Geraldine was a participant in the 2010 Leprosy Mission New Zealand Supporter Tour to India in conjunction with Leprosy Mission Australia.

"The nicest part of the trip was that the whole three weeks was bathed in prayer - as is the Leprosy Mission itself."

My three week visit to India in September was the highlight of my year. The other eight members of the group were Leprosy Mission supporters from Australia and we met in Singapore to do the touristy thing before flying on to Delhi where we were welcomed by Dr Sunil, the head of the Leprosy Mission in India. We then visited the Leprosy Mission's Shahdara Hospital where we met leprosy-affected people and heard their amazing stories.

In Kolkata we visited the Premananda Memorial Leprosy Hospital and Peter, our tour leader, presented seven nurses with their 30 year certificates! We met leprosy-affected people who had travelled miles to reach the hospital and were then happy to sit patiently hour after hour waiting to be seen. Dr Jerry talked to us about the epidemiology of leprosy and its symptoms and consequences, and then we watched him perform tendon surgery on a patient with drop foot. He stitched up the wound rather than using staples as they would only use a few out of the packet and the rest would be thrown away. It made me think of our disposable health system here in New Zealand.  We also met a scientist who studies genes and he told us that 97% of people are immune to leprosy and that there is no known animal carrier aside from the nine-banded armadillo! How often do you meet one of those? We also learnt that taking multi-drug therapy renders leprosy non-infectious within 48 hours.

Following our hospital visit we met families who live and work at the rubbish recycling centre on the outskirts of Kalcutta. Many of the children have dropped out of school to help their parents earn a very meagre income sorting the recyclable materials. To help these children return to school and catch up on their education the Leprosy Mission is running a Catch Them Young Scheme. We also learnt about the Mahatma Ghandi competition where young boys dress up like Ghandi and deliver a five minute speech about leprosy. Four million scouts take part as well as schools across the country.

In Bankura, in West Bengal, we visited the Bill Edgar Memorial Vocational Training Centre where leprosy-affected people learn skills such as sewing and mechanics. All of the students seemed so willing to learn and were clearly making the most of their opportunities. We were overwhelmed by the amazing welcome ceremony put on by the staff and students. We were adorned with garlands of flowers and treated to a wonderful performance of music and dance.

Finally, in Purulia (also in West Bengal), we visited the oldest Leprosy Mission hospital in India where we were wowed by the shoe and artificial limb department. We met a number of leprosy-affected people who had recently had reconstructive surgery and were having physiotherapy. Purulia would have to be my favourite place, and on the night of the Festival of Puja there were fireworks going off all night!

Everywhere we went we met fabulous people who are so talented and have dedicated their whole lives to working with leprosy-affected people. I could tell you much more but I am running out of space! The nicest part of the trip was that the whole three weeks was bathed in prayer - as is the Leprosy Mission itself.

If you are interested in our 2011 Supporter Tours please visit our website or contact Gillian Whitley on 09 631 1806 or email her here.