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 an example of physical effects of leprosy.

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 to take home with me and always remember this what I learned here.

  

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 lady's name 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 at the RSO boarding school 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. I experienced an instant bond with her and her sister Sheela. I sat down with them around their tiny cooking space, just as friends do, looked them in the eyes and started asking questions. 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 by his side, care for him and endure hardships associated with this disease. Mary shared with us a trial she faces when she goes to shop for food for her father and family. She must go do different stores and vary her visits, because if store owners discovered she was living in a leprosy colony, they would no longer allow her to shop there. Mary also spoke with gratitude for the help they have received from Rising Star Outreach.

When I was about to leave, Mary 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. 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! I cherish this moment of connection we had.

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 debriding (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 elderly lady I knew I had to meet 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. 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!

Education Day

The day started out with a morning prayer, announcements, etc.. The kids look so darling in their school uniforms. They wash them every night. The girls' hair is always meticulously done up with those gorgeous red ribbons. When the girls reach the age of 12 or so, they wear a band of cloth looping around the front. They do this for modesty purposes. The women are ALWAYS dressed modestly.

This is the library. Notice a lot of the shelves are empty! Still, they are so grateful for what they have. These kids are extremely smart! They speak English very well. Their reading and writing skills, I would say, surpass the skills of children at home, considering English is their second language. They are so willing to listen and learn. It was exciting to see the students catch on to the concepts I was teaching. With my first student I thought, "YES I'm getting through to him! Now Satish understands adverbs!!" I tutored seven children that day. Although at times the tutoring was a bit tedious and extremely hot, it was gratifying to feel I was making a difference! Time well spent!! These children are the future of India. What they learn here will bless many generations to come.

RECESS! We got to take a break from studies and play with the kids for awhile..

The kids call adult women "Auntie." They love to grab my camera and say, "Auntie, I take your picture!" I help them hold it and show them how.

This is Supa running her hands down my hair. She always has a huge hug for me. I can tell she is a very special little girl.

These kids are so fun. They really have a blessed life here at Rising Star.

After a couple more hours of studying we walked to lunch.

This is Pria. She latched on to my sister Denie from the beginning.

We have curry for lunch and curry for dinner every night. To be honest I have a bit of a hard time stomaching it! The curry is usually SUPER hot and I have no idea what's in it! Is it chicken, potatoes, a dumpling? Who knows! Sometimes we do get a side dish that's YUM! Taking the first mystery bite makes me a little nervous. While eating in India you only eat with your right hand, because your left hand is your dirty wiping hand, and you must remove your shoes first. The kids are always sure to remind me if I forget!

Little sweet hearts! All ready for prayers and bed time.

These girls are my buddies. We sit together during prayer time. They want me to sit as close to them as possible. I love it so much! We smile at each other and giggle the whole time. Even girls sitting far away from me will catch my eye, give me a big smile and mouth, "You take my picture?" There is such feeling of love and happiness there. I adore them. They all have amazing potential and a bright future ahead of them. I asked one girl what she wanted to be when she grows up and she said, "Maybe a doctor!" What a great answer. :)

Yay! I'm almost caught up on my blogging. More to come!

The First Day

My first day at Rising Star was full of excitement! The first thing we did was find our room. I felt like a little kid speed walking around to find my name on a door!

  Then we picked where we would sleep. My bunk has the red sheet. (Ahh I love my bed after a long hard day. After a cool bucket shower, I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.)

Next we went out to meet the children at recess. They immediately ran up to us asking, "What's your name?" They would hug us and hold our hands. I felt immediately loved and accepted by them. The girl below is nicknamed "Sweetie." We are still great friends. She finds me every day and asks me if I remember her name. She really is sweet!

This little boy begged me to take his picture, then stood back and made this serious pose. They'll do anything to get their picture taken and see themselves on the lcd screen!

When the kids went back to class, we went to pick out our churidars (traditional dress) from the

laundry room. These ladies graciously wash, iron and fold our laundry every day. 

I met my roomie Julie. She is in training to be the new on campus Director at Rising Star. I love her.

I did some dance moves with the girls who were practicing for a performance. I don't think they were very impressed with my moves and rightfully so!

Our luggage showed up! Woohoo!

That evening we went to prayer time with the children. For a half an hour they sing hymns and the head house mother teaches them about religious stories and life lessons. They end by kneeling and folding their arms while someone prays. All the children are so good about sitting reverently, unless I'm there taking pictures and distracting them. I just can't help it. They are TOO cute.

This tiny one laid her head on lap and fell asleep. It was my high for the day.

   

The spirit is so strong at the Rising Star campus. So many amazing things are being done for these children and their families. I can't wait to write my next posts and show you more. It gets BETTER! Goodnight!