Analise Norton was excited to travel to England for the first time and see some historic and famous places. She asked her parents, Kari and Gary Norton, to come with her on a weeklong trip for which their itinerary was “jam packed.”
They landed in London on Kari’s birthday in April 2024. Even after the long flight, Analise was in a hurry because she had planned a surprise visit to Kew Gardens for her mom’s birthday. After a long wait, their driver arrived – but as they pulled out of Gatwick Airport, Gary noticed him struggling with the transmission.
“I was about ready to say, ‘Are we gonna have to push or something?’ … That was the last thing I remember.”
The next thing they knew, they were being asked if they could get out on their own. A large truck had smashed into the rear corner of the car. Kari and Gary, though dazed, could get out of the car. Analise had to be cut out and was airlifted to a hospital.
Kari’s glasses were lost, adding to her confusion during the next few days. She says it was a good thing she was initially unable to see Analise’s injuries, which included a fractured vertebra, brain hemorrhage, fractured pelvis and damaged teeth. By God’s grace, Kari was still able to text their other daughters in Spokane, Arielle Roberson and Mikaela Dursma, from the ambulance.
Mikaela asked Faith Bible Church family to pray, and the word spread quickly to sister churches around the world. And God answered those prayers. Looking back, the Nortons are filled with thanksgiving for the countless ways He walked them through a crisis thousands of miles away from home.
Kari says even from the beginning, God protected them spiritually. “There wasn’t fear or ‘What’s to come?’ There was peace.” Friends sent them encouraging Scriptures, and global partner Michael Dionne and his church in London generously poured out help, prayers, and comfort.
There was still discomfort and uncertainty. Remembering the intense pain during her five-day hospital stay and afterward, Analise understates, “I just wanted to get home. The trip wasn’t what I was expecting.”
Just before the trip, however, she had read Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy and studied how to lament. Now, her own lament was simple: “God, this sucks, but I know You’re good.”
The Nortons spent over two weeks in London before Analise was cleared to fly home. She was very sick on the flight, and they spent a night in Denver before being able to return to Spokane. But God provided first-class seats, companions to help them during travel, and favor with the airlines to change their trip and provide a hotel.
The Nortons continue to trust God as they wait for the legal settlement over responsibility for the collision, which will also have an impact on their medical bills. Kari still deals with vertigo, Gary’s arm has lost some range of motion, and Analise continues to suffer headaches. But what they do know is the all-knowing God
has a good purpose for the rest of their lives.
“We have seen the goodness of God,” Kari says. “We could have been immediately in our Savior’s presence, but He spared us and isn’t finished with us, for which we praise Him! We are here!”
“He’s all-knowing,” Analise says. “The accident was no surprise to God. Even though it came as a surprise to me, it wasn’t to Him. … It was His will for us to go through the accident. Even though it was a surprise, it’s teaching us something. If I can help someone else through this, then I will.”
Lynn and her husband, Doug, lead a Growth Group. Lynn serves as a writer and editor for Living Faith magazine and other church communications.
View Resources by Lynn Yount
Imagine a famed tightrope walker who stunned the crowds at the circus with his balancing dexterity. He invited all to come watch him walk the tightrope across a huge waterfall. They applauded with wild cheering as he skillfully crossed. He...
