Essays and Stories from Manvel School

sand bag, you have to have sand and you have to have bags. You need a spade to dig into the sand. First you have to hold the bag on the creases, then you put the spade in the bag with the sand and then in to the bag again. Then you have to put the sand bags on a pile. Then you put it around the house.
-- Jacob and Dustin

dad's business is farming. Ninety percent of his fields were flooded. He will be starting in the field late because of the flood. When the water goes down, we will have to pick sticks from the fields. His machinery did not get flood because it was in a dike.
-- Chelsea

the flood is over, people will have to clean their basements. It will stink a lot in their home. Some might have to build another home. Some might be lucky because they are safe. If they have carpet and the are flooded, their carpet will be soaking wet. The people who are not flooded are sorry for the people who are flooded because they have to go to the air base and stay there until the flood is over. Schools are closed because of the flood. People pray because they want the flood to stop so they can see their home. The people's basements will be very, very wet. And the power will be out at their homes. The people who live by the bridge are flooded. I bet they went to the air base. I bet it is crowded at the air base. People are going to have to clean up a lot of mess!
-- Melissa

have been thrown out of my home because of the flood. I am staying at my grandma's and grandpa's. I am sad. It is frightening to think about what it might have done to my home. My cats are on the roof, my dog is at my neighbors. I wait each day to go back home. My dad goes back sometimes to see what the water level is and to get clothes and some toys for my littler sister. My older sister is staying at a friend's house for a while. This flood is the worst flood I have seen as a child. It has probably destroyed m y bike but nothing else because my room is on the top floor. It has destroyed the carpet and the tile in the entryway and the fireplace, too. But I am glad that my family is safe and that my friends are safe and that my pets are safe, too. We will rebuild!
-- Blaine