Subodhoni

“When I was still a heathen I had to endure many privations. When I was nine months old my father died, and my mother had to support me and my brothers and sisters on the small field which she possessed.
“When afterward the illness of my mother became apparent, then my uncle turned her out of the house, and both of us, my mother and I, wandered from place to place, and came in our travels to Purulia, and found there a refuge among the lepers.
“It was under God’s guidance that we came there, where I have a good house, good food and clothes, and I learn to read and write in school and hear God’s Word. If my father had lived I should not have got all this, but now I get it all, and have forgotten all the privations and ill-treatment of the people.
“Blessed be all the brothers and sisters in Europe who had pity on me, and have prepared such a refuge for my body, and the chief thing, that care is taken for my soul. If I had remained a heathen I should not have had such a good education. Therefore, praise God, who sent this disease!
“Now I am about ten years old, and my mother has had this disease for nearly eight years. We have already been in Purulia six years. God be thanked that I have not yet been attacked by this disease! My mother’s name is Magdalena, and mine is Subodhoni. There are twenty-two sisters and eighteen brothers in the Rome. (She calls the inmates brothers and sisters.) You will pray daily for us, and, in order that I may recognize you in heaven after this life, I ask you to kindly send your photographs, and, so that I may please you through a letter, please send your dear name and address.
“I do not yet know very much about writing, but I go to the school daily, and take lessons in the usual subjects from the teacher, but Mr. Uffmann teaches me on heavenly things nearly every day. Again, praise God who has sent this illness, for if this had not happened I should have offered sacrifices, like all the heathen, and my lot would have been hell.
“I greet you, and the children also send greetings.
“Yours, SUBODHONI.”