Encounters with a River Horse

            On a placid and gentle afternoon under a clear blue African sky I did venture forth with six companions and two trusty guides for a leisurely floating down the Zambezi River. As was our plan, we did divide ourselves between three sturdy canoes, having been constructed upon the design of those from the far north of the Canadian cold. Our guide was called Fisher, for he was a man of the river. “It is safe”, he instructed us “But if per adventure an incident should occur, follow my words closely, for crocodile can be hungry and hippopotamus less than agreeable if feeling threatened. Do not leave an overturned canoe for an afternoon’s swim but stay put with the craft until friends may assist.“

            With Fisher at the tail of the lead canoe and our hunter Jon in the nether region of a second, my two friends and I were left to navigate a third. While not as recently exercised as the others, our skill with a paddle on the water was not entirely lacking. Since they seemed so inclined, and I am a trusting soul, they positioned themselves to the fore and aft while I stretched out my legs in the midst of the two.

            And so our adventure did get underway, nine journeying together for an afternoon’s delight. We did have our challenges with current and direction, but for the most part our spirits rode as high as our boats were out of the water and as far as our eyes could see. We spotted a lone elephant among the reeds of one bank. A Tiger Fish was our shipmate for a brief season as one companion did hook him with rod and lure and invite him aboard to take a peek before encouraging him to resume his swim downstream.

Having been warned against things unseen that may under the water lie, we did alter our course upon occasion as the sun began to set lower in the sky. It was indeed a wondrous occasion with snorting hippos, friendly jests of glad companions and the beauty of God’s creation.

            As does occur in the Zambezi, being their habitat, we did encounter many localities where hippos showed their submerged presence with shots of air and motion of water. These we tried to avoid like the plague, giving them as wide a berth as current and speed would allow.

            Alas and Alak, to our dismay, we found that one lay directly before us and had several of his or her compatriots lined up beyond. As the guide said to hug the bank, landward we went. But as our direction was misjudged slightly and the current a bit too swift, our front struck and swung us round so we faced the setting of the sun rather than its rising place. So we maneuvered once more, not having great space to spare, trying to right our direction. Again the tail swept past while the tip stuck in the bank and once again we were facing the way in which we had been having come full circle.

            It was upon the third try that we ventured into somewhat deeper waters, only to soon find ourselves in water deeper than we had anticipated. For while we did move away from the shoreline for a space of five and twenty feet, so did our underwater companion. It being his home and we being rather uninvited guests, he did take umbrage at our presence. Since his weight and strength did match ours doubly and more, he did set his teeth upon the lower part of our canoe. Now our Hippo (river horse), following the example of Christ to Peter, did bidst us come out of the boat and join him upon the waters. And we, following like as to the example of Peter didst promptly cry out while we sank under the water! Our entrance into the water with him, and many other things living therein, did soak us through and afford him the opportunity to make sure that our craft would not navigate upon the river for some time to come.

            Now we had not planned upon this sudden swim, neither in reality did we swim much, but as instructed a forehand we clung our wet arms to the bottom side of the canoe while our companions did race to encompass us with their crafts round about. I am sure that it was a sight to see, a flying canoe with three flailing passengers, paddles, and a sundry making a hasty exit. Alas I could not gain a proper view being too intimately involved in the project myself.

            With some skill in watercraft and much grace from the Maker of both river and hippo we managed the shore of the nearby island and dripped ourselves upon the land. It was still a challenge to make the injured craft also gain the shore and then to return all nine safely back to camp. We had left but two boats with  place only for six and we were still nine, but with time we did manage. All that was lost was bug spray and suntan lotion, which I am fairly certain was or little used by the inhabitants of the river.

            What was of great value to us, however, was to once again see the Gracious hand of a Loving Father. The same God who did once shut the mouths of hungry Lions for Daniel did see fit to continue the practice with disgruntled Hippos and us. He did once again protect His children and His creation from having an encounter which could have brought great damage to both. He does confirm for us his love and strength in the events of life each day. Some days we see this clearly, as in the encounter with a River Horse. Many days He does not allow us such clear vision but remains at work just the same. It is not for fear and not for pain but that we may see Him and His glory more clearly that we live.

        As experienced by Roger Hesch