He's Gone...

The day started okay. Slept in, did some work, and went to campus for a project meeting. While I was still unsure about whether I was going to church or not, I got some really terrible news.

Mina George, one of the ELP students this past summer died in a car accident this past week. Mina was an awesome guy, so funny, very down-to-earth, and always had such a good time whatever he was doing. He took the program very seriously, and was always willing to improve his English.

I remember how he came to me on the last day, telling me about how he was hoping to transfer to a university in Canada, after he gets his English certification completed next year. He had dreams, but they're all but gone now.

After I saw the email announcing his death, I was totally shocked, and called Karen, who was very close to him. After recovering from the initial shock, I lay on my bed, and cried into my pillow for a few minutes. It's the suddenness that's so shocking.

Mina only turned 20 this summer, and I can still clearly picture him all over the place. He was such a friendly guy; always smiling and talking to everyone. It's so sad to think that we never know what's next. We never know when our turn's going to come.

My greatest fear isn't death itself. I came very close to death last year, but I don't seem to have learned from the experience. I hate to sound dark, but we just aren't sure if we'll be alive tomorrow, or next week, or even an hour from now. That's the irony of life; as abundant as it may seem, it could all be over in a second.

We just have to live every moment like it'll be our last. My friend Carlos came close a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn't meant to be. How many people are even ready for death? That's the sad question I ask myself, fighting tears right now.

I really have to call my dad this week.

" Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" --- Matthew 11:25-30

Rest in peace, Mina.