pelos que sofrem com a chuva. tudo ficara bem ! Att Eliane Martins

Winifred said...

Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers Jenny.

God bless.
x

Hilary said...

Here in the UK we saw on our news the dreadful floods in Townsville, keep safe you are all in my thoughts and prayers. xx

beefi8 said...

May God continue to bless you and your family!

Susan said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. God is with you in this no matter what happens. It is normal to be tense and worried; God understands.

earthmotherwithin said...

Thinking and praying for you. Stay safe

Sharm said...

Continuing to pray xo

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny,
I pray that the Lord will send your monsoon deluge to the south to the farmers struggling in severe drought conditions here. And that you will stay safe and strong, dear lady.

God bless
Lyn in northern New South Wales.

Nancy J said...

I will join all the others, as we hope and pray with every wish that you stay safe. XXX from NZ.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jenny,
Prayers for you all, and God bless you, for showing kindness and compassion to birds and wildlife even during your own trials. The world needs more like you.
Love Lisa

thewarmfireplace said...

Praying that you are all safe, seen the pictures here in the UK.

Unknown said...

Thinking of you & praying at this trialling time, praying for strength to overcome exhaustion. Luv Jenny D - Esperance

Martha Roberts said...

Still praying for you and Mr. E. Love and hugs.

Wallie said...

Praying praying praying for safety for your home to be spared for you and hubby to be safe!! Love!

Emma Christian said...

Oh dear Jenny, we lost everything in a flood 9 years ago so I understand all too well the emotional turbulence which you are experiencing. Im holding you and your dear family in my prayers that you will feel the peaceful hand of God upon you, and be surrounded by those you love.

Go gently Jenny. Much love,
Emma
xx

africanaussie said...

Dear Jenny, I have been thinking out you all weekend and hoping you are safe.

Dee said...

Dear Jenny, Praying for you and yours always.