I'm full of emotions... tomorrow is my last day at Rising Star. I leave Saturday morning to go to New Dehli for a few days before I head to the US. I am so in love with India and the people. It warms my heart as we pass the village each day and wave to them - their whole face lights up! I also enjoy the country side - green grass, tall palm trees, cows everywhere, haha. In the distance, you can see a man carrying bundles of sticks or a woman carrying a water jug on the top of her head. India is like a painting on God's canvas...so colorful, bright... but like every painting, there is something that captures your eye - sometimes your heart... in India, it is the people.
If someone has leprosy in India, there is a social stigma attached and they are considered as an outcast to society. Even if one does not have leprosy, but one of their family members does, they too are considered outcasts. This affects their way of life because they are socially discriminated and are left to begging.
Today we went to a more developed leprosy colony. "Rising Star fosters small business growth as an alternative for begging." There are woman in this colony who do not have leprosy, but since they have family members that do, they cannot get jobs. They started a little business called "Pearls for Hope" and were trained in the skill of jewelry making. This gives them the opportunity to work, establish a career, and earn for their family instead of begging. Last week, they came over and displayed their jewelry for us. They were beautifully made and by the looking at these women, you could tell that they were proud of their work - as they should be! They were awesome! I bought a couple of pieces. I'm not a big jewelry type of person, but I was in love with their purpose and goal. We are aiming to end poverty and to promote self-reliance to these people. This is how these women earn a living and I wanted to support them.
After taking care of the patients today, we got to go to their art studio in this little home. There were hundreds of colorful paintings all around. I was overwhelmed in awe thinking how these people have created such incredible pieces with missing hands and fingers. I found a colorful painting that really spoke to me. As I picked it up, a woman named Uma came up next to me and said, "Mine," with a smile on her face. She was one of the patients I helped earlier for treatment. I told her that I wanted to purchase her painting and she was so happy! I know that whenever I look at this painting, I will be reminded about this experience that has changed my life.
I met the barber of the colony. His case was the worst I have ever seen...both of his legs were just ulcers all over from knee down to his feet. I helped to oil his legs. It made me emotional...but wow. Wow - he was smiling to us... thanking us... being so strong. I write this with tears - these people who are affected by leprosy are the ones who have taught and served me so much. Whenever I come to the colonies, it is impossible not to feel a heavenly presence. They are so inspiring to me. I feel like these people already are in for God's kingdom because of their purity, immense love, and humility. I pray with all my heart that I will be more like them - more fit to be in the presence of my Heavenly Father.
And then there are these awesome kids! Rising Star also helps to educate the children that come from the surrounding villages and leprosy colonies. As volunteers, we helped with tutoring in math, writing, and reading. I am in love with them....every single one. They never fail to make your day! Today, their little choir sang "I Will Follow God's Plan" and I started to tear up. They were so excited to sing to us and I was so proud of them! The song says that each of us have a purpose and each of us have a plan - that is so true. I know God loves these children and He has many wonderful things in store for them. Priyanka saw that I was crying and asked me why.... it's really because I don't want to leave! Maybe I just shouldn't come back home... haha ;)
IT IS OFFICIAL! I have a little girl here at Rising Star who I sponsor! Her name is Shalini and she just turned 5 last week. The Spirit was swelling within me as I kept thinking about sponsoring her for the past 2 weeks and I feel like it BURST with JOY when I made it official!!! Tonight, I went up to her and said, "Shalini, guess what! I am your sponsor!" She smiled SOOOOOOOO BIG and said, "Sponser?" and pointed to me and then to herself. I nodded and said, "Yes!" - if it's even possible, her smile got even bigger! She started jumping up and down, clapping her hands, and did a little dance. AHHHHHHHH I ALMOST DIED! LOVE HER! LOVE HER! She then jumped into my arms and hugged me really tight! :) :) :)
Oh that baby girl has stolen my heart! I want her to do so well and to succeed. I feel that way about all of the kids - and they will. I believe in them. As I mentioned several posts earlier before I came to India, last semester was very hard for me. I really never felt so heart broken before, but I knew that this was going to be the best summer ever! EFY and India - being in God's service is what I needed. My heart is healed all thanks to the Lord and the people He had led into my life!
“I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (Alma 26:12 - Book of Mormon)
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