Aruna Narayanan
- Volunteer, Experience during Christmas celebrations with residents of Sai Aashraya Adarsh Gram, Dharmapuri, in Sai Aashraya's Headquarters
In December 2019, I had the opportunity to visit Sai Aashraya in Bengaluru. I got to know that people with Leprosy are invited to visit from a village in Dharmapuri, to Sai Sannidhi, home of Sai Aashraya, on the auspicious day of Christmas. The day started at 7 AM when multiple volunteers left Sai Aashraya in their own personal cars to pick up the leprosy patients from the outskirts of Bengaluru where they were stay put over night the previous day.
When all cars arrived one at a time around 8:30 AM, each and every one of them, old to young, were welcomed by roses right in front of the house. The sight was so unbelievable to describe. They all were invited warmly to sit in the living room among everyone else in the family, and warm breakfast was served lovingly to each and every one of them by volunteers. It was an unforgettable moment when I was given the opportunity to serve a very old lady.
Her fingers were mostly eaten by the dreadful disease, years before Sai Aashrya came into their lives. And now they are all fully healed, without a question due to the personal care and love showered by Sai Aashraya. However, she couldn’t eat herself. For every spoon I fed her, she would lovingly smile at me. She had the most beautiful and innocent smile I have ever seen. Tears welled up on my eyes and I felt the joy of my life at that moment.
First time ever I had the feeling of seeing God in human form. Now I know the importance of serving. Sharing this with lots of gratitude to Sai Aashraya for providing this opportunity.