Yup. I got to visit one today.
First of all- there are four different types of Leprosy. One of which is extremely contagious most commonly spoke of in the Bible. Here they have the bacterial kind, spread by droplets. It is contagious but only to those with extremely poor immune systems. It is also treatable.
Most of the people at the asylum have been cured and the rest are taking a TB-like therapy to become cured. But, there is no way to heal what the leprosy has left them. Most are missing fingers, toes, patches of skin, eyes, ears, and noses.
The latest major leprosy breakout was in the 70s, though there are a few cases each year in India, so, most of the people at the asylum are over 50. Once they have the disease the deformities keep them stigmatised by society and they remain in the asylum the rest of their lives.
There are a few young couples and children. It was so sweet to see. In one case the woman contracted the disease while they were still engaged. She gave him the choice to break the engagement but, he chose not to and moved into the asylum with her.
Anyway, we spent a long time talking with different people and touring the area. There are rows of apartments, a meeting shelter, a workshop, and a kitchen. Its all spread out campus style and they do a good job of keeping it beautiful.
The residents were wonderful to talk too. I can't even describe the thrill in their eyes as we put our arms around them and took pictures. It was so beautiful the watch a toothless, fingerless, old woman laugh in delight as she showed us around her home.
It was just wonderful.
In Christ
~Michelle
First of all- there are four different types of Leprosy. One of which is extremely contagious most commonly spoke of in the Bible. Here they have the bacterial kind, spread by droplets. It is contagious but only to those with extremely poor immune systems. It is also treatable.
Most of the people at the asylum have been cured and the rest are taking a TB-like therapy to become cured. But, there is no way to heal what the leprosy has left them. Most are missing fingers, toes, patches of skin, eyes, ears, and noses.
The latest major leprosy breakout was in the 70s, though there are a few cases each year in India, so, most of the people at the asylum are over 50. Once they have the disease the deformities keep them stigmatised by society and they remain in the asylum the rest of their lives.
There are a few young couples and children. It was so sweet to see. In one case the woman contracted the disease while they were still engaged. She gave him the choice to break the engagement but, he chose not to and moved into the asylum with her.
Anyway, we spent a long time talking with different people and touring the area. There are rows of apartments, a meeting shelter, a workshop, and a kitchen. Its all spread out campus style and they do a good job of keeping it beautiful.
The residents were wonderful to talk too. I can't even describe the thrill in their eyes as we put our arms around them and took pictures. It was so beautiful the watch a toothless, fingerless, old woman laugh in delight as she showed us around her home.
It was just wonderful.
In Christ
~Michelle
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