Leprosy Assistance Program

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I am depressed lately. It has been an experience as never before. The poverty, the hopelessness is such a powerful reality for most people here, it leaves one feeling sick.
My friend - S is a leper. She has not one finger on her hand, neither any toes. She can barely see through her thick non-functional glasses. I am also guessing that she has no hair on her head. She wears a wig and a red scarf over it. She has the loveliest smile and the kindest heart. This is what I have been wondering lately- how one can contain as much love as she does, as much joy as she does, when most of what she has experienced in her life is rejection, avoidance and loneliness?

There are several people who come to the program. But she is my Heroine. She is one who will break your heart as she tells you with a mild smile that her bag of belongings was stolen the night before. She will leave the strongest pang of pain when you see her hobbling around the streets requesting money, when you see her lay out a piece of plastic on the porch of the government dispensary to lay down for the night. You will fall in love with her beauty that is unbearably real. A beauty we all may lack.

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It is true that none of the lepers here are accepted by or integrated into society - they are refused jobs, leaving them to beg. They are not provided medical treatment in the government hospitals. Medical professionals refuse to take care of their wounds, or touch them (with gloves). This is reality. This is what they got - nothing.

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Photos

Anna Marie, Darsha, B and Kripa
Anna marie started the LAP about four years ago. Darsha does the work as Anna Marie is now at home in Europe. I help.

The beautiful one and Kripa
My sunshine! My heroine.

Comments

[Miss Molly]

stories
Aiyyo Kripa-ma that story put things in perspective for me. This is a great blog. Lovely pictures and the sky has such a sharp blue in it. I am certainly looking forward to more stories and pictures. Okay I am going back to reading more and gaze at more of the pictures.

[Colleen]

Angel
Kripa, S may be your heroine, but you are mine. You are an angel on earth. Miss you and hope you are enjoying your volunteer work. I can tell in your smile you are! Glad to see you have a blog! :)

[MOM- Elaine]

Pride and Sadness Abound
My eyes fill with tears, and my heart swells with pride as I read your wonderful blog, and look at those great pictures. Continue on....... Bless both of you................

[Amy]

angels without a doubt
Kripa and Heather, I can't thank you enough for including us all on this incredible journey of 2 amazing spirits and the wondrous resiliency of other great souls.. i completely agree with the friend who commented that you are angels and heroines... I so will look forward to reading on about this life journey; there are so many who could learn a little perspective on life from all you see and do -- thank you for assuring me that there is still so much good going on in the world, amidst all the bad things our "news" brings to the forefront.... more stories about you guys and other kindred amazing souls are doing should be more in the public eye.. be safe and stay healthy, and please keep the journals going... thank you!

[Amrita]

To S & K, two beautiful women....
Hi Kripa! Amrita here. I have been meaning to spend quality time on your blog and today I have a world of time, lucky for me. I can understand that the "helplessness" you see around you can get really depressing. I have dealt with it too and decided that there got to be more meaning to all this "suffering" than what we understand. I have come to the new understanding that the crux is to be able to first accept things the way they are. Because when we accept, we stop feeling depressed, empathise more and put our entire energies into realising what we as human beings can do. I think your friend S and many like her are Godsend angles who are "put" on our paths and in letting us help them, they in fact help us to ascend a higher level in our consciousness. Just don't let her break your heart, may you walk with her and many like her and become a much better person than you already are. With lots of love, Amrita

[Ashini]

Kripa, I'm so happy and proud of you for the work you're doing now. Your heart of gold has lead you to this. I'm glad you're doing this - though you're depressed about what life is giving to others, I can see they're blessed by have someone like you there to help them. Please keep posting online so we can keep up with your life and feel connected to the people you're working with.

[Bonnie]

speaking for Wynter and Timmy
This is the most incredible blog. You are both amazing writers and wonderful women. I tell Wynter about his Aunt's off far away places working to benefit all living beings. You are great role models for him. We miss you.