art, snakes, and uno.

Vannacum. :) (Hello in Tamul)! Well I first have to tell you- last night was probably the worst night of my life. Worst sleep I think I have ever gotten. The air conditioning isn't working here! So we had to sleep in a stuffy room near 100 degrees, with humidity. I was half asleep kind of in a daze- way out of it.. and I told my roommates I felt like I was sleeping in Satan's butt hole. I'm sorry if that is offensive to some of you or too vulgure, but in my defense I probably had heat exhaustion and was sleep talking. Please don't judge me. Annnnnnyways- we all woke up grumpy. Well I did. And you can hardly clal it waking up if you never truly went to sleep. I can handle heat, but nottt when I am sleeping. I just laid there trying not to move and trying not to think about hot and sticky I was. Miserable.

After a rough night, my group was off to construction! We were off to carry some more bricks and cinder blocks! They really put us to work out here, I love it. It feels good to accomplish something and be able to help these people out. Oh and we saw a snake!!! Even more cool, I held the snake! We were carrying bricks when a lady in the hut beside us started yelling for us to come see. We went over, and this man- who is a snake charmer- had this snake his his hands. He would blow in its face and mouth to disorient is, so that it wasnt dangerous. Apparently this man catches the vipers and cobras and extracts it's venom, and then drinks it, to boost his immunity. I guess he has been bitten a bunch of times and it doesn't affect him at all. It was the weirdest thing! But he was holding it and asked fi any of us wanted to hold it. I am usually pretty chicken when it comes to these things, and for some reason I felt brave and grabbed it. I'm not sure why I don't feel brave with the tamed snakes in America, who are not poisonous and will not bite. All of a sudden I'm in India, with a wild snake that a snake charmer found and I cant understand a word he is saying but he is handing me the snake, and I take it. Does that make sense to anyone else? I'm confused- but I felt confident so I held it. The second I had it in my hands though I freaked out and realized what was actually going on, and gave it right back.. and ran away. Soo maybe I am a little chicken. Whatever.

After we finished moving all these blocks, we went to the Bindu School of Art. It is this art school in the Leprosy colony, that these people who are infected with this disease come and express themselves. Most of them have deformed hands, yet the paintings they are able to create are beautiful. It was so cool to look through all of these paintings, and then see their faces as you compliment them. I bought a couple of the paintings, and met the artist. She couldn't stop smiling and just watched as I wrote my name and where I am from on the receipt. She was so happy to see that I enjoyed her work. It is so cool to me that these people are able to find that thing that makes them happy. They are able to find that thing to express themselves and put their feelings on paper, for others to share. India tries to limit them because they have Leprosy, but they do not limit themselves. We saw the barber shop that the man cuts hair in, and walked by people making jewelry and baskets. It's cool to see how everyone is still unique- yet all one. They are all of the same people, going through a lot of the same things, but they all found what they love and they do it. I wish people would be more like this in the states. I think it is important to love what you do, and do what you love. Even if you wont become a billionaire or be famous- if you love it and you're happy.. thats all that matters. I also loves how proud these artists were. I think being prideful is not a good thing, but I think it is very important to be proud of what you do and proud of who you are. These people who have been cast out because of a bacteria that they caught, have accomplished something to make them proud of themselves.

The Indian culture is beautiful in the way they show their love for their families. When I walk through the villages, the moms and dads just want me to take pictures of their children. Then they look at the picture with the biggest smiles on their faces. It's just cool to me how the simple things mean so much. Like all day we hauled bricks so that these people could build bathrooms. It is funny how a bathroom is a luxury here. It's not even a toilet, we are just building squaters! After getting back, we had talent classes with the kids and I was able to play soccer with them! They love it and play with so much passion. It makes me smile to see the love of the game in these kids eyes. After dinner was family time, We played uno together! And then we brought a Ukulele over and played and sang and danced with the kids. Funnest thing ever. We sang "You are my Sunshine" but substituted sunshine for each of their names. When we would get to their name they would smile and look around at all the other kids. All these kids want is someone to love them and care for them. Thats really all any of us want right? Love and respect, and to be noticed and feel important. The only difference is we are not living away from our parents months and months at a time. They only go home one month out of the whole year! It is cool that I can be that person in some of these kids lives- for a few weeks at least. I have grown such a bond with them and such a strong love for all of them. They really are my sunshines.

Okay so we leave for the airport at 3:00am! We are going to Delhi and seeing the Taj Mahal :) I am probably not even going to try sleep- considering the ac still isn't working and waking up hot and disoriented doesnt sound too appealing.

I am not Mother Teresa, I am a Latter Day Saint.

