Friends and family,

Yesterday was a day we will remember with much thankfulness for so many things. We arrived in the morning at our house to find that the flood waters had narrowly missed our floor level. Amazing, given everyone's predictions that the level would exceed 1974 levels that would have brought the water up to chest level inside the house. Yesterday we were able to start cleaning a number of flooded houses on our street. Such a great opportunity to be there and serve neighbours in a thousand ways. Will be going again shortly now to do the same.

Our house was been completely cleared out. Even the carpets were stripped out. Nothing remained that we owned inside.

The flood completely covered our backyard and laundry area. You'll see from the photos how high from the top of the kids' trampoline net.I took the boys and some neighbours' in a canoe in our backyard. In that photo, you can see the house behind us was completely submerged. I took Neil to his house yesterday in a canoe and will be helping him again today.

The second piece of good news for us is that our landlord has the carpet guy coming to get carpet back in today. This means after it is cleaned tomorrow, we can start moving back in. We were expecting this wouldn't be able to happen for a long time, given the number of people in Brisbane who will be needing this.

The photo with Cherie in it is looking from across our road at houses three up from us. Much to do over the next few days in our house, our street and of course in our city over the coming weeks. Thankful to know the Lord is watching over us and looking forward to all the opportunities this event provides for to serve, to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Love to all of you,

Rich.