The day continues

It's hard to believe there could be more things to take in on this day but there is. As we leave Timtuk the Land Cruiser gets stuck so we get out an push. It's an all out effort as there is no AAA and we are a long hot walk from the compound. We are successful and do some off roading through the bush to our next stop, a leper colony. We have all been advised that you can't get leprosy by simply greeting and meeting these people who are ostracized from the rest of society. As we drove up to this Catholic run compound we saw many people coming out from the building with smiles and obvious happiness to see visitors. We shook hands with many noting several people had lost fingers and toes due to their illness. I was particularly taken by the woman in the polka dotted dress. She was caring for the child like a parent but she seemed too old to be the natural mother. The lady seated next to her was quite old and blind. So here was this woman who was missing all but 2 fingers on each hand and also missing toes caring for a child and leading a blind woman around. After greeting most of the people we gathered under a shady tree and sang Hallelujahs together. It's another one of many moments when there were sharp contrasts. Here are deformed, outcasts with big smiles singing praises! They said they didn't mind that we did not come with any gifts but that we came with friendship, that was better. As we drove away I had a lot to reflect on.