Vikhila Assumi knew she was different from her friends, but when a major difference stared her in the face, Vikhila wondered whether she would ever live a normal life. Vikhila was born blind, and was raised by her grandmother. Even as a child, Vikhila was very aware of the limitations her disability caused. But it truly struck her when her friends started going to school, and she couldn’t join them. Feeling like she was being left behind, and that she was missing out on a major milestone in life, Vikhila began to feel stressed and concerned about her future. “I used to question myself – will my life end this?”
The heavy burden on Vikhila’s small and fragile shoulders just kept growing when she was hit with the realization that her grandmother would not live forever. Her only support. Her only caregiver. Vikhila was left feeling distraught and hopeless. Vikhila was haunted by the thoughts of being left behind, alone and defenseless.
While these thoughts painted a grim picture in Vikhila’s mind, her grandmother keep fighting these grey thoughts with bright, cheery ones. She spoke words of hope, positivity and words of life over Vikhila every chance she got. On the days Vikhila felt low, and demotivated, her grandma would encourage her to continue doing her best. With the gentle nudging, and gentle words of her grandma, Vikhila persevered and began seeking God.
She worshiped, prayed and fasted, just waiting to feel the hope of a better future. Then God started opening doors. Vikhila joined a blind school where she finally got the opportunity to receive the education she so desired. Vikhila worked hard and graduated from class twelve. She then completed her vocational training. When worry creeped in again, about her future, God opened more doors, and guided her. She got a job as a keyboard teacher, teaching blind students in the Prodigal Home NGO the magic that is music. As a teacher to other blind students, she was able to pass on the gentle words and gentle encouragement she received from her grandmother. Children who felt hopeless about their future and abilities, could now feel the fire of hope burn in their hearts.
Vikhila, today, has a stable job, is happily married and has been blessed with a son. From the young girl who worried about her future, Vikhila is now a woman who is blessed enough to pay it forward to glorify Christ’s name.
