Paul James Davidson
House : Walker
My first SVAA Alumni meet in 2024 was nothing short of unforgettable. I boarded the train from Tirunelveli at 10:30 pm on Friday, accompanied by two fellow alumni. We arrived the next day in Coimbatore at 7:15 am, and the excitement was palpable as we met other alumni who had traveled from Chennai. We quickly hopped into a cab and made our way to the venue, and the moment we arrived around 9:30 am, I was in awe. The venue’s breathtaking scenery and cool, refreshing climate set the perfect tone for the weekend.
We met everyone who had come in on Saturday and shared a hearty breakfast together. After refreshing ourselves, we dove straight into the activities. The first game was a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we shared what we loved and hated about our time at SV. For me, the highlight was Sunday lunches—the eggs and onion mixed with rice and sambar that tasted like heaven! What I disliked, though, was the way my barber used to cut my hair, a quirky but memorable detail!
Then came some deep discussions on choosing a life partner, relationships with parents, and childhood trauma. Listening to everyone’s stories was like opening a window into their lives, and I learned so much about myself in the process. One of the most powerful sessions was when Paul Raj led us in an activity that helped me rediscover the power of a positive and purposeful life.
Evenings were for games, and we faced off against the students from the seminary venue. It ended in a 1-1 draw, but the spirit of sportsmanship was inspiring. They even put aside their volleyball game to join us for football, which made it all the more special. Later, Immanuel gave an inspiring talk about his entrepreneurial journey that had everyone feeling motivated and uplifted.
The evening was capped off with a campfire and the celebration of a friend’s birthday. It was a cozy, joyful time, filled with laughter and warmth. Afterward, the talent show kicked off, and I ended up performing “Hotel California” on the guitar. The energy was contagious, and soon we were all dancing and vibing together—passing our collective energy back and forth.
We wrapped up the night with a custom version of Uno, which turned into hours of fun, laughter, and deep conversations. As we finally settled down to sleep, I couldn’t help but feel how much I had connected with everyone.
Sunday started early with a beautiful sunrise session on the terrace, where the fresh air and the view made everything feel surreal. Then, we went trekking, followed by breakfast and a Sunday service that grounded us for the day ahead. The emotional peak of the weekend came during the tea break when we spontaneously sang all the old songs we used to sing at SV. It was a deeply emotional moment that brought all the memories flooding back.
The final moments were filled with reflection. We shared feedback, took group photos, and lingered in the warmth of the connections we had reignited. Saying goodbye was harder than I expected. What truly made this meet special wasn’t the venue, the food, or the games—it was the people. They reminded me of life’s greater purpose and the deep, unwavering bond we share. It’s rare to find such a meaningful, uplifting community, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
This experience was more than just a reunion—it was a reminder that the bonds we share, the songs we sing, and the moments we cherish are truly invaluable.
