This day was not in our favor at all but we found it hilarious. Instead of doing construction we tag teamed with the other group and were able to visit two different colonies. The first one we mostly walked around visiting the leprosy afflicted people in their little homes and getting to know them on a personal level. Amy's job was to find parents of a child who is at Rising Star and inform them that their son has tuberculosis. I promised myself today that I would remember to give everything that i had and to not hold back because this week will be over before I know it. I love being kissed on the arms and hands by these wonderful people. It is the best feeling seeing how happy they are to see us. I met a man with no leg today and I love how they talk to you forever even though they know we have no idea what they are saying. These people are so happy and you can see in their eyes that they do not dwell on the conditions that have been put in their path. I feel guilty that I have come here to help others when in reality they are helping me.
The next colony was a sad sight to see because Amy informed us we were going there to pick up two children whose mother took them out of school so they could continue begging on the street. The father of this family is in the hospital because his leg needs to be amputated and the mother has no way to provide a living. By taking the kids out to beg is the only way she feels they will be able to earn money to survive. We went to the children's home and the mother was not there. They were with the grandparents and other children in the village. The boy was around the age of ten and did not crack a smile or talk to us because he knew why we were there. He did not want to leave his mother and just by looking at him I felt he had the world on his shoulders. His sister was a sweetheart and was very easy to talk to. I felt that the mother had told these children to not leave her because she loved them too much. I can understand why it would be so hard to go against what she says because they all have so much love for one another.
While Amy tried to get a hold of the mother and talk to the children we continued to help Dr. Kamur and test for hypertension, diabetes and wash feet. Amy is an amazing director because she was not going to leave until those children were in her arms. Rising Stars goal is to get beggars off the street and give these children hope for the future. We left without her and finally made it back to our colony for play time with the children!
I had really missed the children while being away this weekend. Today for me was very special because instead of playing sports with the same group of kids I branched out to establish close relationships with the other children. I love finding kids who are crying because holding them in my arms is my favorite thing. For some reason everyone has the hardest time remembering my name but once I tell them they start yelling it over and over. Just hearing my name is the best thing I have ever heard. It gives me the biggest smile! I started swinging the kids around until they were to dizzy to stand and before I knew it there was a huge line waiting for me to swing them. The children find it absolutely hilarious to jump on top of me until I fall over because of too much weight. I won't lie I think it is pretty funny.
Once dinner was over Matthew and I braced ourselves for another chaotic night with our little family. Today everyone seemed to be following me around and I felt on top of the world. Rahtig continued to show me his little jig and his dance moves cease to impress me. Christaraj hung out today which is the cutest little boy with the brightest smile. He gave me the best kisses and loved playing duck duck goose. Once Vanadoss walked in the door tonight I opened my arms and he ran in then kissed me on the cheek. I have established meaningful relationships with many of the different children and I have a greater understanding of why mothers say they would do anything for their children. After playing we started to settle down the children and Christaraj cuddled up next to me making sure I wasn't going to leave. Watching him lay there with his blanket trying to fall asleep gave me a feeling that is hard to describe. Every time I would move Christaraj would grab me and hold me so tight. Being here and staring at the most gorgeous children has be speechless most of the time. These kids feel me with more happiness than I ever thought possible and I do not want to leave. I sat with him and another scratching their heads until they were asleep and just kept thinking to myself that I was the luckiest girl in the world. My thoughts went to the past thinking about the beggars we saw on the street in Dehli and It was surreal to me to think that use to be many of these kids. As hard as it is to deal with the beggars I am reminded that when I see them I need to be more patient and loving because I know how amazing each one of them is. They love to be held and once you set them down they crawl back up.
After one group was asleep I helped Nagaraj with his homework. This is the kid that is so smart and is the leader of the pack. I was laughing while I helped him because I had no idea if I was doing it right. I guess he will find out when he goes to school tomorrow! I love seeing how much he loves to do his homework and is fascinated with learning.
Truthfully I am having a hard time thinking about how my time here is almost over. I feel like this has become my new home and these people are my family. Remember to love everyone around you because in doing this I have felt many things that I will always remember!
