The elephant house (home)

The Elephant House is one of my favorite places on earth! Just walking down the sunlit courtyard fills me with joy. It feels peaceful, serene, warm and uplifting!

There's the bathroom... We have some crazy good times laughing at ourselves in there..

Don't use the sink water to brush your teeth or you'll get sick. A water bottle is a must!

The bucket shower. You fill the large bucket with water (it's kinda brown a little smelly and cold) then scoop out some water with a smaller bucket to pour on yourself. This takes some getting used to, especially when the power goes out! The lights flick off AT LEAST 5 times a day. I love it! It's just another reminder that I'm in India. In the mornings we get to shower with all kinds of creatures that sneak in at night like frogs and geckos! I never imagined how refreshing a bucket shower could be!The SQUATTY POTTY.. I have a love hate relationship with India's version of the toilet. By now I've got some buff thigh muscles for sure! We can't flush the toilet paper because Rising Star's plumbing can't handle it, thus the little trash can. Yup, you throw away your USED toilet paper. I really regret it when I forget and have to fish it out of the bowl. YUCK! One toilet constantly makes a moaning sound. We call it the haunted potty! This is the Elephant House's public closet. We pick out a chitidar from here each day then put it in the laundry when we're done. It's really exciting in a way to see what we can find to fit, and what will look good on us. New chitidars show up every day! Safety pins are a hot item since we use them to make the clothes fit a little better or pin up holes and such. It's humbling and appropriate to wear clothes that aren't fancy and brand new. You make do!

This is the kitchen. The fridges are always stocked with fruit, boxed milk and bread. We all brought a box of cereal to share. Don't forget to wash your plate!

Every night we eat dinner on the roof and talk about our lows and highs of the day. The roof is also great for star gazing.

Getting ready to Skype!My roomies are THE BEST. We are partying 24/7 - giggling, sharing food, helping each other pick out what to wear. Mostly experiencing all of these new and fantastic things together!

The Elephant House will forever be in my heart!

Bharathapurum & micro lending

On day three we visited the colony called Bharathapurum. Rising Star has been working with this colony for ten years and it shows! It is a wonderful, beautiful colony. There are many successful micro lending programs in place here. I am excited to tell you about some of them, as well as the special connections I was blessed to make during my time in this lovely place.
It is very difficult to explain in words the experiences we have while serving these people. Simply put, it feels like a piece of HEAVEN on earth. The Indian people are pure in heart, humble, grateful and beautiful. I know I say these words over and over but I don't know how else to explain it!

There is a special story I would like to share. My sister was oiling a sweet grandma's feet at the medical station. When she was was finished, the woman pulled her scarf over her head, took my sisters hand in hers, pulled it to her chest, closed her eyes and began to pray. She prayed from her heart, first in Tamal, then in English, "Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus." As she said those final words, a single tear fell down her cheek. We cried together for awhile, feeling as if our hearts would burst.

I have a lot of pictures in this post. It's so hard for me to choose just a few! I hope you enjoy them. They are special memories for me.

The medical vans.

Patient files with character.

The lady in green who prayed for my sister.

She is so beautiful..

This one is graphic but I thought you might want to see what leprosy looks like. This isn't the worst of it..

All cleaned up and ready to go!

I love this picture. This man has custom made shoes that fit his small disfigured feet. When I see this picture I see his clean bandages, I know he's been cared for and that makes me happy. This is the quaint village barber shop. A man had lost his wife and family because he had Leprosy. Because of Rising Star's micro lending program, he was able to learn a trade, became a provider once again, and his family returned to him. 

This is the art school where people affected by Leprosy are taught to paint. They can then sell their paintings for a profit. One man paints with his feet as he no longer has fingers. (The cow in the background is also part of the micro lending program.)The art is amazing!! I bought one for my house.

Just look at how proud she is of her of her work! This lady manages the school and is an artist herself!

There is beauty everywhere. A doorway by the art school.Pearls with a purpose! What a wonderful program. These talented women are able to create their own jewelry to send away or sell locally.I bought one of course! A gorgeous pearl necklace. I will cherish it always.

This darling girl's name (below) is Velankanni. I was lucky enough to meet her and have a little glimpse into her life. She lives in a modest home with her husband and son. I WISH I had more time to spend with her! Every time I meet someone a have to leave I feel torn away. Maybe I'll see her again someday!

