Friday, October 2, 2009

22 and 23 November 2007

Morning - in Denial!
07:35:10 AM From me to Lorraine, a friend: ….at this present moment we are apparently in danger of flood from 08h00 today.  I am just helping my daughter Ashleigh get her stuff from downstairs. Our lives are not in danger but our things are and our electricity, water and access into and out of town are in danger of being cut off.  So if you don't hear from me you will know why....alternately, will email you tonight. Please say a prayer for us the river is running the fastest I have ever seen a river run.  There are cars in the garage, boats, you name it....lots of work to do.  Have to go to town quickly too.  God Bless.
08:02:54 AM From me to Mitch, a friend: You mentioned you had a prayer line.  I am typing this real fast.  Please pray for us as we are in danger of flooding from 08h00 (that's now).  Our lives are not in danger, mainly our things. Electricity, water and access in and out of the valley may be cut off, but we HAVE to go into town quickly.  I am presently helping my daughter to move all her stuff upstairs from downstairs.  Please pray that the flood will not occur as in 2004 the landlord had to be rescued by helicopter and there is a baby in this house.  If you don't mind contacting David as well, I would really appreciate it.  Thank you Mitch.  Will contact you later but if I don't, you know our electricity has shut down or we couldn't get back into the valley after going to town.
08:04:50 AM From me to Ann, friend in Christian's ladies group: Please pray for us we are in danger of flood from 08h00 (that's from now).  The river is in full flood and running very, very fast.  I am in the process of helping my daughter get her stuff upstairs.  Our lives are not in danger, but our electricity, water and road access may be cut off.  The owner of this house had to be evacuated by helicopter with the last flooding and I don't want to have to go there with a baby....please pray and ask the others to pray.  If I don't contact you later, it will only be because I am stuck in the town or am here without electricity....


Afternoon - Trapped!



 

03:09:34 PM From me to my son Jeremy on Messenger: Jeremy you must pray for us the river is in flood.  We are trapped in the valley with water all around.  We've moved all your sister Ashleigh's things upstairs and the roads became impassable just a moment ago with our arrival back from town.  There is a torrent of river flowing past our house and it won't be long before it floods downstairs, so just pray for us please.  Our lives are not in danger but we don't want to be airlifted with a baby.... Soon we won't have electricity.  If you don't hear from us again tonight you will know we are okay. It will just be the power that has gone. We are now surrounded by water.  Have brought the canoes upstairs.  Eunice (our domestic worker) cannot get home and Cadeyrn (Ashleigh's partner) can't get home to us. [03:44:15 PM] - The water has not started going into the downstairs yet. The electricity is still on.  We have firewood, matches and boiled water and a bath full of water to flush the upstairs toilets.  The big boats have been tied to trees and our car parked up on the side of a hill.  There's just Johann and I, Ashleigh and the baby and Eunice.  Your brother Nicholas cannot get home either (he wanted to swim!) and will have to spend the night with his girlfriend Val in town.

3.15 pm - 22 November 2007

03:58:38 PM From me to Gina, a friend: Gina, please pray for us.  We are stuck in the valley and flooded.  We are surrounded by a raging torrent of river.  The roads are impassable.  We were just in town this morning.  We have firewood and matches and boiled water and still have electricity.  We have moved everything upstairs.  Ashleigh and the baby, Johann and I and our maid are stuck out here.  We have food and everything.  Boats are tied up dogs inside.  It's scary though.  Last time the owner of this house had to be airlifted to safety by helicopter.  I don't want to go there with the baby....  My son Nicholas will have to stay over at his girlfriend in town tonight and Ashleigh's partner tried but cannot get home to us either.  Our upstairs looks like a furniture shop complete with canoes....

 
04:10:46 PM From me to the Ladies’ Christian Group: Subject: We are in the flooded valley please pray for us.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills:
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your
Going out and your coming in
From this time forth,
And even forevermore. Psalm 121 NKJV
Please pray for us we are stuck in the valley with the river raging down around our house. My daughter, baby, husband, maid and I and the dogs are here.  My son and my daughter's fiancĂ© are stuck in town.  The roads are now impassable.  We have firewood, matches, candles, food and sterile water.  We have taken everything upstairs.  The electricity will soon go out so please just pray for us dear friends.  The owner of this house was airlifted to safety with the last flooding and we don't want to go there with a tiny baby....Please pray....it's scary.  The downstairs will soon be starting to flood.  If you can't get through it's because our power has gone out.

