Worldwide Flood?

I my science class today we were discussing the great flood during Noah's time. If that doesn't put up a red flag of warning, I don't know what will. We have recently been discussing evolution, which surprisingly doesn't bother me as much as it seems to bother other people; I am alright with it, and in my opinion science and religion do not clash as much as people think it does. However, I admit I was beginning to get quite upset during the discussion today, realizing that the story of Noah is lacking logic. A worldwide flood would leave behind evidence that is simply not there and is not likely to be discovered, as well as other consistencies. How would all of the world's species fit on an ark that size, including species-specific parasites and diseases? How did they account for some animals special diets (like koalas)? How was the food kept fresh for a year? How did short‑lived species survive? These were only a few of the questions we talked about, and I have to say it shatters the literal interpretation of the story of Noah.

An explanation that makes these questions irrelevant is if rather than a planetary flood, it was a local - albeit large - flood where Noah lived. Where the Black Sea is now there used to be more of a lake, which may have been drastically flooded. There is evidence of this flooding, and some evidence for civilization has even been found there.

I dislike doubt, it is an extremely uncomfortable and depressing feeling, which almost makes me want to deny the science and make rationalizations, or to question what I have been taught most of my life. However, neither is a good option and both turn a blind eye to what I have learned over my lifespan. There are some things I do not doubt, and one of those is that there is a God; an all-mighty being whose love and wisdom far surpasses my own. Though I do not understand everything in this world, what I have learned spiritually is just as important (or perhaps more so) than what I have learned intellectually. I will continue to ponder about what I have learned today, and I will come to my own conclusion. I suggest this method to others. Do not throw stones at things you do not understand, but do not throw away your beliefs so easily either.