Tutotring by Megan

Yesterday was a really busy day so I didn’t get the chance to blog but I will tell all about it today. Yesterday my group had the privilege to tutor kids. I was a blast, but it made me realize how silly our language is. There are so many exceptions and different sounds that the letters make, helping them sound out the words was frustrating because of this, but the kids are so smart and doing so well. Have native English tutors is invaluable in India, and they are doing so well. This school went from being a looked down upon place where the “leper kids” went to a place where villagers and others want to send their kids so that they can get the best education. Although in America it would be considered a bad school with limited supplies here it is a place of luxury with a small computer lab, library, and newly added dining hall. Rising Star has grown so much in the last little while and there is not doubt that God is making it happen. It is an inspired program.
This was evident yesterday when I had the privilege to meet Padama. She is the one who started this program with Becky Douglas. She is of the highest cast because she was the daughter of a president but instead of a life of luxury she has chosen to serve the leprosy afflicted people. She told us more about the micro lending that has helped these people start up business and taken them from begging on the street to self sufficient and productive members of the colonies. This is helping change to stigma that these people have no worth and given them their dignity back. Rising Star Outreach is also fighting this in more than one way. Taking the children from the colonies to one of the best schools in India that teaches them that they are special helps them change the stigma associated with them. These kids with English and computer skills truly will become the rising stars of India even though there origins would have kept them as low as dogs on the street. I love that this program helps on so many levels. When you see it you can’t help but know that this is true.
We also had the privilege of helping the kids write sponsor letters. They were so excited and they highlight of my day was helping this little girl that was just beaming with excitement write to her sponsors and tell them thank you and that she loved them. They really do love their sponsors. One little girl got a letter from one of hers and still is carrying it around telling everyone and when she found out I was from America asked, “You know my sponsor Christine?” They are so loving and strong and just happy. If you want to cure the blues come to India and play with these kids. It will turn that frown upside down in a matter of seconds. The day was just wonderful and we even had game night. I have learned more about the other volunteers who are amazing by the way. We were up late last night just laughing like crazy and lately we have really begun to bond with a few. I hope that happens with all of them. I loved yesterday and today was wonderful as well which I will soon be blogging about. Sorry this was so long.