4.14 pm
04:23:00 PM From my son Stephen to me: Question: Are you still ok???  Reply: Yes we are still okay thanks but I am terrified because we have a little baby here...Our land line is 044 38235359 Stephen.  Just pray for us please I will send video clips but the neighbour's electricity is already out so it will have to be fast.  They left the valley just before we drove into our driveway.  The road was impossible to get back through again.

04:24:58 PM From Stephen again to me Don’t waste batteries of cell phones – switch them off!!! I reply: Good idea Steve thanks I have told everyone including Eunice. 
04:37:37 PM From Stephen to us: Can’t get through to land line (Note: Because Johann is on the line to the Fire Dept & NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute), alerting them of the situation.  He never imagined it would become so bad.)
04:41:00 PM From Ann to us - PRAYING FOR YOU ALL !

****BREAK IN ELECTRICITY ****

06:53:03 PM From me to everyone on line: Hi guys it is now 06h50 and the flood is much worse.  We have electricity again, however! Cadeyrn is going to try to get through with his grandmother's 4x4 and bring Nicholas with him. It all depends on how successful they are whether or not we spend the night here. We are hoping they will get through but I doubt they will get through floods like these. Anyway speak to you all later. We are all fine - wind has picked up now and more rain expected for the next two days (harder) and then Sunday lighter. The downstairs is about to flood at any moment (06h52).  Water is right up to the edges of the house now. A car in the garden is past its wheels in water. Flood now reaching the swimming pool.  Can't get over how calm we all feel (stunned?  shocked? or due to prayer?).

(photograph lightened)
06:54:14 PM From me to Stephen: Okay, we have some electricity again!!! But the flood is now much worse.  About to enter downstairs.  Have sent you earlier photos.  River and rain coming down faster now.   We will be okay though.  Will spend the night.

