Visiting a Leper Colony

Today Sharon, Liz, Amanda and I went to the leper colony in Dehra Dun with Frieda. Today (Friday), is a Muslim holiday and there was no school. Some of the boys that live in the home are from this leper colony and when we arrived we were greeted with smiles and some of the family members of the boys.

Today was probably one of the most unique and moving days of my life.

We got to socialize and see where the people live there make yarn for the fabric they use to make beautiful things. Two mothers of the boys laughed and talked with us with their husbands (with translation) and at one point one of the mothers looked me in the eyes, stood right in front of me, touched and squeezed my arm along with the other mother as well and they told me how grateful they were. Immediately tears were flowing down my face, but I was smiling too. I was just journaling about parents of the boys a few days ago. Even though I couldn’t understand the words they were saying without Frieda telling me, the expression on their faces and their body language said it all. It was so moving. They said they are sad they couldn’t be with their children but they were honored and happy I (we) were helping raise them and teach them. I wasn’t sure what to say in reply but I think the expression on my face said it all. It’s hard to describe how intense this interaction was. I am tearing up just thinking about it as I write this. The father of one of the boys insisted on giving all of us really pretty bags he personally made himself.

The colony was pleasant and in a really nice area. There is a stigma coming from a leper colony and children who come from them are shunned and often times denied education and things. We got to meet some of the other siblings of the boys who were all so sweet and precious. The boys at the home look a lot like their parents and siblings. Their demeanors and overall personalities really were a lot a like in many ways. It was so neat. The things they make and sell in their store were incredible. More pictures are on the link here for you to see from the colony.



I have been in India one month today. I think today was a very appropriate way to mark my one-month time being here. Seeing the families of some of the boys really put things into perspective even more. Today was a very good day. I will NEVER forget it or the people that I met and the feelings I took away from it.

Also, if you have time, please look at Amanda's blog about one of the boys that left for Christmas. It's a great post. You can click here to read it.