Rakshana Deepam- A home for HIV/Aids Orphans

I entered Rakshana Deepam, a home for HIV/Aids orphans, a quiet place away from the hassles and hurried noises of the city. As we drove in, I met Sister Clarit, and introduced myself. I explained the purpose of my visit and she was glad to take me around the Home. The Kids rooms, Dinning hall, hospital, office building...etc. Sadly I could only meet a few kids as the others were taken to the osmania hospital for their regular health check-up.

I waited for the rest of kids, who had just got up from their afternoon nap. One by one they entered the reception where we were seated with a familiar smile on their faces. The kids were beaming with joy, and for a moment, the thought that these kids had such a dreadful killer disease simply slipped my mind. Since I wanted to see them smiling, I continued to hold on the smile on my face as long as I was there.

Sister Clarit told me that the kids were attending school in a near by convent. I was excited to know that the school management was very supportive. They say old habits die hard and in a country like India, no matter the level of awareness created, the stigma is still around. It bothered me that these kids could fall prey to that. I whispered a prayer.

I spent some time there discussing with Sis. Clarit and thanked her for the hospitality. As we drove back, I tried to recollect the names of the children I had met. Though I could remember only a couple of them, my mind had frozen the picture of these smiling kids which once again filled my hearth with a warmth. I thanked the Lord for this opportunity and resolved to visit them again very soon and may be of some help in some way. I was reminded of what I had written in their visitors log before I left.

It is true that we may not realize it yet and even when we stand before that Lord on the day of judgment, with puzzled questions as to ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

As recorded in the scriptures, The Lord would truly truly say,” whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me".

May God bless this Good work and Operation Blessing partners who are making it possible.