08:00:48 PM From my son Grant to us: Call for evacuation!  You have already waited too long, if not tonight then first light!!
08:04:09 PM From Ann to us regarding pictures of the flood at approximately 4 p.m: What amazing pictures Judy. Thanks for sharing.   Be assured I’m praying for the rain to stop and the water to go down, your safety and preservation of your worldly goods. ((((((Judy)))))))) Ann
08:05:12 PM From us to Grant: Grant it is now 20h03.  The lower ground floor has flooded to approximately 13 cm in 5 minutes. The fire-brigade said they would try to take us out via Simola - but I don't want to go this route, it is a sand road and with the last flooding pieces cracked and broke off the road - it is EXTREMELY high with no barriers. Grant just heard they are on their way.....we have to evacuate.  Please tell the family. 
(Later Note: They couldn’t get through and had to turn back.  Evacuation aborted.)
08:12:31 PM From Grant to us (not yet knowing evacuation had been attempted): Hi Guys,  I hope you are hanging in there - please keep us updated of the floods progress. If I were you I would seriously consider an extraction as you are in a volatile situation. More rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow, there are many areas flooding already so the flooding will continue to get a lot worse, and soon you will have no choice but airlift... Unfortunately you will have to stay the night, unless someone can get out to you, but I would call for EVAC first thing in the morning....Keep safe, thinking of you all - love from all the family
08:12:48 PM From David a friend who has a Prayer site: Dear Judy Oh things are bad, we will pray for you and your family. I have included your pictures with your request.  Keep us updated! God bless, David.
08:40:24 PM From Bryn a friend on ladies Christian Group Judy was that your request at the bottom of that Psalm?  If so I can't believe it is hidden down there.  Ladies did you see this?  Judy I think you need to be airlifted out of there as baby might be safer elsewhere. Praying for you. Bryn
08:59 -0600 From Lynette, ladies group: - Judy,  I hope you get this….Praying hard and long all day for you and your family and the stability of your home.  I got online and looked up news for Knysna and it was scary!  Please let us know as soon as you are able that you guys are all okay.
08:45:49 PM From David Prayer Group: Confirmation of Request:  Dear praying friend Thank you for your support in praying. Here are the today’s requests. Please pray for Judy, who has flooding around her house. She is a good friend of ours. It must be very frightening to see the waters rising with more rain on the way. Thank you, David
09:08:43 PM From Ann: Yes I saw it…and I’ve seen the scary pictures but praying the water goes down, the rain stops and that no harm will become person or goods.  Can you believe Judy put that request at the bottom of a psalm!  That’s like the Israelites (somewhere in the Old Testament) sending the priests to blow the horn and praise the Lord at the battle front!
09:14:13 PM From me (still in a lot of denial) to everyone on line: We are going to be absolutely fine, so don't worry.  IF the level rises to even half-way up the stairs (which it won't) we will climb into the attic and make beds there.  The NSRI and Grant also said we should stay until first light....who knows by then it may be better...The NSRI are aware that we are still here.  Johann was able to purchase air time on line.  We are all fine so please do not worry.  It would be far more dangerous to go out in this now and try to get across swollen rivers and be swept away...so best to stay put.  After all, we knew it was going to flood the lower floor so we did see it coming and got everything upstairs.  Only God knows how we still have electricity and that must be through answered prayer!! Love Judy xx
09:31:20 PM From Ann: Praise the Lord…will continue to pray….
09:32:20 PM From me to everyone: Caderyn was going to use his grandma's 4 x 4 to come and get us, but he could not get through.  There are only two ways in and out of the valley.  The Simola way is a dirt/strip road with no barriers and extremely high.  In the 2004 floods, pieces of the bank broke off so very dangerous to go that way, even if we could get through the bottom portion of the road (heavily flooded).  The other way is like a river torrent and with huge logs from the forests coming downstream. Even going by boat would be disastrous.  A friend's car out in the back driveway is up halfway to its doors and our car Johann has parked on the side of a hill.  Our car too low on the ground to travel through such deep water - so was the 4 x 4 Cadeyrn tried to get through with.  So we must stay put, it is far more dangerous OUT THERE.  The water is now swirling around the house and into the lower ground floor.  I have not checked but last check it was 13 cm or so.  We removed almost all the furniture and Ashleigh's stuff out of there. Nicholas wanted to swim to us (!) but is staying with Val. We will leave first light as you suggested. How fortunate and blessed we are to have electricity back on again.  This means hot water, flushing toilets, the works. Eunice will have to spend the night with us.  We won't be sleeping anyhow.  We will watch TV to take our minds off the situation. Should the water reach the top floor which is doubtable, we will climb into the attic and make beds up there until NSRI come in the morning. To think we were in town just this morning.  Oh and by the way, the swimming pool is covered.  We are doing well.  Ashleigh became very tearful a while ago as she is concerned about her baby, but we will ensure nothing happens to them.  Johann is here at least.  And thank God we stay in a double-story home. We have food, water, milk, everything we need including matches, firewood, candles should the lights go out again.  I believe God is keeping the power on for us!!! Thanks for your concern. Johann will send more photos just now.  He was able to buy Airtime through the Internet!!! Lots of love from us all to you all.
10:06:41 PM From me to friend David who has prayer group: It is 22h00 as I write this.  An attempt was made to evacuate us but the Simola road is extremely high, a soil road and liable to break off in chunks.  The only other route out is via the flooded road which is like a torrent.  They can't evacuate until first light. There is a torrent of water all around us, about a metre from the second floor.  The water is swirling around bringing logs and debris with it at a tremendous pace.  More rain is falling heavily.  The swimming pool went under water about 2 hours ago.  A car in our driveway is now only showing its roof. This is a time of strong testing of our faith.  My daughter was very tearful.  She is afraid for her baby. As soon as the water reaches second floor level or even near it, we are going up into the attic - for that we will have to turn off the power as it is full of wiring. We are the only ones left in the valley and the only ones with electricity.  Please pray for us - we have Eunice our maid, my daughter, her baby of 5 mths, my husband and I in the house.  It's a timber house but concrete based with concrete standards and good bracing. We have food, water, everything we need so for that we praise God but my son has warned us that there is terrible flooding on the way (more!) and we should have been evacuated already. It is very stressful.  Our entire garden is now a torrential river. If I can I will send more pictures I will.... I am scared.  Please dear Lord, protect my family!
10:12:00 PM from me to Bryn of Ladies Group: Bryn it is too late for evacuation!  We are in the middle of a swirling river now. The extremely high road is not useable due to it being a soil road in danger of caving in. The other road (the low one) is a torrential flood. The lower floor is now flooded halfway up the front doors. If the level goes any closer to the top floor (it's about a metre down outside from the balcony) we will all climb into the (very tiny) attic.  That means turning off the power as it is full of wiring.  We are the only ones in the valley and the only ones with electricity. Thank God for the electricity.  We have water, food and everything we need Please pray that God keeps the water down at the same level until first light when we will be rescued because there are severe storms on the way and heavier flooding so we have to get out. Yes, we admit to being frightened....logs and things flowing past our home at a torrential rate. Oh it's scary all right. A car in the garden's bonnet is almost covered now. The maid is stuck here too and fast asleep (she believes God will protect us) We, however, we of little faith (!) are up and plan to be all night! Please pray for us.
10:14:11 PM from me to Ann: Bless you Ann.  The water is now halfway up Ashleigh's bedroom door downstairs so the electricity will probably go now.  Outside the water is rising fast....oh please pray for us. Her Response: will continue to pray Love Ann
10:17:21 PM From me to everyone: I think we are going into the attic now so I will say goodnight.  Rather earlier than later. Please continue to pray for us.  We will phone the NSRI before going into the attic so that they know where to fetch us at first light. I will have to wake Eunice up....and get her to climb the ladder!!! I just feel like taking one of the boats and making a dash for it we would be in Knysna in 5 mins LOL but we can't because of all the logs and currents.  Never thought my faith would be tested like this today.

