Rain, rain, go away.

Hello again.

This morning my heart broke for my nanny family.

They woke up early this morning to find their finished basement flooded.  About six inches of standing water filled the rooms that make up their laundry room, one of their bathrooms, their main living room, and the bedroom of two of their little boys.

They carried the boys and took them to bed upstairs, salvaged as much of their clothes, toys, and books as they could, and had to leave the majority of the belongings downstairs.

The boys, maybe not fully grasping the situation, responded fairly easily.  We had enough art supplies and puzzles upstairs to keep them occupied.  The mom told me that she really didn't have anything of great material value that she lost, but her husband had lost thousands of dollars worth of signed comics, and a guitar that can't really be replaced.

As I looked across the basement at the toys sitting in water and the carpet floating upward, I was filled with extreme sadness.  I couldn't imagine having to go through that experience.  They're a tough family, and they will make it through fine, but I feel so badly that they have to go through the hassle of waiting days for someone to come clean it up for them, possibly find a hotel for a while, and eventually try to replace their belongings.

All of this to say... well, I'm not quite sure what.  I guess, on one hand, I'm very thankful that Jered and I aren't having to go through the struggles so many are going through right now.  However, I do know that God uses rain in the weather, and rain storms in our lives, to grow things.

Just over the last week or two, all this rain has created beautiful, green grass and vivid flowers.  I don't mean to belittle any of the suffering people are going through right now, just want to remember that we have a hope to hold close.

More festivities this weekend.  It's good to have something to celebrate every once in a while, isn't it?  I will surely fill you in on all the fun later.  Until then, stay dry, friend.

Aim