Day 4: Tash Talks ft. Chloe

Prior to coming on this trip we all knew the criteria; we all knew we would witness poverty and confronting sights, but no information pack could prepare us for today. 

We began the day at the leprosarium hospital and village where we met the people always cast out of the town. We drew all the attention upon arrival being the first visitors in years for many. Tears fell as we delved into intimate conversations with patients and let them into our hearts where they will remain unforgotten.

-Tash

Prior to visiting the dump site many of us were feeling anxious and unsure of how it would fold out. When we arrived we were swarmed by children who were happy to see us and we began playing with them and talking to other people.

It was confronting that people chose to live there even though government houses had been built for them. The dump site behind the wall provides them with their income and the 50 homes provide social connections for all 55 families that live there. We were all moved by how happy they all were, considering the conditions they were living in, which are far from the standards we live in.

- Chloe

Leader note: today was our first day of ministry and it was a pretty full-on one as you can tell. The team did AMAZING in their interactions and went well outside their comfort zones; so proud of them! Our debrief tonight showed they are thinking deeply about the issues we saw, asking tough questions and seeking deep answers. They are doing a great job and makes us very excited for the next couple weeks!