****POWER GOES: ALL EXCEPT TWO LIGHTS****

Do not see these e-mails until we are rescued and return days later and our e-mail is back on track:
10:36:45 PM  From Bryn Ladies Group: It must be a miracle you can email.  It must be night there then  Does anyone know you are there and need rescued?  Should we call someone?  I am sooooooo praying for you.  Please don't ever put a request like this at the END of an email, almost missed it.  Loving you guys.
10:52:42 PM From Lorraine: Dearest Judes - I pray you and your family are kept safe.  Let me know as soon as you can how things are.  Must be terrifying with a little baby. Keep safe Love Lorraine xx
10:56:14 PM From Bryn, Ladies Group - Oh Lord please hold these dear people through the night and keep them safe.  Please comfort them as well and give them great doses of faith.  We love You Lord and we trust You in this time of need for we know your love is greater than ours. 
10:59:04 PM - Oh Lord we praise you now for this rescue and comfort.  In Jesus name – Amen – Bryn.
From Bryn again, Ladies Group I cant find any news on this searching the Internet....
20:42:08 +0000 From Ann to Bryn, Ladies Group: I read in an earlier email that the authorities know they are there but I gathered they cannot be rescued until first light.  It’s 9.40 p.m. here in Britain and black as pitch.  I believe they’re two hours ahead in South Africa.  We will just pray and agree in faith that the waters will stay down and that the Lord will protect them and give them His PEACE.  One feels so helpless but thanks be to God for His protection.
11:24:29 PM From Bryn to Ann: - Where is the link for this news? I can't find much.
21:42:20 PM From Bryn to Ladies Group: Thanks Ann. Do you know of a site for news about it all?
11:53:32 PM From Ann to Ladies Group: Found this: http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,159698,00.html
23 November 2007
02:40:12 AM From Mitch in USA: I'm praying for you and family! Dear Judy, God bless you And your whole family! I am praying that God will make sure that You and your family are safe and that this flood will not reach your home or the homes of your family members.  In Jesus name, Amen!  I hope and pray that you will be spared any flooding to your home, your belongings and that the electricity will not go out! It's 7pm E.S.T. here in the north-eastern part of the U.S.  so I don't know when you wrote this e mail.  I have to figure out the time difference.  I believe you are six to eight hour ahead in time. I will send a prayer for you through David’s Prayer Site.  I will also write to him and let him Know the situation there. I pray again that God keeps you and your family safe and that the flooding does not occur! Amen! Please write back to me as soon as possible. BE WELL AND SAFE!  Love, Mitch.

