Hi everyone! This is the first time I’m writing a recap of any sort so I apologise in advance for any inconvenience while reading it lol.

Saturday, 29th Jan 2011 was certainly an amazing day for me! Because I went to the RSO fundraiser event in Chennai, India in which David performed!! It was an incredible experience for me and more so because it was the first time in my life that I got to watch and listen to David perform LIVE, and meet him! I actually live in New Zealand and for more than 2 years, I’ve been longing and hoping to see David in person and experience his concert someday. But I didn’t keep my hopes up too high either and at times I thought it was impossible to see him as I live on the other corner of the world. Then I jumbled upon an unexpected trip to India. I decided to visit some of my family who live there as it had been a long time since I was last there. And inspired by David, I also thought it would be great to help other people there. So I went to spend time with people at assisted living homes and helped out the temples to provide food for people who weren’t able to afford it.

Later on, I found out that David was coming to India with RSO to visit and spend time with the families in the leprosy colonies. I honestly had no idea that David would be coming to India during the same time I’m there! I was so excited and so happy that he’s coming especially for a cause that means so much to him. Then I was wondering if I could see him while he’s in town. I thought I could welcome him at the airport but I didn’t know when he’d be arriving. Also, I didn’t want to visit him at his hotel as it might seem creepy/ stalkerish lol. I wanted to see him, but I really didn’t want it to be at the cost of disrespecting the main reason he was actually coming to India for. So I thought maybe it wasn’t my time yet, maybe I’ll get to see him possibly in NZ someday. At one point, I even thought I didn’t deserve to see him. But I was praying for some kind of sign or answer, and I kept telling myself that if it was really meant to be, I will get to see him sometime.

Then one day, I got an email from some wonderful David fans saying that there was going to be a fundraiser for RSO on 29th January at the hotel in Chennai that David was staying, and that David was going to perform!!! An awesome David fan, Sharaniya, asked me if I was willing to buy a ticket and go along with her to the event, and I immediately accepted!! I remember being completely overwhelmed with joy. The Lord answered my prayers. I couldn’t sleep properly for the few days before the event as I kept anticipating what was to come. I couldn’t even think straight! Lol.

Then it was the 29th… the day my hopes and dreams came alive. I woke up to Larissa_SG’s phone call all the way from Australia. She said she was so happy for me. It was so sweet of her to call me up, and I had so much fun talking with her! For some reason, the time was just flying that day lol. Before I knew, it was already 5:45 PM and I started to leave for the event. Sharaniya and I were supposed to meet up at the hotel at 6:15 PM and just hang around there until the show starts at 7 PM. But then later, I found myself stuck in a huge traffic jam and I became a bit paranoid about reaching late to the venue. Fortunately, the traffic started to clear up and I reached the hotel at 6:40.Whew! I felt bad that Sharan had to wait alone at the hotel for a while lol. Both of us were waiting at the reception until it was time to enter into the function room. Then, they allowed us to enter! We found seats in the 3rd row, in front of where the key board and sound system was set up…so we guessed that’s where the performance was to take place. The show didn’t start for a while so there was just music playing in the background. We were just sitting there and watching all the people come in. We were totally freaking out (quietly of course) and I kept constantly fiddling with my phone and camera. There were quite a lot of other Archie fans there too and we were quite surprised! Really cool. Meanwhile, there was a slide show of pictures showing David’s trip to the RSO campus along with his Mom, meeting all the kids of RSO and walking the Pathway of Hope. I was almost in tears seeing all those pictures and the joy in David and the kids. David is such an amazing inspiration to his fans and the Pathway of Hope showcases that! Then they announced that David and Mama Lupe were in the room!! So awesome. We saw that Lupe was sitting right across us! She is really really gorgeous. And the show was also starting! I could feel the butterflies!!

