After the Story

I have gotten many responses from my family about the below story that have caused me to rethink the events of Saturday. My intent was to tell the story with as much detail as possible because most people like the "girl version" of stories. Apparently this was not the time to start. I was in a precarious situation but one that I felt confident would end well. Never once did I doubt the ending of the story. I felt impressions and immediately followed them. Someone was looking out for me that day and I am grateful for the prayers of a righteous mother and that I took the time to read my scriptures that morning. After I made it to shore, I got back in the kayak with a guy who was very familiar with rivers. We kayaked up into a smaller "hole" and he showed me how they worked. He let me talk everything through that happened and he taught me a lot about the river. That more than anything calmed my nerves. Here is what I learned, my metaphor from the story: I have way too much to live for to give up or to let go of the raft. I will hold on and fight the storm against me. I honestly believe we have trials that test our strength and determination, but in the end we will be delivered if we stay true to the principles of the gospel. Now I may get a grown from the crowd but this is really is a great parable for withstanding the trials of life. We get tossed and thrown in the waters of life. But the atonement and Gospel of Jesus Christ will lead us safely home. And that is all that matters.

Spinning Out of Control

This weekend I went to Moab with BYU's MBA Marketing crowd. This was my first Moab trip and though I wanted to stay home and sleep, I was excited to go on a Hummer ride and a rafting trip. The Hummer ride was amazing! However, that was not the most exciting part of the adventure. Our rafting trip provided the highlight and the setting for the story. The group split between ten two-people kayaks and three rafts. I spent the first part in the raft having a good time through simple rapids and water fights. The group pulled off for lunch and some time out of the sun. After lunch, my friend Chloe and I took over a kayak. We just got started when we hit some of the roughest rapids of the trip. We took the first set with no problem, and me being over confident pointed out another set that would be amazing to hit. However, this set was a class above what we were doing. We hit the rapid, went over a drop, and immediately crashed. I was sucked under the water without a clue where I was going or how long I would be under the water. I never thought I was going to die, but started panicking for air. I finally came up but got quickly pulled under again, continuing the cycle. When I got pulled under again, I knew I was in trouble. I came up a third time and saw the kayak. The kayak and I were caught in a hole (where the river flows back on itself--perhaps back under the drop--often with fearful results for those caught in its grasp--wikipedia's explanation). I had the distinct impression that if I held onto the kayak not only could I breathe but eventually someone would help me. Many of our group were behind us so I thought a river guide would see me. I was also very concerned for Chloe. I hadn't seen her and was afraid she was caught underneath the kayak. It felt like forever as I was churned in the waters, and people kept going by without stopping because the waters were so swift. I about gave up but funny enough the water started pulling at my board shorts. I was not going to lose those! I had already lost my sunglasses. I shifted my weight to try and protect my shorts, and that affected the way the current was hitting me and the kayak. We came out of the hole and sped down the other currents. I river guide threw me a rope and pulled me into shore to let me rest. Some guys were watching and were stunned at the situation. Chloe had popped out immediately and they kept waiting for me. I never came and when they finally saw me stuck in the hole holding onto the kayak, they began paddling to shore getting ready to run and help me. Interestingly enough, I never felt like I was going to die but was completely scared and panicked. I did get back in the kayak after that adventure but had one of the guys trying to help me get in with me and the other with Chloe. I finished the river and had a great time! My muscles are quite sore now and I have a few bruises on my arms, hip, and back. But I am alive and would still do it again. After the experience the guy in my kayak taught me how to get out of a hole and even showed me some tips to kayaking through them. I definitely will go again, just grateful for divine help.