Chick, thanks for rallying the girls to start a prayer circle for us. Thank you so much everyone for your prayers and support. Knowing you were all out there praying for us all, carried me through the night and lifted my spirits. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help.

It has been a nightmare couple of days, but thankfully we are all safe.

Our city and region have now been declared a Disaster area.

Information is a bit sketchy, but it seems that flood waters are subsiding in Newcastle (where I live) but 3 other regional towns are under water with the floods expected to peak some time today.

Hanelore, I just heard that the freighter on the beach has remained intact overnight, so we may have been spared from the much feared environmental disaster from leaking fuel & oils. It is an amazing sight isn't it. The images you would have seen are just 200 yards form our city's CBD and central train station.

It is eerily quiet with only the sounds of helicopters, chainsaws, and sirens in the distance from time to time. The torrential rain and wind have subsided so we are going to venture out and start the clean up. It feels good to be able to move forward.

Once again, thank you all.