Today was just wonderful. I hope I can remember all of the great things that happened today. It started off with us heading to a colony. Once we got there, instead of doing our washing/bandaging station, we helped hand out shoes that had been custom made to fit their feet, many of which are affected by leprosy. Since all of us weren't required for that part, I spent most of the time sitting with, or talking to different leprosy patients. That's probably what I enjoyed the most; being able to be around such strong spirited people. I love being able to put a smile on their face, even if it's only for a moment. After the large colony, we stopped at another which was really just a house with 3 patients in. We washed, and re-bandaged their feet, and then gave them their new shoes as well. Each of the patients was so grateful, and excited for their shoes. If anything, shoes are even more important for the leprosy-affected. They help protect their feet from injury, which is what causes the ulcers.
The cobbler fitting shoes to one of the leprosy patients.
I was on bandage removal today. It was a pretty quick job with only three patients.
The hour or so normally used for playtime was a water fight instead! It was lots of fun, and even though the balloons only lasted about 2 minutes, there were plenty of buckets for dousing people with. Family time was so much fun, even if my head was spinning. I've sort of built up a reputation for being the one to spin kids around, and tonight I started spinning people airplane style (I held onto one arm and one leg). The kids thought it was the next best thing. I think I spun each kid about 4 times. Even alternating directions each time only lasted so long. Luckily, most of them had gotten distracted with drawing, and so that took up the rest of my time there. Vishva, one of my boys, wrote me a wonderful note. It said:
"I like Joel. I love you. On Saturday you leave. I will sad." I'm going to miss these guys.
But the night was not over. As it has for the past week, the rain began. Only this time, it was a lot more exciting. Since I'd gotten pretty sweaty spinning kids every which way, I joined some of the other volunteers in the rain. After getting soaked for the second time and making shadow puppets, I changed into PJ's. But then the lightning started. For the next hour and a half (or something like that), it was non-stop lightning and some amazing thunder. There wasn't more than a 2 second interval between flashes. Maybe we were all stupid for sitting under the balcony watching the show, but it was amazing.
While I'm sharing stuff from other people, I'd better add in something I forgot from our bus ride from Agra back to Delhi. On this trip, I've made lots of new friends... Brianna and Stacey being on the top of that list. They're pretty much the best. Sometimes they would ask me random questions like, "What's your Mom's name?", or, "What's your middle name?" Okay, so maybe they weren't too random. Anyways, on the way back, Brianna stood up, and over the microphone read this (which they just wrote on the bus):
May 3rd, 1988 Joel Hills Marshall entered this world to the arms of Kari and Earl Marshall of Maryland. Joel (affectionately known as Jo-el), has resided most of his life there, except for his mission in Portland, Oregon (where most of his companions did not have girlfriends), and his time at BYU where he is currently studying Mechanical Engineering.
Joel is the 2nd of 6. All boys. Joel is unsure of his favorite food and movie, but it has been confirmed that he enjoys running in his size 14 running shoes. Joel enjoys telling stories, Indian food, and politely giving up his seat to girls and tour guides.
Joel has never been in a fight, except for some mild wrestling with his brothers. And although he doesn't know how much he can benchpress, he still really loves the 'Lord of the Rings'. He has had all 4 wisdom teeth removed, as well as 4 other permanent teeth. Even though he's new to Skype, Joel mastered the software with astounding ease.
Joel also enjoys poking good-natured humor at those with unsightly facial hair. As of recently, he does not intend on growing a beard himself.
Joel is a kind and funny person, and I think we can all agree we're better for knowing him. Stories happen. We love you Joel. Thank you.
Brianna and Stacey
Here's me putting things out of order again. This is the millipede I presented to one of our coordinators who hates them (most of the ones we've run into have not been this big). She still talks to me, so I'll take that as a good sign.
The hour or so normally used for playtime was a water fight instead! It was lots of fun, and even though the balloons only lasted about 2 minutes, there were plenty of buckets for dousing people with. Family time was so much fun, even if my head was spinning. I've sort of built up a reputation for being the one to spin kids around, and tonight I started spinning people airplane style (I held onto one arm and one leg). The kids thought it was the next best thing. I think I spun each kid about 4 times. Even alternating directions each time only lasted so long. Luckily, most of them had gotten distracted with drawing, and so that took up the rest of my time there. Vishva, one of my boys, wrote me a wonderful note. It said:
"I like Joel. I love you. On Saturday you leave. I will sad." I'm going to miss these guys.
But the night was not over. As it has for the past week, the rain began. Only this time, it was a lot more exciting. Since I'd gotten pretty sweaty spinning kids every which way, I joined some of the other volunteers in the rain. After getting soaked for the second time and making shadow puppets, I changed into PJ's. But then the lightning started. For the next hour and a half (or something like that), it was non-stop lightning and some amazing thunder. There wasn't more than a 2 second interval between flashes. Maybe we were all stupid for sitting under the balcony watching the show, but it was amazing.
While I'm sharing stuff from other people, I'd better add in something I forgot from our bus ride from Agra back to Delhi. On this trip, I've made lots of new friends... Brianna and Stacey being on the top of that list. They're pretty much the best. Sometimes they would ask me random questions like, "What's your Mom's name?", or, "What's your middle name?" Okay, so maybe they weren't too random. Anyways, on the way back, Brianna stood up, and over the microphone read this (which they just wrote on the bus):
May 3rd, 1988 Joel Hills Marshall entered this world to the arms of Kari and Earl Marshall of Maryland. Joel (affectionately known as Jo-el), has resided most of his life there, except for his mission in Portland, Oregon (where most of his companions did not have girlfriends), and his time at BYU where he is currently studying Mechanical Engineering.
Joel is the 2nd of 6. All boys. Joel is unsure of his favorite food and movie, but it has been confirmed that he enjoys running in his size 14 running shoes. Joel enjoys telling stories, Indian food, and politely giving up his seat to girls and tour guides.
Joel has never been in a fight, except for some mild wrestling with his brothers. And although he doesn't know how much he can benchpress, he still really loves the 'Lord of the Rings'. He has had all 4 wisdom teeth removed, as well as 4 other permanent teeth. Even though he's new to Skype, Joel mastered the software with astounding ease.
Joel also enjoys poking good-natured humor at those with unsightly facial hair. As of recently, he does not intend on growing a beard himself.
Joel is a kind and funny person, and I think we can all agree we're better for knowing him. Stories happen. We love you Joel. Thank you.
Brianna and Stacey
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