First up, the amazing children of RSO performed their song Rising Star. It was really heart warming and such a great performance!! They showed an awesome video clip of RSO and then, Stacey Tookey from the show “So You Think You Can Dance” performed. She danced to the song Hallelujah and her every move was so graceful. Then, Broadway performer Shaun Parry danced to a cool and energetic number. Really got all of us pumped up! And then it was time for David to come on!! We were so ecstatic and when he came on, we let out loud cheers, claps and “woohoo”-s. It was such an amazing feeling, seeing David come on to the stage and flashing his hearty and compassionate smile for everyone. He looked awesomely awesome in his white shirt, black pants and striped tie! He gave a very sweet and touching intro about his trip. He thanked everyone for coming to the fundraiser and he was so happy! He talked about the kids and said that even though they went through hardship, there’s a light in their eyes. He also said the cutest “Vanakkam” ever, which means “Hello” or “Welcome” in Tamil – the native language of Chennai. And of course he talked about how he loves Indian food! He then, gave a familiar intro to a song, saying something like, during dark times, there’s always someone protecting and watching over us…I could recognise it, and immediately knew what song it was…ANGELS!!!! OMG. I simply couldn’t believe that I was right there, watching and listening to him sing. It was phenomenal, breathtaking and beyond anything ever imaginable. I was completely blown away and I felt chills all around! Sharan and I were just holding on to each other’s hands throughout. After he finished singing, he was about to leave the stage until people started yelling “One more, one more!” so he graciously came back and he sat behind the keyboard again…He commented on how the keyboard was small lol, then he decided to sing CRUSH!!! It was so so AWESOMEAGE guys!!!! I couldn’t help but sing along (quietly though haha). When it was over, David smiled and waved to everyone, and left the stage. Then Shaun Parry came out and spoke a few words on his involvement with RSO, and Becky Douglas of RSO came on and talked about the services they do for the people there. It was great to know all the wonderful things they’re doing for them…from education and recognising their various amazing talents, to just being there for them and supporting them. Even though the people have been affected with leprosy, they sure have some incredible talent in art, crafts and there are a lot of really intelligent kids there. This really shows their determination to move forward. They’re great people. I was really touched and inspired by all the presentations and clips.

After that, David, Stacey, Shaun, and all the kids of RSO came on for another performance!! This time they all performed together while David sang SOMEBODY OUT THERE!!! It was hauntingly beautiful. I was so moved when I saw the video on the RSO website of the children singing Somebody Out There. And at the event, to listen to David sing along with the kids, and to watch the kids dance to it was just an amazing experience on its own. There is definitely nothing like the emotion that David puts in a song. I became a bit emotional during the song and David looked over at me a few times haha. But I couldn’t help it. Even his eyes were sparkly! I could see it in his eyes that he really felt it; how much the song means to him, and how much it means to those children and the cause itself. It was certainly a special moment to experience. “Somebody Out There” really helped me get through some rough times and watching him sing it that night was exceptionally moving. Shaun Parry and Stacey Tookey had arranged a beautiful choreography for the song and it was great seeing them dance with all the kids! After the performance, they all bowed sweetly and we all cheered. I was so happy, touched and my heart was full.

David, Stacey, Shaun and the hotel manager then went to take a group picture. The place was packed with everyone trying to get to David. Sharan and I were trying to get through the crowd somehow and before we knew it, we were standing right in front of David himself! Sharan talked to David first and I’m so happy for her because he remembered her and her sister (also Aishwarya) from when they saw him in Singapore! David has an amazing memory. Then I got to talk to him!! I told him my name and that I’m from New Zealand. He was like “Wow! That’s cool!” and he also commented on how common my name is in India. Haha. The people started to crowd around so I told David the first thing that came to my mind at that moment. I told him “David, I just wanted to say thanks for standing up for those kids and their families, and giving them hope and encouragement. He said “Awww thank you! They’re amazing” and then I said “I’m sure they were really happy to see you” and he said “Aww thanks. Thanks for coming and supporting!”. I also got to take a quick picture with him, and so did Sharan! Then we came out of the crowd of people, and then I realised that I forgot to give David some gifts I got for him! So I went back again and it was crazy getting through all the people again! I was a bit nervous lol. But I quickly managed to give him the gift bag and then he asked “So where did you say you’re from?” I said New Zealand and he said “Awww you came all the way!” He’s always so caring <3 I think I got less than a minute with him but nonetheless, I’m so grateful to get to talk to him even for those few seconds. David is always so gracious and kind to everyone. His one-of-a-kind personality totally rocks. Then after, I got to say Hi to Mama Lupe! She is even more beautiful in person and the sweetest!

The hotel had an Italian buffet, so me and Sharan went to have some food. We didn’t eat much since we weren’t hungry after the show lol but it was good. And I finally got to complete David’s task of eating food of a different nationality! Haha.

I just couldn’t process everything that happened. Writing this recap itself feels so awesome. I used to think I wouldn’t get to see David perform LIVE, let alone talk to him. But not only did I get to experience his singing and meet him, I also got to be a part of a wonderful cause that is so dear to his heart. It was such an incredible and unforgettable experience!!! I had an awesome time with Sharaniya too! I never imagined it would all happen!! And all of this was just 2 days before my 20th birthday. It feels so surreal to me and I am so thankful for everything. David is such a great person and he is making a huge difference in the lives of the people. David was born to give hope and those people will definitely have a bright future ahead of them. Thanks for all that you are, David!

That day was truly meant to be, and it will remain as an imprint in my heart for life.

To see Aishwarya’s pictures from the event, go HERE. Thank you for the lovely, so well-written recap, Aish!!!