01:21:11 PM UK Time:  From Ann to ladies group: http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1977241,00.html
Google News Alert for: knysna floods:
Cape reels from widespread flooding
Independent Online - Cape Town,South Africa
... around-the-clock monitoring the flooding, and on Thursday the areas worst affected included Greyton, Genadendal, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and George. ... Dozens evacuated, roads closed as floodwaters rise
The Herald Eastern Cape - Port Elizabeth,Eastern Cape,South Africa
Both Sedgefield and Knysna are without water due to flood damage and residents have been asked to use water sparingly until the problem can be fixed. ...
N2 highway in Southern Cape closed after floods
SABC News - Johannesburg,South Africa
The N2 highway between George and Knysna in the Southern Cape has been closed because of severe flooding in the area. Western Cape Traffic Authorities say ...
Lightning, storm kill five in South Africa: report
Africasia - London,UK
Officials closed a major highway between George and Knysna in the Southern Cape Friday due to severe flooding in the Sedgefield area, public broadcaster ...
Rains pelt the Garden Route
The Herald Eastern Cape - Port Elizabeth,Eastern Cape,South Africa
... including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou and Uniondale/Langkloof. The flood-affected area is about 120km west of Mossel Bay. ...
08:58:06 PM From Laura to Ladies Group: I found this which everyone may have already read:
Yesterday, the NSRI used rescue boats to save 20 people from their flooded homes after the Great Brak River, near George, burst its banks. More than 700 people, mainly from informal settlements, have been displaced. Heavy rains have soaked the Eden, Witsand, Caledon and Heidelberg areas. Parts of the Overberg Region of the Western Cape are flooded.
09:00:48 PM From Laura to Ladies Group: Hey Ann, I was just checking my email and have been reading about the floods.
I do have a PO Box. I'm in shock that this is happening to our Judy... I'm reading online about the floods. Oh my goodness!!!!!
12:04 PM From Ann to Ladies Group: I have tried to find a phone number through International Enquiries but I don’t see anyone of that name at Knysna, although there is one in the Western Cape where Knysna is situated.
09:03:08 PM From Ann to Ladies Group Yes…I went to bed last night feeling so helpless after Judy signed off saying she was switching off her computer and moving into the attic.  I should have prayed the house was strong enough to withstand fast flowing floods but I didn’t.  Still, I was, like everyone else, just praying for their safety, so I trust.
09:06:48 PM  From June to Ladies Group: NSRI http://www.knysna.co.za/nsri12/index.html


