Avinash

I could probably write a novel, at least a novella, about Avinash.  But I don't really have time right now.  So I'll just keep this short, put in some pictures and then write another post related to him sometime soon.

Avinash is a young man from India who came to Boston to work a contract job for 6 months.  He volunteered for the job (within his company) because he was running away from troubles.  He came to Boston in February and experienced snow and nasty weather and things just got worse for him for a the first couple of months.  And then one day, when he went out for a rare walk, two LDS missionaries walked up to him.  One of them, Elder Hunter (who, p.s., I adore!) asked him if he knew that Jesus Christ was his Savior and then invited him to church.  He accepted the invite.  A couple of days later, when Sunday rolled around the elders called to remind him; he kind of regretted accepting but decided to go.  And then the elders just kept inviting him to make changes in his life and miracles started happening.  Literally, miracles. The biggest miracle of all being a change of himself and an awakening of happiness, joy, purpose, etc. that he'd never known.. It's actually very incredible to listen to him speak about it all. On June 18 he was baptized and on June 25 confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since then miracles have continued to occur in his life. You can physically see the change in his face, his bearing.

I remember Avinash standing to introduce himself that first Sunday, but I can't remember if it was then or the second week that I went up and introduced myself to him.  Either way, we soon made the connection and I started inviting him to things.  And he came and came and came.  Slowly but surely we became good friends.  I think the really crossing the line from friendly acquaintances to a deep, deep connection came the night before his baptism.  He'd asked me to speak at his baptism and I wanted to know a little more about his conversion and such for that purpose.  So after a group activity, I took him home last of the people I was giving rides to and we had an intense, amazing conversation. (That's actually when I learned most of the things about him finding the church--or it finding him.)  Those conversations (as well as fun social activities) have continued and our lives have connected.  Honestly, for me, I've experienced the joy the comes from helping someone find the truth; I've learned new things because of his questions and my searching for answers; I've been deeply grateful to be part of the miraculous change in his life; and I've obtained a deeper testimony of Jesus Christ and his healing, cleansing, converting power.  For Avinash, I think I'm something more. I don't know to explain it except to say that I'm intertwined into the roots of his testimony of the gospel and the Church, his experience in America and all the blessings it brought. I hope I'll remember this experience; I know he'll remember me. But for both of us it has been a wonderful, enriching relationship.

This morning Avinash flew away to go back to India.  I'm nervous and excited for him to work things out with his family. I'm thrilled for the Church in India and the wonderful priesthood-holding, trained member that they're getting. I'm excited for him to be able to share with many people who he's excited to share with.  I''m hopeful for the changes he's making in personal relationships and lifestyles.

And a part of my heart hurts that he's gone. Unfortunately, it's compounded by parting with others right at the same time. But anyway, here are some pictures.  And then the video that I'll explain 

At the beach on Memorial day, when we were just starting to know each other.

Day of his baptism:

4th of July celebration (I don't know what that face is about; I think I was falling off of the couch arm):

At his large going-away party last Saturday:  Indian guy in the middle is his co-worker who has also been coming to church.

 [the girl in these pictures is my roommate Aline. I can't even go into Aline right now because I'd probably start bawling. But she'll make the blog sometime.]

 And then the video. (Sorry it's undedited; I'm not skilled). Aline promised Avinash that she's write him a song for his going away.  And she did on Saturday afternoon.  And then she and I sang it for 2 to 3 hours (not exaggerating) to get the words memorized.  We performed it a few times at Saturday's party.  And it's haunted our brains every hour since. And taken over in a few other brains too.  And then last night, we had a smaller, closer party and we finally got around to recording it for him.  So for your listening pleasure, I present Aline singing "Avinash"  (shame she let the camera get to her, usually she is such a ham!).

Okay, I can't figure it out.  I've tried and tried. I quit. Maybe I'll figure it out.  

Sad, because our song is awesome.

I love him and I'm sad he's gone.  But the sadness is vastly outweighed by deep gratitude that I knew him.


In case any of you are wondering--because I know some of you are--I do not have any romantic interest in Avinash.  I'm 100% positive.  I could elaborate, but that would involve information that isn't mine to share.  Besides, even without that, I just know I'm not. Sorry.