One of the hardest, yet most amazing experiences of my life was visiting a leprosy hospital yesterday. It boggled my mind that these people were filled with so much joy to have us serve them lunch and just to sit with them!
This little boy, who’s name I can’t remember nor could probably spell, is nine years old and came in with a broken arm. Without a translator (they were busy with other squamates), we tried to ask the mom as best we could of what happened to him. She gestured with her hands to her own wrist and elbow and made a breaking motion, as if she were breaking a stick. I asked if he needed stitches by pretending to stitch my own skin. She nodded. My youngest brother Cameron, not long ago, broke his arm as well so seeing this little boy who had broken his arm broke my heart. At this point we called a translator over and asked her to translate, “Can we pray for your arm?” The boy looked expectantly at his mom and she nodded. I extended a hand and he gently put his own hand in mine. There was no miracle; no exclamation of being suddenly healed, but that’s just fine. I know that the Lord will work in this boys life far longer than I’m here in Nepal. The hospital isn’t just for leprosy, but that’s what it specializes in.
Here’s a picture, taken by my teammate Christy, of Daniella and my leader Kristen praying over a man with leprosy.
Another man that our translator and Mark got to hang out with.
Many of the leprosy patients at this hospital have been here before since the disease can go dormant for 5-20 years at a time. It’s also very hard for people to go and get treated due to how they will be treated at home. Those who have had leprosy are usually ostracized, can lose their jobs, or even get kicked out of the family. In India, the stigma can be so extreme as being an “untouchable” status which often persists long after those with leprosy have been cured of the disease, creating lifelong prospects of the list above and then some.
However, the Lord called us to love those who are not easy to love, to heal the sick, and touch the untouchables. Today, that’s exactly what we got to do.
Thank you all for reading my blog! I also wanted to apologize for all who have commented on my past blogs and I haven’t responded. I’ve seen all of your kind words and, from now on, I will try my hardest to reply to the sweet comments you give to my blog!
