Leprosy Hospital

There are a few students at Rising Star who have at a point in their lives, had or have leprosy. Currently, there are two students who are taking the anti-biotics. This is Sudha. She is in UKG and is probably one of the cutest kids at this school. She is mid-way through her antibiotics and her lesions are almost gone. So, a few days ago, we had to take her to the hospital for a check up. Let me just say, she did absolutely amazing, too. So happy the whole time. I let her listen to my iPod on the way there, you know, to get her pumped up. 

There is only one hospital for lepers in all of Tamil Nadu. It is decently clean and only smelled mostly bad. The grounds are large and beautifully green, just like most of India. The medical squad of the day packed up and headed for the out-patient wing.

Being there was nothing like being in a colony. The people were much harsher and bitter. But, it was completely fascinating. I got to see cases that I've never seen before. Of course, everything was very India disorganized. 

All though I got in a little bit trouble for this photo, I snapped one of Sudha getting examined by the doctor. She is coming along very well and the patches will soon just be white skin, with no trace of the disease left in her blood. 

I felt really inspired after our visit. Sudha was incredibly brave and beautiful. Seeing her next to all of the older affected lepers made me so happy. Only 6 years old, she was strong and confident. She shone next to the ashamed and bitter. It was so beautiful to see the power of our Rising Stars and seeing the influence this school really brings to them. All of the kids here are so strong. They teach me a little something everyday.