My day started off rather normal, at least by India's standards. Our group headed to medical at the most developed leper colony to do the washing, oiling, and re-bandaging at their old-folks home. See, their businesses have been so successful, they were able to build a place for their elderly to live. And even though it is a well-off colony as far as living conditions are concerned, that doesn't make the effects of leprosy any different. The people still need to have their sores taken care of. Today I was in charge of oiling their feet after they were washed. The oil stuff we use has quite the smell. Apparently, not only does it help their skin stay moist, but it keeps the flies away, and has antibiotic properties. There were so many cute people there. One little old lady, not more than 5 feet tall (probably just over 4) wore her glasses upside down, and had such a wonderful, contagious laugh. They show such gratitude. I only hope that I can be just as grateful in my own life.
Partway through, we found out Kim, the head of the construction team, who was filling in holes in the same colony had dislocated her knee. I was asked to go and provide an extra set of hands, since she was unable to work, and the rest of the group were pretty worn out (it was a super hot day today). So I was able to help out shoveling some dirt to finish up a septic tank. Even though it was a small thing, again I received the same overabundant gratitude that those at the old folks home showed. Sometimes I'm just left to wonder what I did to deserve such wonderful people and experiences in my life.
During playtime, instead of playing soccer, I promised Gokulraj I'd sit and talk with him. This came about because I'd asked him what he did during playtime, and he'd said he likes to sit quietly and talk. So we talked a little about his favorite color (blue), Tom and Jerry, and about parent weekend. See this weekend is when parents of the kids (at least those that have parents), can come visit. But apparently, this time his parents won't be coming because of their money situation. These have got to be some tough kids. What made my day was Naveen (a different one from the one we sponsor). I was sitting down, and he just came over, sat in my lap, and we talked. I really hadn't talked with him much at all except got his name once (he had to remind me again), but he was willing to come over and be my friend. There's not much better than a kid feeling comfortable enough to come and sit with you, and talk like you've known each other forever. His favorite color was red, his favorite animal is a Lion, and his favorite movie is, of course, 'The Lion King'. For family time I drew some more pictures (T-Rex and dragons - they seem to be really popular), and played some Connect 4. Oh, and of course swinging kids around. That's become somewhat of a tradition now. I really love these kids. Pictures will come...
This is what I did for part of the day... our clinic was set up outside. It gets pretty hot.
Here's the lady who was so funny. If you can't tell, her glasses are upside down, and she laughed so much. She was so much fun.
Partway through, we found out Kim, the head of the construction team, who was filling in holes in the same colony had dislocated her knee. I was asked to go and provide an extra set of hands, since she was unable to work, and the rest of the group were pretty worn out (it was a super hot day today). So I was able to help out shoveling some dirt to finish up a septic tank. Even though it was a small thing, again I received the same overabundant gratitude that those at the old folks home showed. Sometimes I'm just left to wonder what I did to deserve such wonderful people and experiences in my life.
During playtime, instead of playing soccer, I promised Gokulraj I'd sit and talk with him. This came about because I'd asked him what he did during playtime, and he'd said he likes to sit quietly and talk. So we talked a little about his favorite color (blue), Tom and Jerry, and about parent weekend. See this weekend is when parents of the kids (at least those that have parents), can come visit. But apparently, this time his parents won't be coming because of their money situation. These have got to be some tough kids. What made my day was Naveen (a different one from the one we sponsor). I was sitting down, and he just came over, sat in my lap, and we talked. I really hadn't talked with him much at all except got his name once (he had to remind me again), but he was willing to come over and be my friend. There's not much better than a kid feeling comfortable enough to come and sit with you, and talk like you've known each other forever. His favorite color was red, his favorite animal is a Lion, and his favorite movie is, of course, 'The Lion King'. For family time I drew some more pictures (T-Rex and dragons - they seem to be really popular), and played some Connect 4. Oh, and of course swinging kids around. That's become somewhat of a tradition now. I really love these kids. Pictures will come...
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