Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Jonah or is it Johanna?

TALCAHUANO, CHILE
Much of Chile recently came to know of a faithful LDS girl who was lost at sea — then returned to her prayerful family and friends days later.
Indeed, the dramatic experiences of 15-year-old Johanna Cardenas Constanzo is a story of hope and friendship and comfort. Many simply call Johanna's story a miracle.
In September, Johanna traveled with her two sisters, Marina and Leslie, and several friends to a popular beach spot in Talcahuano in central Chile. The girls ventured to a hilly, picturesque area running alongside the Pacific in hopes of getting some good photos.
"As we were taking our photo, Johanna grabbed hold of a rock to steady herself. The rock came loose and she fell into the water below," said a friend, Lorena Jaramillo. "We could hear Johanna screaming for help, but a wave took her away."
Despite being a fit athlete, Johanna was no match for the power of the shifting sea. Johanna's sisters and friends were left frantic as the girl disappeared from their sight.
News of the accident and its well-liked victim spread quickly. Friends and priesthood leaders from Johanna's ward and stake came immediately to the aid of the lost girl's family. Concepcion Chile Stake President Ruben Concha enjoyed a special association with Johanna and her family. President Concha had served as Johanna's bishop when the girl was baptized years earlier. Many times he had seen Johanna arrive at seminary soaking wet because she had rushed through the winter rain to faithfully attend her class.
As he sat with Johanna's mother, Gladys Constanzo, and the rest of the Constanzo family, President Concha also remembered the girl's strong testimony and faith.
The support and prayers of President Concha, Bishop Raul Vargas and other local members buoyed the spirits of Sister Constanzo and her family even as the Chilean Navy dispatched rescue helicopters and divers in their aquatic search for Johanna. The search was soon joined by fishermen and fellow members.
As the hours turned into a day, and then two, Sister Constanzo said she held tight to an unspoken hope that her daughter would be found alive. That day, President Concha decided to visit the spot where Johanna fell in the water. He planned to again ask for the Lord's intervention on behalf of a girl that many loved and missed.
As President Concha was nearing the beach he witnessed an unforgettable, ecstatic scene. Rescue workers were shouting with joy. Johanna had been found. Johanna was alive.
Soon President Concha, Sister Constanzo and all of Chile would know Johanna's remarkable experience.
Johanna's luck, they learned, shifted from bad to good moments after she fell into the sea. That large wave that prevented her from reaching the shore had swept her into an underwater cave. A small air pocket at the end of the ink black cavern held enough oxygen for Johanna to breathe. For two days she held tight to the side of the cave, battling hunger and fear.
"I yelled for help, but the hours passed. I was alone and I prayed a lot and cried a lot," said Johanna. "I could hear the helicopters...I prayed and cried."
Fortune again visited Johanna when a diver who knew of the underwater cave joined the rescue efforts. After repeated attempts, the diver found the cave and Johanna.
"I hugged him and asked him to help me," Johanna said. The diver happily granted her request.
News of Johanna's remarkable rescue spread throughout the country. The word "miracle" often headlined the media accounts. Two days after recovering in the hospital, Johanna returned home to her family and friends.
"I'll never forget this experience," she said. "I have no doubt that this was a true miracle."

1 comment:

R. Jeffrey Davis said...

Simply amazing