I remember it was a cool and cloudy day in New Hampshire on August 15, 2012, when my husband Dave, daughter Sara and I began what became one of our most remarkable adventures. We were vacationing in the White Mountains and had planned to kayak on the Pemigewasset River. We were given some basic instructions about the route and where to avoid some downed trees blocking one area of the river near an island.
All went well until Sara, age 13, got hung up on some rocks. We were ahead of her and couldn’t get back to her because of the current. Fortunately other kayakers assisted in freeing her while we waited along the bank. As she pulled up to us, the rush of water tipped her out of her kayak and into the frigid river. She was distressed, but we had to keep going, assuring her we would stay with her.
We paddled on with Dave in the lead, then Sara, then me. When we got near the area where I thought we might encounter the downed trees, I called to them to head to the left of the upcoming island. Dave immediately turned to his left, but the current caught him broadside and flipped him out of his kayak. The kayak floated downstream while Dave struggled to get to the island. Sara attempted to steer to the left but got turned backward in the current. I could see she was careening directly towards a tangle of branches and tree trunk blocking that stretch of river. Dave yelled, “You have to go after her.”
When you see your child hurtling towards danger, there is never a question that you would go to them. Though afraid, and having no idea what to do, we had promised we wouldn’t leave her. So I paddled toward the snarl of branches, crashing into them next to Sara, where the torrent pressed us hard into the tree.
I could see there was no way around the branches if we remained in our kayaks as the current was so strong. I said, “Sara, we have to get out of our kayaks and try to float downstream.” I was first into the water and came up gasping, shocked by the cold. Our kayaks floated out the underside of the branches. We extricated ourselves from the branches and edged past the end of the tree. Then we clung to each other and floated downstream, keeping our knees bent to avoid getting caught in any rocks, until the current eased. We were able to swim to the right bank of the river. We dragged ourselves over slippery rocks and partway up the steep bank. I said, “Sara, we need to pray.” I have no recollection of the words I prayed, but it was a cry for help.
We could not see Dave or anyone else. One of our kayaks was reachable but filled with water. It took most of our strength to get it up the bank enough to empty the water out of it. Suddenly we heard a voice calling, “We have your kayaks.” Within a few moments we saw a family hauling our other two kayaks and one of our paddles back up the island across from us. Then Dave appeared coming down the island, carrying his paddle.
The only option for Sara and me was to get across to the island. I feared that Sara might not be able to make it across in the kayak as without a paddle the current might sweep her down river. I told her she had to paddle hard with her hands, I would follow, trying to propel her directly across the river for as long as I could and swim the rest of the way. We made it across.
With only two paddles, Dave and I had to divide one and manage paddling the short way to the landing site. We set off again. They navigated the rest of the way without incident. But I could not control my kayak with just half a paddle and was spun backwards in the light rapids. When they lessened, I turned myself around and dug hard for the landing. There, with my strength completely gone, I needed help getting out of the kayak.
I recount this story of our rescue because when everything went so wrong, God provided the help we needed. The experience makes me realize that there are countless times God protects us. In ancient times the Israelites built memorials of stone to be visible reminders of God’s faithfulness. I remember how God loved us so much that He had His son Jesus die on the cross for our salvation. I remember that God has rescued me from trouble and spared me from some mistakes. I recognize that He does not leave us, just as I could not leave Sara on her own, entangled in branches. He is with His children, even when He seems far from us or when we do not honor Him. He does not leave us, because He has promised to never leave us. I remember how He has provided in countless small matters and large endeavors. I remember when He has not answered my prayers as I wanted. I must conclude that because He loves me, He has answered my prayers according to His purposes.
So this week I remember God’s faithfulness in such a powerful way one day 13 years ago. But I celebrate and remember His love, faithfulness and presence each day and over a lifetime.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
Linnea Tideman has always enjoyed sharing stories. Her childhood in New Hampshire and her Swedish heritage have provided her with a wealth of experiences, but also the foundation of her faith. She enjoys creative projects, travel, books, sewing, gardening, but most of all hospitality, often hosting fancy teas and occasionally something grand like recreating dinner on the Titanic. She serves the UrbanPromise and Good Neighbors ministries. Linnea lives in Landenberg with her husband Dave. They have three grown daughters. She hopes that her writing reflects how God continues to reveal Himself to us as our shepherd and Savior.