Monika Lumsdaine
This post briefly describes our memoir and how it turned into God’s story.
Chopsticks and Chocolate: A Love Story Bridging Time and Cultures
© 2021 Edward Lumsdaine and Monika Lumsdaine
Kharis Publishing, $17.99 (Expected release date: 30 Nov 2021)
www. kharispublishing.com; amazon.com and other distributors
This is a memoir about a 62-year marriage that bridges time, distance, and the serious cultural differences of a young biracial couple. Having met through incredible circumstances—going back to their parents in the 1930s and living through the years of World War II—Edward and Monika want their children and grandchildren to know their love story, lest they forget their origins during this century’s wild cultural changes. Above all, it is a story of God acting behind the happenings in their lives, as they learned to understand and trust His love, faithfulness, and the process of recovery from addiction.
Edward Lumsdaine grew up in Shanghai during the war years with an American father and Chinese mother. He worked his way to the US on a Danish tramp steamer, followed by four years in the US Air Force. He earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering, then advanced from professor to Dean of Engineering in three universities. Edward taught and directed research in solar energy, engineering design, and entrepreneurship before retiring in Tennessee, where he now plays Appalachian music.
Monika Lumsdaine came to the US to study math as an exchange student, sponsored by a Rotary family. As an avid learner, she constantly found new ways to challenge herself which included getting her pilot’s license in both Switzerland and America. At the end of their freshman year, Monika and Edward were married. The couple raised four talented children, while simultaneously continuing their studies. Since then, Monika has worked on a variety of projects, including designing passive solar homes — one going on to win a national award. Her consulting work involved creative problem solving and whole-brain team development. Now, she loves to photograph Smoky Mountain wildflowers.
Reviewers’ Comments:
East meets west in this unlikely love story of two people who were pursuing the American Dream. Their love for learning drew them from China (Chopsticks) & Switzerland (Chocolate) to Ventura, California. We get a glimpse of the unseen hand of God orchestrating their lives throughout the book, using individuals to help navigate their lives in a new culture. Their deep love for each other & commitment to God triumphs. It encourages the reader to trust God’s overarching plan for each individual through the twists & turns of everyday life. Albert Ebenezer, MD
Retired Oncologist, Knoxville TN
This is a delightful story of two people from opposite geography, culture and races, coming together to love and live. It is a record of hard work, gifted intelligence, and the advantages of life in a free country. As one reads this, it could be assumed that reaching the pinnacle of human achievement would result in ultimate happiness and fulfillment. Edward and Monika discovered what Blaise Pascal pointed out that “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God.” This Creator God chose, redeemed and filled that vacuum, so that the two became truly one, with a life dedicated to glorifying and serving the God who saved them. This book would be especially helpful to students and young professionals, who have been stirred to wonder if human education, intellect and effort can really fill the existing vacuum.
Tom Musselman, Pastor, Evangelist
Master of Divinity Chaplain, Colonel U.S. Army Retired