6.19 am First Light - 23 November 2007


 6.20 am

6.20 am
 
Still waiting for rescue - 6.20 am


6.21 am


 
6.21 am


6.24 am


6.24 am - House: Tidesverge


6.26 am Rescue Day!
****
WE ARE FINALLY RESCUED BY RUBBER DUCK AT 09H00 BY NSRI
****
14:00:01-0500 To ladies Group from Shirley: http://www.nsri.org.za/new/default.asp
18:58:58 +0000 To Ladies Group from Ann: I was trying to find out what the NSRI stood for.  It should be possible to ring them.
09:16:45 PM From June to Ladies Group: Southern Cape town under water, rescues underway
November 23, 2007, 10:45
Heavy rains have caused extensive flooding to Plettenberg Bay in the Southern Cape. Most of the town and some townships are under water. Two air-force helicopters from Port Elizabeth have been dispatched to help with rescue operations.
Spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Ray Farnham, says the Keurboom River has burst its banks. Two hundred people have been rescued since last night in residential areas in other parts of the region. At least 70 are currently being attended to at Stanley Island. Farnham says scores of people are still trapped in their homes.
Trudy and Alan Blackshore are among those who were rescued in Sedgefield. They say it has been raining since they arrived at a holiday home on Wednesday night. Trudy says they are relieved to be safe.
Disastrous situation
In the Eastern Cape, Heavy downpours are causing havoc in the Langkloof area. An elderly couple had to be airlifted from their flooded farm at Louterwater and taken to safety. At least two farmers watched in disbelief as their bakkies were swept away down a river.
Over 300 milimetres of rain has fallen in the area in the past 24 hours. Fruit farmer, André de Wit says the situation is disastrous.
09:25.06 PM From June to Ladies Group: Rains set to continue in Eastern Cape
November 23, 2007, 12:00
Heavy rains are set to continue along the Eastern Cape's south coast, the SA Weather services said today. "Heavy falls will continue west of Algoa Bay and along the south coast as well," said spokesperson Garth Sampson.
"Flooding has been reported from various places along Algoa Bay and Plettenberg Bay ... Heavy rain warnings were also issued for the west of Port Elizabeth." Sampson said.
He said that people travelling to Plettenberg Bay and through the Garden Route were advised to delay their journeys due to localised flooding and poor driving conditions.
Earlier about 1 000 people were evacuated from their homes and sections of the N2 near George were closed, as heavy rain continued to pelt down.
Eden district disaster official Gerhard Otto said the Red Cross was assisting with blankets and mattresses for those affected, mostly from low income areas in Knynsa, Sedgfield and Plettenberg Bay.
Overberg District Municipality's Disaster Management spokesperson, Reinard Geldenhuys, said that there had been no evacuations for the last two days. "Things have eased off quite a bit in the Overberg area," Geldenhuys said.
He said that the disaster management team would still remain on high alert. – Sapa
09:26:31 PM from Ann: Ladies…I’ve just rung the Cape Town branch of the NSRI and the man I spoke to is going to try and find out if Judy’s family are ok and get back to me.  Unfortunately, I have to go out for a couple of hours but he will email me.
09:40:47 PM From Ann to Ladies Group: Hallelujah...all are safe! Hallelujah….just received this email:
Subject: Hi from Cape Town SA
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:08:52 +0200
Hi Ann Judy is my dear daughter-in-law. They have been rescued - early this morning by the National Sea Rescue Institute by boat and brought to safety in Knysna. They are in a Bed & Breakfast house where a Good Samaritan has taken the whole family in. They could only take a bag of things for the baby - so had to urgently buy clothing. They asked me to send you a message that they are OK now and safe. I do think they are traumatized though! You can send messages to me if you like to...I'll pass them on. Kind regards - Elize
09:48:20 PM From Ann to the Ladies Group: Ian from the NSRI rang back at the same time I received the email from Judy’s mother-in-law.  He confirmed that the family and their dogs had been rescued.  It was good of him to take the time to find out and ring me back such long distance.
09:57:33 PM From Bryn to Ladies Group: HALLELUJAH AMEN. 
From Ann to Johann’s mother Elize: Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 9:42 PM   Hallelujah....Elize Thank you sooo much for letting me know.  I was sooooo concerned.  Trying not to worry as I'd prayed in faith...but still very concerned and wondering what on earth was going on. Are all their worldly goods destroyed?
Thanks again....and tell Judy how relieved we all are and that we will continue to pray for the wellbeing of them all....  You must be very relieved yourself Elize.  I would be grateful for an update in due course, when/if you have time, as I guess Judy won't be able to email herself in a hurry.
Oh, tell Judy I rang the NSRI in Cape Town half an hour ago, and just as I was reading your email they rang me back to advise that the family had been rescued and assumed it must be the one I was enquiring about.
- Ann
Thereafter followed a rash of happy emails from everyone as they learned we were safe and well.  After I read them I sent this:
From us to The Ladies Group: Date: 2007/11/25 10:07:31 PM
Thank you so much for your concern!  May God open the windows of heaven and bless you all I only have a moment in the house and we must go - but my dear friends be assured your prayers were heard.
At about 7 am the waters went down about 700 mm.  The total rise was about 1.5 metres through the bottom of the house.  It was like being in a sinking ship - with the sounds of furniture and garage equipment banging downstairs in the water all night. Scarier than I thought it would be - but God's hand was on us, thanks to your prayers! Thank you each and every one.  Love Judy.
From us to basically everyone: Date: 2007/11/27 05:48:52 PM
There have been more threats of rain so we stayed away but are sleeping here now first time again tonight. And starting to clean up....
What happened was that the flood waters rose alarmingly during the long and terrifying night.  My faith was really tested.  Although my husband and I felt calm, we all thought we might die. My daughter being with a young baby and separated from her partner who could not reach us was naturally more alarmed. My son was also out of reach. They tried to get through but parts of the Simola Road had crumbled down into the valley.  The other road (the only exit now) was flooded.  We were stuck in the raging torrent.  It was a difficult night.  Too late for rescue.  We were promised 'first light'.  The NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) arrived at 09-00 a.m. blowing whistles from their rubber duck.  Oh wow what a beautiful sight!   They took my daughter and her baby to the boat first.  Then they came back for me and Eunice our maid who was stuck with us all night (but slept through with great faith).
The NSRI said "We must be quick.  We are expecting a tidal surge.  You can say goodbye to your upper floor.  The entire house will go".  (It didn't as things turned out!!  Praise the Lord!!)  Although we were safe with just the baby's equipment in a toggle bag, I felt a bit sad about our photographs and the historical stuff my late mother had passed on to me; but I thought "Well they are tucked up in my heart, we are alive that's all that counts"
The NSRI then returned for my husband and our two dogs Ruffy and Emma.
The NSRI were very professional.  They covered us with space blankets and had a dry car waiting for us.
We were then transferred to a second dry car which drove us to Crabs Creek where we met with in-laws.  Turned out though that they were more upset about preserving their white carpeting than what we had gone through and finding safety at last!!  So we left feeling quite upset but stayed in Overmeer Guest House. This would normally have cost us R1,000 per night for a three-bedroomed unit, but the owner (Ludwig Fechter) charged us only R100 per night.  He was so kind.  We had fresh towels, a kitchenette, two bathrooms, beds, blankets and whilst the rest of Knysna was without water, God saw fit that this man had a fresh water tank - he told us to relax and stay as long as we liked as he could not rent that apartment out anyway due to a small water leak and the fact that many people had cancelled due to the floods.  We placed the dogs in kennels while we stayed at Overmeer.  Thank you, I believe it is ONLY THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE THAT WE WERE SPARED.
Tonight we are sleeping in the house, but everyone will have to sleep upstairs too as there is nothing but mud, mud and more mud downstairs.  We are feeling spent out and rather traumatized.  It helped so much psychologically for us to be able to stay on line for much of the time.  Thank you Lord for bringing us through it!!  Praise His mighty name and thank you for children of His like you - thank you and bless you one and all.  You are all so very, very precious. Love from Judy and family.