Sooo today i spent the entire day at the hospital here in india. All day, in an Indian hospital. Mom and dad- before you book a flight to come find me, it wasnt for me haha We took a few of the leprosy patients with us to the hospital, as well as 3 of the kids. It was definitely a different experience. The hospitals here are CRAZY! seriously, I was in awe. It took us 2 hours to get there, but kim said that this is one of the nicest in India. Lets just say in the U.S., this would have been shut down within a day. So unsanitary. I cant even describe how I felt here. The area around the hospital was pretty nice, well for india. But the second I walked in the doors, I felt like I was going to contract some disease. There were people everywhere. People sleeping on the ground, on the chairs, screaming babies, all kinds of people. And I thought I disliked hospitals at home. Pshhh. They are like a 5 star resort compared to this place. Anyways, Erica and I were assigned to take Challen around to the places in the hospital he needed to go. Challen is a leprosy afflicted man, who is 70 years old. Since there is absolutely no organization in the hospitals here- people already get pushed aside and not looked at. When someone with leprosy comes in, the chances of them being seen is slim to none. So we are in charge of taking them to where they need to go and making sure they are given the treatment you need. White people definitely get the attention needed around here, and surprisingly we are listened to as well. We took him to the eye doctor. I was thinking he was just needing a check-up.. but I was wrong. We went to check his eye sight and then we took him to the other doctor to look at his eyes. I felt like a mom, bringing my child through the hospital. I was worried about him as I sat in the waiting room. This feeling of responsibility is a different feeling for me- considering I've always only had to look after myself. He went to see the other doctor, who examined his eyes. She called me into the room after she was done, and told me he needed surgery. She told me his left eye was so bad, pretty much blind- and his right eye was very poor as well. This man who wears these glasses, is already infected with this leprosy disease- and has to deal with awful eyesight as well. She told me how much the surgery would be, and what he would have to do if he wanted to get it done. I asked her to ask him if he wanted the surgery, and he told her that he does not have the money to pay for it. For caderac surgery, it would cost 3,500 rupees- which is about 70 dollars. For Laser surgery it is about 15,000 rupees. It hit me right there. Me, this little white girl from California, was over here in India with Challen at the hospital, being told that he doesnt have enough money to pay to see. I didnt know how to feel- knowing I have enough money in my backpack right then to pay for the surgery. It makes things I do and have seen so unneeded. I may not be buying souveneirs here- I am honestly thinking about buying his surgery. I am going to talk to the coordinator here and see if I can do that. It makes me appreciate our hospitals and our medical care so much more. It seems silly now when I go to the doctor with a common cold, and drop money on medicine that day. I know thats just how the states are, but it is humbling to see how other cultures work. We are so blessed and so lucky for those things we have.


Suta, a little girl here at rising star, 5 years old- and the most adorable little thing ever.  A white patch was found on her leg, which is a sign of leprosy. She came with us, so the hospital can start her on medicine and keep the disease from spreading. She was so scared- especially when she had to get a skin biopsy. She cried and cried, but later showed us how brave she was with her bandaged up knee. This just broke my heart- that this little girl had to go through this. She is always so happy and bubbly on the playground, but at the hospital she was timid and scared.


One of my biggest frustration out here is the language barrier. I seriously get so frustrated that I cant understand him and he cant understand me. I just want to talk to him- pick his brain, and hear his life story. I want to know everything and its so annoying to not be able to. I can get as far as his name, and how many family members he has. It is so hard. Anyways, we went to get his blood drawn. Talk about unsanitary. This place is crazy. There is no way I would ever let one of these people stick a needle in me- in these conditions. But after getting his blood drawn, he insisted that it was time for lunch. We followed him out and sat on the curb. He pulls out this little lunch that he made- some kind of Indian food. He offered like half of his food to me. He was the sweetest man. Then this little girl walks up with her mom, begging for money and food. They walked away, and then the girl came back- Challen gave her a huge portion of his food. I just sat there, amazed at this situation. This man, has been shunned into this colony, can barely see, and he gives away his food to the people around him. This unselfish christ-like love is what makes the world a better place. What I learned today was this- when you have a lot, give a lot. When you don't have a lot, give a lot. Serving others is the most rewarding thing. If there is ever a time in your life when things are hard or dont feel right- go serve someone. 


My dad emailed me today reminding me, "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass". Ive been really thinking about this today, as I helped these people in the hospital. Sometimes I feel like there are so many people here to help, and so much to do- that I feel like I am not making a difference. I sometimes think about if I hadnt have come, what it would be like. And unfortunately- it probably would be the exact same. I actually know for sure it would be the exact same. But those small things make all the difference. Smiling at people on the street, keeping challen company, Keeping suta not afraid.. it all adds up. Just us helping him in the hospital helps to break the stigma that leprosy is bad and evil and a curse. We are making a difference. The people in the hospital love love love pictures more than anything. I walk around with my camera, and all these people come up making the hand gesture for a picture. I take one, and then show them. It's like a kid in a candy store. I have never seen a person light up so much when seeing a picture of themselves. Although I may not be changing the world- I am making a difference. If I was able to make one persons day a little brighter- then I did my job. I will not single handedly cure leprosy in these colonies- but being there to help and do what I can will help. I encourage whoever is reading this to go out and serve others. It obviously doesn't have to involve a trip to India, but just remember the small and simple things. Whether its smiling at a stranger, holding the door open for someone, or just being there as a friend. I dont think we realize how much other people around us need us. We are human- and we cant do it alone. We need eachother in our lives- so reach out of your box, and do something for someone else. None of us are perfect, not even close. I may not change the world, but I can make it a better place. I can make one person a little happier each day. I can make a difference. I am not Mother Teresa, but I am a Latter Day Saint

By far the nicest grocery store around...