When we couldn't pronounce her name, she went inside to get a pen, then wrote her name on my friend's hand. Her baby snuck his hand in at the last second! Precious.

Velankanni's view out her front door.

Every night the people here in India wash their front door and paint a design on the ground in front of it. It is thought of as a blessing and protection for the family.

These faces tell a thousand words.

My angel sister.

I was thrilled to see the positive effect Rising Star's micro lending program has had on the village of Barathapurum. Anyone who has Leprosy, and even the family or friends of those with Leprosy, are shunned from society making it impossible to obtain a job. This is partly why a person with Leprosy tries to hide the disease rather than seek out treatment. The micro lending programs Rising Star has created are essential for their survival and progression in life. Without a doubt, the best money I've ever spent was on the special items made with love at Bharathapurum.  

My day ended with dinner, prayer time and hugs from my girls!

I was blessed by my experiences this day.

Goodnight!

Vandaloor-making the connection

Every child here at Rising Star has been affected by leprosy. Their father, mother, siblings, or grandparents may currently have leprosy or have died from this disease. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I realized I would be going to the EXACT colonies that my little friends came from. I had witnessed first hand all the wonderful things these children were experiencing here, now it was time for me to see where they would still be if it wasn't for Rising Star.

I had a rush of fear surge through me before I stepped off the medical bus at Vandaloor. I didn't know how strong I would be when faced with what I saw out the window. As soon as climbed out my fear was gone. I met people with warm, happy faces, so meek and humble. I instantly felt connected to all of them! They are such a BEAUTIFUL people who carry a special spirit about them.

This is Mary. Denie and I had an instant bond with her and her sister Sheela. We sat down with them around their tiny cooking space, just as friends do, looked them in the eyes and started asking questions. (I was in awe of them.) Mary is 23 and has been married 18 years. (Yes the math is right on that.) She married by choice, rather than by arrangement and she is very happy with it. Mary has three children. Her father has leprosy and she chose to stay and care for him. Mary is beautiful and radiant. She made me promise when I come back next time to bring her some nail polish the exact color as mine. "Sincerely, will you bring me some of that color when you come next.?" I'll be mailing some pale purple OPI to Rising Star ASAP!

When I was about to leave, she told me she would never forget me, and that she would pray for me and my family. I know we will be blessed by her prayers.

The day before, Mary went to Rising Star to enroll her two sons there. All they need now are enough sponsors to make this possible!!

This is Mary's father Abraham.

Then the time came for us to begin our medical duties. We had seven stations set up. Medication administration, blood pressure, bandage removal and toe clipping, scrubbing, oiling, and debreeding (cutting away the dead skin) and bandaging.

While we were caring for these afflicted people, I felt....the feeling is difficult to describe! Humility, compassion, sadness, the spirit... Yes, it was definitely a spiritual experience. We often had tears well up in our eyes.

As I looked around the room at those working with me, all with a common purpose, all giving of their hearts and their service, a feeling of gratitude washed over me. How amazing they all are. There was no cool air in the room, we were sweating profusely. The doctor to my right was working especially hard and I was so appreciative of his service.

Although we couldn't understand each other verbally, we made special connections with those in front of us through emotions from the heart. Here are few of the faces I will never forget..

As soon as we finished at the medical clinic, Denie and I dashed off to explore the colony. We were surrounded by little children. Oh my were they sweet! "Auntie, auntie! Take my picture!" How can you say no to these faces?!!

As soon as I came upon this tiny grandma I knew I had to hug her. I turned my video camera off and made a bee line straight for her. She was simply standing there, emanating love. Both of my grandmas have passed away. She reminded me of them.

Then it was time to say goodbye to Vandaloor. I was sad to leave, but I had a determination in my heart to always stay connected in some way!

When we arrived back at Rising Star the children from Vandaloor sought me out. They wanted to see the pictures I had taken of their family and friends. I loved to see their faces light up as I clicked through pictures of their old home.

Because of Rising Star these children have the opportunity to better their future, to stop the perpetuation of poverty and disease from spreading to future generations. They are able to go to school and receive an education. Children of lepers would never be allowed in public schools.

They are well fed, have a safe place to sleep and house mothers who are literally angels on earth.

On this day I became a firm believer in the work that is being done for these amazing people. I am a witness to the blessings these children and their families receive because of this organization, donors and volunteers like me. I AM SO HAPPY TO BE A PART OF IT! Goodnight!