Rising Star Day 8!

Hello!

Today we served again in the colonies. We went to a different colony this time and it was more of what I initially expected. It was out in the boonies and it was a middle sized colony. This time I actually had a job! No, correction. I had three. I cut the bandages off the wounds, cleaned out the water and did eye drops. I loved to be busy though so it was awesome. Once you get past the fact that there's an open wound under there, it's just an awesome experience. Like a spiritual experience. 

Communicating with them is pretty hard because there's a huge language barrier but what I've realized is that we don't even need to talk to communicate. We can still laugh and smile together without completely understanding each other. One lady was in a lot of pain so I gave her my hand and she put my hand in between her two little stubby hands and the kissed my hand. Tender. 

It's completely sanitary because we wear gloves and face masks and take necessary precautions. One thing that I have actually been misinforming everyone about it that leprosy is actually contractible. The thing is no one really knows how. A lot of it does have to do with hygiene but a lot of is also genetics I learned. Interesting. That's where there are these colonies in these certain areas. It's like a breakout. 

I only changed one bandage which kinda put us out of one job but it's a wonderful thing because it means that these people are healing so they don't need bandages anymore! 

After the colony, we explored an ancient temple!! Rumor has it that it's 2000 years old. 

After we got back we had play time and then prayer time. At prayer time our theme was Gratitude. So we talked about what being grateful means and then I told the kids a story about gratitude. I told them that like they have sponsors who help them go to school and live at Rising Star, I have sponsors that are the reason I'm in India. Without them I really would not be here. And I am so so so grateful for their love and support. 

After stories we wrote letters/drew pictures to give to someone we were grateful for. My little friend that I've mentioned before, named Mary, gave me a letter and it is the cutest thing I've ever gotten. I've worked at a couple daycare's so I've received many letters and drawings but this one is my most cherished. It says: "I love you so much. I like you so much. You are so much kind. You are so so cute. You are good friends. My birthday is September 13, 2002. Soon I will be 11th years old. I am thankful for God. Love, Your Baby, C.Sagayamary." So. Cute. 

There she is.

Now here's an interesting thing about Rising Star. They're trying to integrate kids from the nearby village into the school. 80% of the kids have parents who have leprosy, but 20% of them come from normal Indian families. Interesting. One girl I talked to only gets to see her parents every summer because they live in Delhi. Kids come from near and far to attend school here and they, and their parents, sacrifice so much. 

If anyone reading this ever wants to sponsor a child attending Rising Star to help pay for their schooling it's only $360 a year (or you can do $30/month) and there are so many kids here who would be wonderful to sponsor. 

That's all for now!!