What? Leprosy still exists??

This was my exact reaction when I first heard about Rising Star and the work they are doing. People with leporsy in India are shunned and forced to live in squalor. Their only resource and means of making money before Rising Star was through begging. Rising Star has started micro-lending systems within the colonies to help the lepers become self-sufficient. They also help to provide medical aid. Another major aspect of Rising Star is the school they have built for the children from the leprosy colonies. Even though many of the children don't have leprosy, because their parents are afflicted they are seen as lepers as well. Rising Star is providing a safe learning environment for these children where they can learn and grow without the social stigma that is attached to leprosy. For more information go to risingstaroutreach.org

These are the people I will be helping.

This is Rising Star's school during monsoon season.

These people need SO MUCH and I can't wait to help!

Hello World!

So this is my blog! Yay!! I swore I wouldn't start a blog cause I am already addicted to enough internet social networking (Facebook I am talking to you) but my upcoming summer adventure has proven to be reason enough to start one.

In case you don't know yet I am going to India this summer to do volunteer work with Rising Star Outreach! Rising Star Outreach works to help the leprosy affected in India by helping to start micro-lending in the leprosy colonies, providing medical support and educating the children in the area. I leave May 22 and am absolutely ecstatic for the adventure ahead!! This semester can't go by fast enough! I hope this blog will be an eye-opener for more people to see the great work that Rising Star is doing in India and see the amazing things that they accomplished thus far.

Keep checking for updates as May gets closer. Once I get to India I should be updating every night so after May 22 check often! :)

Namaste