****

*I'm sooo glad they're okay.  That is such a blessing!!! Hallelujah...all are safe! Laura.
*They're gonna need a lot once all the water recedes and they can assess the damage - thank heavens they are insured - Bryn
*Copying in another email from Judy’s mother-in-law…    We were going to start our holiday at Johann & Judy this afternoon...but as things are now we hope to see them maybe in 5 - 6 weeks time! They did sound very "quiet and subdued" when we spoke to them this evening and tired but I think it is stress!  I believe that the house...the lower part, ground level looks like it went through a gigantic washing machine...whatever was in there is either damaged or floated through the windows downstream, including Judy's car! So far I don’t know how bad their losses are, but I presume BAD!  However, they are safe and that is the main & best part.  I am rested & calm for Judy & Johann told me it was as if the Lord was watching them....it was very light outside last night and they could actually see the logs and debris rushing by.  Amen ! HE IS watching over them!! Love Elize
*Wow so much mail to catch up with a good ending.  I am going to try and address everything!!!  What a crazy time, thank God He is God and so amazing. Praise Him for big, little, all things.  Sally.

 *Still thanking and praising God for sending angels to watch over our sis Judy and family!!!  He's sooo awesome!!!!!!! - Laura
*Please tell Judy that we are all praying.  Our entire group was affected and know that God will protect and keep them.  God Bless you for letting us know what the status was. Thank you again Elize!
*We are in Scotland....I was trying to imagine how they were rescued from an attic.  Is there a window through which they could climb or did they have to remove the roof tiles? It must have been terribly stressful for them and no doubt they are emotionally exhausted. Please send love and prayers. Thanks for the update Elize. love Ann
*From Ann to the group: another couple of emails from Elize, for interest: All the prayers, thoughts & e-mails are very much appreciated !!! I text some of each e-mail as I receive them so that they know.  They are very thankful for everything and really appreciate it all very much....I say it is all the LOVE & CARING ( from all you folks) that pulled them through! I'll keep you posted.. If  its God's will we will be going to Jeffrey's Bay (normally a 10 hr drive from Cape Town including rest-stops) The roads are quite damaged etc at some places so we are expecting it may take longer.  We were going to visit Judy & Johann but now that has changed in the blink of an eye. Love Elize
*Dear Elize,  I got your email from Ann.  I am a friend of Judy's from a prayer group on the Internet that we have belonged to for several years.   Judy (your daughter-in-law) is also a precious member of our group and has blessed us richly with her prayers and love.   Please let Judy know that we are praising the Lord for their protection and joyfully looking forward to hearing from her as soon as she is able.  It’s hard to get news in the US about the situation down there……..we’ve had to go through the Internet and that info is sketchy at best.  In Christ, Lydia, Oklahoma, USA
*email to the group from Ann - a video news item here on the floods.  Quite interesting to see the extent of the flooding: http://www.sabcnews.com/Video/0,2170,,00.html
*Hi June, just to say, in the last couple of days, I tried to respond to one of your posts twice but twice it has failed to arrive.  I was just thanking you for the link to the Sea Rescue Mission which enabled me to phone them.  Bless you. love Ann *So glad to know that you are okay.  God watches and honours those who honour him.  We continue to pray for a speedy recover in your life/home and land!  Much love! Sandra
*Dearest Judes Thank God you are all safe.  What an awful ordeal.  How is the baby?  Must have been terrifying. Let me know how you are getting on.  Have you lost everything?  Please let me know Love Lorraine
*Hi there- Just wanted to know if you are back at home and things are returning back to normal? Please let me know if there is anything I can help with, no matter how small. - Gina
*We are so thankful to  hear from you and know that God has had his arms around you. Mandy.
*Oh my Judy I had no clue what has been happening with you. My little problems are nothing compared to yours!~!! I had no clue what was going on around the world. Through this may you experience the waves of the Holy Spirit as our God floods your life with His loving kindness and uses your experience as a victorious testimony of His love and kindness. And may His blessings show you that His love still triumphs over any bad event and what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and increases the power of our testimony. When will that enemy ever learn, the more he attacks that our God supplies all our needs and turns each incident as a testimony of God's Love. Thank you for your prayers and support and if there is anything you can think of that I may be able to do please let me know. My time is limited caring for mom and I'm not home much to get my messages but you and your family and community will be in my thoughts and prayers. Be Blessed, laugh in the face of disasters and stay strong in the name of Jesus' ! Fiona
*Dear Judy, Thank God You Are Alright! I was very worried about you and your family. Wow! What an ordeal! Sorry to hear that your home was damaged, but praise God you and your family are safe now. Heavenly Father, I thank you for your loving kindness, mercy and help in this awful flood that Judy and her family went through. I thank you for keeping everyone safe, much the way that Jesus did in the boat with His disciples during a terrible storm. Jesus saved everyone and calmed the storm.I  thank you again for your love for Judy and her family, and also for the help that others received through your Grace. I pray that Judy will be able to rest and that you Lord, will keep her calm her and give joy to her heart.  I ask that Judy's children will understand the traumatic experience that she went through and give her time to relax for awhile, at least until she is feeling rested and has some time to get over this trauma, how ever long it takes....May You keep Judy, Lord and her whole family safe and dry, out of harms way and may You give everyone concerned your help,comfort,love,mercy,strength,hope,understanding and peace, in Jesus Name, Amen!!!!  Be Well Judy! And God Bless You Always! With Much Love, Mitch.
Please Keep In Touch.

