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!