1999

One weekend, my friends from Edison and I went for a picnic at Lake George—one of America’s most elite tourist destinations. Nestled between New York City and Montreal, the lake is cradled by majestic mountains, its sparkling waters perfect for boating.

After a quick training session on boat handling, wind reading, and water safety, we rented a boat. Our leader, Ram, took the wheel first, and we set off. What an exhilarating start!

Ten minutes in, I took control. Fueled by excitement, I steered at high speed and made a sharp turn. The boat jerked violently, sending everyone into a panic—screams and prayers filled the air. Thankfully, the boat steadied, and we sighed in relief.

Next, we decided to try parachute sailing. The organizer’s briefing wasn’t exactly reassuring: “No one has died… very recently.” Clearly, this was a real adventure!

A couple from our group went first. Together, they weighed over 120 kg. The speedboat lifted them about 100 feet into the air—only for them to plummet moments later, saved only by their life jackets.

Then it was our turn. My wife hesitated, shaken by what we’d just seen. I squeezed her hand. “Be brave. If there’s any risk, we’ll face it together.”

In minutes, we were soaring—300 feet high! For 25 breathtaking minutes, we marveled at the lake’s beauty, the mountains, and the charming villages below. The parachute jerked in the wind a few times, and I joked about Thunderbolt, a movie where a woman falls from such a height. My wife, ever composed, replied, “Relax. It’s just a movie.”

That day, amidst laughter and adrenaline, we were reminded:

“Informal togetherness, especially involving recreation, cultivates the unity of God’s people, which we are commanded to maintain.” — Ephesians 4:3