*Dear Judy
Praise God for your safety, we were very worried, I was constantly praying for you. Will continue to pray for you. Please keep us updated
God bless
David
****

From me to everyone - Praise God he saw us through the dreadful night of the flood. Thank you, great thank you's to all the wonderful kind people my mother-in-law told me about (they passed through Knysna today to Jeffrey's Bay up the coast).  It was a terrifying night but somehow God kept us calm.  We have come to the house tonight and I am taking the opportunity to send you all an email to say thank you, God bless and keep you.  More heavy rain is on the way so we are only returning, God willing, on Tuesday with the insurance assessor.  The place is a mess but testimony to God's hand as a natural dam formed with huge logs which would have bashed the house but remained on the other side of the swimming pool.  The pool is in these movie clips but you cannot see it as it is between the palms covered with the floods.  Inside picture shows the start up the stairs.  The water level went over the door handle but we refrained from going into the attic in the end as it would've meant cutting all power.  Explain how we managed to keep two lights on all night and could see out into the dark water, only God knows.  The little car went for a trip down the river and even disposable nappies found miles away.  We are so, so thankful and fortunate for God's hand over us.  I can't stay long as we must get going the skies are heavy with incoming rain - will sent shots of the damage later.  We don't have Internet where we are now but I am thinking and praying for you all and God bless and thank you each one for your love, kindness, prayers, etc.  Will be in touch.  Thank you Grant for phoning all night.  Stephen for your advice re cell phones and Jeremy and Angelique for keeping in touch and praying.  Michael and everyone. Love Judy/Mom  We are not staying here tonight.(Thank you Ann for phoning all the way from Scotland, bless you!) Amen!!!  He brought us through!!!  Love Judy xx


This was placed in the local newspaper:

THANKS TO THE NSRI FOR RESCUING JOHANN, JUDY & ASHLEIGH ALSO HER BABY KYLIE-ROSE, EUNICE  AND EMMA & RUFF OUR DOGS - WHEN OUR HOME WAS SEVERELY FLOODED UP TO THE FIRST FLOOR AND WE SPENT A NIGHT WONDERING WHETHER WE WOULD LIVE OR DIE.  THANKS TO THESE GREAT GUYS AND THEIR PROFESSIONALISM ALSO TO OVERMEER GUEST HOUSE, KNYSNA - FOR TAKING CARE OF US.
Letter:

Dear NSRI Team - How can we EVER thank you enough for rescuing us and our dogs from the Knysna Valley?  We spent the whole night long wondering whether we would live or die. When we saw you in the rubber duck blowing your whistle it was like looking at a boat of angels.  We cannot thank you ENOUGH. Johann, Judy, Ashleigh, baby Kylie-Rose and Eunice.

Eunice and Kylie-Rose (5 months old)