Kerala: tiny in size, big at heart

As a child growing up in my tiny little State of Kerala, I always loved the people here. This brought a sense of belonging. To the point where if this sense is denied I feel something has been taken forcefully. What is it? 

Being lived in Middle East for most of my childhood I know non-democratic nations can offer peace among its residents.

Kerala on the other hand is only a state in India. It is reliant on the Centre (Delhi) for its sustenance. The Centre that is democratically instituted.

The recent violence in Delhi has made me think.  It has made me think how blessed am I to be in Kerala. Right now I am on a bus to work. On its windshield you will see three photo frames with a Hindu God, Jesus and the Mosque facing the commuters. Call me naive, but I wonder where else can you see this kind of unity. A song is being played on the speakers that is offered to the Hindu God, Lord Krishna. Being a Catholic does that offend me? No. It doesn't and shouldn't. Why not? Because I, like other majority of Keralites, puts people first, religion comes later. 

No matter what religion you are or what belief you have, or don't have, there is this common thread that runs through our souls. To feel empathy and to do something about it. To understand others, their pain. 

It is then no wonder why the political parties here came together despite their differences to say No to laws that seemingly divides people on the basis of religion. 

If education is what makes me elucidate these thoughts then I wish for people being educated. To travel. To take in, mull over and start  bringing changes within ourselves. Let's not be too narrow. Widen our scope. 

God has other plans

So Ronitta didn't pass her exam and so we can't settle in Ireland. This leaves my mom to be alone. Well, we prayed so hard for it. Seems like ke God has other plans. Yes I am sad, but those prayers hopefully helped someone else.

Anyways thank you Lord for the opportunity. Its been a year since we were blessed with this chance. We had hopes, we gave up our job in New Zealand and headed back to India. Now we are without job, and so I have to start looking for a job, to have a new start, have a child or two, pay our debts and live a life as God wants. To be alive and with good health is another blessing. I will try to use it for my family and those around. 

A prayer to a mother.

Dear Mary, this one is for my mother. You know exactly how mothers feel. My mother is alone and no one likes to be alone. Even on the cross Jesus entrusted you to John. I humbly ask of you to pray to the Lord that we all may live together giving thanks and praise to your Son. He said "Ask" and here am I asking. Once granted this would be a great milestone for our spiritual journey because of the prayers and the tears of my mom. Thank you for getting us thus far and thank Lord for this minor setback as instead of damaging our faith, it gave us confidence and hope and made us humble.   

But I miss you

So here am I alone at my home, thinking what to write. Alone I may be, but I my thoughts keep me occupied. It's been more than a week now and I am already missing Ronitta. Her laughter keeps echoing in my mind. She has gone were my mom is. Finally someone beside my mother! Thank you good Lord for this opportunity. An opportunity to be together. No one wants to be alone. As for me, I am not truly alone as I have my extended family living all around. But it's just as they say, you may feel alone even when you have people around.

I truly hope, wish and pray that she pass her exams. God bless her.

I had applied for a three-month tourist visa to goto Ireland on the basis of my mother being there. But the application was rejected saying I have no commitment to return back. Fair enough. I have no qualms over it.  The Western Developed World might see us as being desperate to gain an entry. Everyone wants a better life and so immigration must be regulated. However, they can't really know my intent unless they ask me. They assumed me to overstay and so was barred entry.

So here am I, a son to a great mother and a husband to a beautiful and loving wife ruing he should have known better.

A place called New Zealand

It's been almost an year since my last post. Don't know why I didn't write. I had more than enough time to write down my thoughts though.
Well, as I write this I see myself in my home country in about 3 weeks time. I am saying goodbye to New Zealand.
I really loved it here. The people and the place. I have learned a lot about the culture here more than when I was in Ireland and learning its way of life. Maybe it's because of my wife or maybe because I have been interacting more with those around.
The solidarity with which the nation stood together against the Christchurch shootings impressed me.

We especially loved travelling around. Our most recent trip was to Queenstown and Milford Sound in the South Island which we  will never forget.

So this is just to say thanks to the Kiwi folks over here. You love the people around you and the environment too. You take great care of them and strive to find new ways to sort out issues.

Solidarity extended

I stand with the people of my state Kerala. Monsoon rains has cause widespread floods and landslides. May them recover well and hope they get resettled with the help of authorities.

But its dumbfounding how some can be so heartless in these situations and that too because of caste and religion. It was reported some Christians were unwilling to stay in a relief camp where they felt there were with others of lesser status than them.

Above 300 lost their lives and then this is what happens.

Providence and perfection

After sending more than 90 job applications, I am finally employed. I thank friends, acquaintances and family for their prayers. Even though the job is not anywhere close to the academic qualifications I have, I think at least I have a footing. The job pertains helping elderly with their fluid intake. I experience a sense of satisfaction and humility from this job.
Ronitta has finally cleared her OET exam. This too is a blessing from God. Now God willing we will be with my mom. It will take time and have setbacks but I am hoping to put everything at His feet.

Even in the midst of all these good news, there are times when I let God down. It all comes down to selfishness and instant gratification. But I hope He understands.
I used to waste a lot of time with my phone playing games and respecting my assurance to God that I would stop this once Ronitta gets OET, and so I now have stopped playing.
We can't really promise anything to God. Our words, actions and intentions sway from the most banal and corrupt to the most immaculate and pure. Our only choice is to constantly change to be good to God and all around. The way to perfection is long and hard, but each step takes us forward.

Mathew 5:48 
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Here it's pretty obvious that no one wants to be perfect. You can only define perfection once you have achieved it.  With God bein perfect and we being created with His perfect image, you may ask why then we cause trouble and rebellion. 

Maybe God wants to make us understand that yes we all are born perfect. But once we reach the stage where the world teaches us imperfection, we are made corrupt. So maybe God wants us to return to the initial stage He created us. Without prejudice, without sin and evil. I think this is what He cares. To accept that it is impossible to be perfect without His help and to be in accordance with His view of perfection. 

But unfortunately like me there are few who always struggle between perfection and imperfections. If I take two steps forward, I sadly willingly take three steps backwards. 

I need to change my choices and priorities.