I have a million bug bites on my arm. erica played connect the dots.

chellan

this guy was absurd. he had me going around basically the whole hospital taking pictures of all his friends and all his co workers.

this was like the cafeteria.....

they insisted on putting one on me :) 

adorable little suta

poor thing.. skin biopsy :(

check out this attitude 

he wanted to carry it around for me

love

Auntie Auntie! Cycling!

Rising Stars in the making. Today I was in the school tutoring the kids in reading and writing and math. A couple of them were very eager to learn and understand, whereas a couple of them- not so much. It is very hard to get the kids motivated to read or do schoolwork when they are not excited about it. When they get frustrated, raising their confidence can be hard. But definitely doable :) I'm for sure gaining some patience from spending all this time in education. I love them though. I worked with some of the same kids from last week and its crazy how I can see improvements even from just a week. I went to have lunch with the kids in the cafeteria, and it still intrigues me watching them eat with their hands. There is a certain technique they have- I gotta learn it. SO adorable though. After school was over, we had play time with the kids. They take turns and rotate within their little family on who gets to ride the bikes. This little group of boys were all so excited. I saw all of them lined up in a line, huge smiles on their faces. "Auntie Auntie! Cycling! Come come!" After it was a mad dash to grab a bike, I went with my favorite- Khartick. I'm thinking about pulling an Angelina Jolie. Anyways, his bike chain was off so i had to help him figure it out. I could see how anxious he was, as these other boys rode off on their bikes and his wasnt working. We fixed it and then he hopped on and said "auntie help." I started helping him- thinking he would be able to do it on his own in a few minutes. nope, he definitely cant ride a bike. But he is so fearless as he just hops on and starts pedaling, needing me to hold him up. It was so fun. So cool that I could be that person for him to help him in the process of learning to ride a bike.

San Jay- I think the whole school can hear him when he reads :)

This curry is my favorite- I love when the ladies make it.

Tonight at family time, I obviously was talking to my favorite.. Ruthish. He has pretty dang good English she I talk to him about things and when there are other boys around he helps me translate. I seriously love this little boy. He is THE sweetest thing in the world. I'm not kidding, I have never met a little boy as nice as he is. He has the biggest heart in the world. He cares about everyone. This is the little boy that carries nail polish in his bag for whenever his sister wants them painted. We were talking about life, and how the cultures are different here. He told me how no one here does love marriages here and how his mom will choose a wife for him. He told me how if they kiss in public, even husband and wife, thats bad; and people will throw stones at them. He told me about the ceremonies and what they do for when someone dies and when someone gets married. Then this other younger little boy in my family came and was sitting with us. I would ask him questions, but his English isnt the best. Ruthish would help us. I asked about his family, and he told me about his 4 older sisters. After he left, Ruthish told me that his family is very poor. And that his dad has only one arm so he cant really work. He told me last time on family day, his dad only brought him a biscuit. He told me that his mom gives him a lot of things, so he shares and gives it to this boy. I just love him so much. These kids are amazing. Especially this guy. He is just a giver- a boy asked him to make a bracelet, which takes some time. I was helping him make it tonight for his friend, and he stopped what he was talking about, and looked at me and said thank you auntie carlee. Melts my heart. My other little boy, Maryadoss was talking to me for a little. I asked him if his mom and dad were coming on family day, and he said his mom is. Then he looked down and then up at me, with these unreal beautiful eyes and told me that his dad died. I just wanted to grab him and hold him in my arms. He is only 5! And Ruthish told me when he was 3, his dad died and now its only him and his mom. Oh man- these kids are stronger in some ways than me. The things they deal with in their lives seem impossible to me. I have so much respect for each and every one of them.

Maryadoss

I lost track of time because i was loving talking to these kids so much, and all the other volunteers had left. Its not a very far walk back, but the lights sometimes go on and off. The power here is sketch. But anyways I was walking back, and there were a couple of girls walking to the dining hall. I walked a little bit with them, and they asked if I was scared. They told me they were scared of snakes- so of course I started getting freaked out and hearing things. As we passed the dining hall and her and her friend turned in, I said by and started walking a little quicker. She yells to me,, "Don't be scared. God is with you." What amazing examples to me. I know its something so simple, but the fact that these children have so much faith, and love for our savior, just grows my testimony so much. The simple little statement will always stay with me. Something to never forget- "Don't be scared. God is with you."