Chumi Lakshmi

8 years since venturing into the unknown western territory! Feels like it was just yesterday, although a lot has happened in the 2920 days. This was my first time to a western country, first time on a long haul flight, first time traveling alone into the unknown with no solid plans other than to finish my masters for that year. When I was leaving, a lot of my friends had a farewell party for me, which obviously followed along with series questions. Question 1: How long are you going to be there? Me: I don’t know Question 2: When are you coming back? Me: I don’t know Question 3:   What are you going to do after your masters? Do you plan to work there? Me: I don’t know Question 4: Do you know anyone in Glasgow? Me: No, I don’t   Question 5: Do you want to come back? Me: I don’t know! Please, save me the misery. Why so many questions when it’s essentially only one, and my answer was definitely only one! I DON’T KNOW. And I hated to give th...

Birthdays are meant to be joyous occasions, and that’s why it’s always “happy birthday” or “blessed birthday” or “many more happy returns of the day”. Birthdays are celebrated to mark the addition of another year in one’s life, and to give thanks to the year that has passed. As far as I remember, I’ve spent the last few years thanking and acknowledging God for His blessings, providence, guidance etc. But this year, I want to acknowledge something else that was more prominent to me. Sending a text of Facebook message hardly takes 10 seconds, but sending a video message, and that too personalized ones is a whole new ball game. I know how difficult and awkward it would have been. All of you have been so spontaneous (I also heard some had to rehearse many times lol), so generous, so genuine. I’ve already seen that video a few times since the 24 th , and each time I see it, I am made more and more aware of how meaningful it is. Am I really loved that much? Am I really that spec...

Dear husband, As we celebrate our 1 st year anniversary as husband and wife today, I am reminded that this is just the beginning sweetheart, and what a beginning it has been! I’m eagerly looking forward to spending the many more years to come, the years of God’s abundance of blessings in our lives, the years of commitment we have with each other.  For the longest time, you've always asks why i never wrote anything about you... it's because of whatever is written below. This isn't a compilation of who you are, but it is a reminder of how our marriage has been in this first year, filled with love, grace, forgiveness and setting each other  as priority (mostly me being the one receiving most priority).  11 th April 20015 I cannot forget that look you had on your face that night. The seriousness you had in you when you said you’ve got a big responsibility in taking care of me brought me to reality. I obviously hadn’t come to terms with the importance of the w...