Work, Hike, Garden, Ishan!!

Raj and I were talking this past weekend and day dreaming about California...he threw out an idea that all we will do in California is - work, hike, garden and hang out w/ ishan baba. Then he added the caveat that we will be taking Ishan hiking and have him gardening with us, so technically it could be 3 things. So this entry will be themed around that...

"Work"
As I have mentioned before, I am currently at the Core Center - an outpatient clinic that takes care of 6,000 HIV positive patients...basically the largest in the country. Also, after this month (which will end way too fast) I have 5 months left of residency. It has definitely been a journey...one that has spanned 2 states, lots of self-doubt, some scheduled and unscheduled breaks...and at the end of it all, I've learned what type of doctor I want to be. I still don't know exactly what I will be doing but I know the direction I am heading in which is a start. Which leads me back to "work." I am back at square 1 in terms of the job search but I can definitely see what type of setting I would want to work in. During this month, I have realized that I really do love taking care of the HIV patient population. It is an unfortunate epidemic and it is DEVASTATING how many young lives here and across the world are taken from this disease. Every effort at prevention and education is time well spent. That being said...there are about 34 million that are affected worldwide and about 1.2 million here in the U.S. The amazing thing is that the history of this disease has come such a long way. It was a death sentence at one point (and it still can be for those without the resources) but now it doesn't have to be. With the proper medications and follow up...people can live normal, healthy lives. I have realized I love learning all the things that are involved in taking care of an HIV patient. It is and has to be holistic in its approach because it affects every aspect of an individual's life. I love building trust with my patients (although that is needed regardless). I think it is a constant reminder at the disparities that exist in our current health care system and pushes me to bring to light all the social conditions that are so deeply connected to this disease. Addiction often goes hand in hand with this disease and it allows me continue to work on offering different options to people struggling w/ substance abuse. And in this day and age because of the medications, in a well controlled patient, people end up usually having lots more primary care issues then HIV issues. All in all, while I wish HIV didn't exist, it does and I have found something that I feel passionate about.

So as I start my job search...I am really hoping to find something that mixes primary care and HIV. I feel like I could get really engrossed in the patient care, the community and the continual learning that would need to take place (because there is so much to know!). I have seen some AMAZING doctors at the Core that really just give their all to their patients and make themselves so accessible. They have been with some people since the 90's. I want to be that and I hope I get the opportunity to try. If any of you have any contacts...please let me know - this would be for the Bay area.

Hike
 You all probably already know we love to hike. My love of nature has definitely grown since I've been with Raj and I could truly spend every weekend on a new hike. Being out in nature calms us, calms the brain and California has such awesome hiking!!!! So many different trails, so many different terrains. Our plan is every Saturday is going to be join Raj/Astha on a hike. Who's with us? Adding some pics of our latest hiking adventure - in Palos Hills.Yay for Bhavna for joining!














Garden
Too tired to type more but main points - year round gardening because the weather allows it!!!! How exciting. Yummy fruits and veggies from our own backyards and the yummy meals that come with it. Our garden thus far...

Ekatva

It is truly amazing to notice the difference in my mental state if I am not on a ridiculous month of residency. I finished the ICU on Thursday and I have been able to do SO much. Life had definitely been put on hold and I am thankful to live it fully again.

This past weekend was the Ekatva Oneness Show in Chicago. Raj and I have been trying to help out as much as our schedules allow it and it has been an awesome experience. A little background info...This past summer in Inspire, we met the kids of Ekatva during the trip. All the people in Inspire paired up with a kid and went to their homes in the slums of Amdhabad (I always spell it wrong so apologies in advance). I stayed with Dipmala and Raj stayed with Dharma ji. They lived in Shankar Bhavan and once we got there we found out that the government of Gujrat was kicking them out of their homes. It was crazy to think that these people that had been living their for years could get kicked out so easily. They were being offered places to move to but from what we learned along the way it seemed to be 1) very expensive 2) completely away from the lives that they had created for themselves. Despite the chaos that existed in these people's lives, they welcomed us with such warmth and love. The resilience of these kids and families is incredible. I know I left feeling infuriated at a system that values malls over people's livelihoods/existence, feeling a little powerless to the system, and knowing that my way of existence is connected to the injustices that exist.

At the time we were there, they were talking about doing a tour across the United States. Flash forward to now...they are here and it is actually happening. The first show was yesterday and it was phenomenal! Raj and I got involved in helping coordinate the logistics of them coming and helping spread the word. The Manav Sadhna family (the organization that has brought these kids here and works with the slum community in Amdhabad) is huge in Chicago. It is always a struggle to get involved with things outside of residency due to time constraints, but we both showed up when we could. I will say there was so much more that I could have done but that being said I feel blessed to be a part of the family. We got to meet so many new faces and with each meeting, there was a little bit more of a connection. Everyone had their own personal link to these kids and the energy was just so great. It was a reminder on the Manav Sadhna spirit and that we all have the potential to connect to any human being around us...it is just a matter of taking the time to do so. Seeing the kids again was a treat.

I've struggled a bit when describing what exactly I have been "promoting." I didn't want to label these kids as slum kids but part of the what catches people's attentions is that they are coming from the slums. We asked the kids what was happening in Shankar Bhavan and two of the kids homes were torn down. I want people to share this incredible experience that these kids have created and I truly believe in the message of oneness and love but I always wonder where will it all lead to? These kids are seeing "America" but will return to their own realities. Their families will still continue to live in the slums and what does that mean? I think the fact that the Manav Sadhna team is continuing to keep them grounded in their daily routines and connecting them to various organizations here is going to help them see the various realities of America as well. In the end I think I've realized that these kids internal experience has changed and will continue to change by being part of this group. They will be inspired and inspire those around them and the ripple effect will lead to unexpected connections. All the people that hear their stories will be affected and in turn carry their own message. It will inspire us to fight against the disparities that exist here and across the world. And if I get to be a part of that...I am thankful for the experience. I have been touched by these kids and hope that you guys will be too. They are still touring all over and need your support..please continue to help spread the word and come see their show. 

Some pictures of the show from yesterday...didn't take many            

An attempt to return to the blog!

Wow, it has been a very long time since I've posted. I am finally on a month that I can enjoy and breathe at the same time....hence an attempt to bring back the blog. I am really looking forward to this month and I have a lot planned for myself in my head.

I am going to be at the Core Center doing outpatient HIV stuff. I am also getting a chance to actually practice Suboxone induction - which is an alternative to methadone for people that are heroin/opioid addicted. I have my weekends off!!!! Which means lots of nature activities and long bike rides. Spanish class needs to come back...its been on hiatus because I was in the ICU. And cooking. And gardening. And exercise and being healthy again. Those are the goals for the month and I'll blog my progress :)

A few updates....Raj and I finally made a decision on our next steps...we are moving to California. Sad to be leaving family and friends here but excited to build deeper relationships with the people out in California. And of course the Dhinglu meister!!!

Some pictures from the garden...

Going to put another plug for the Ekatva show here...the show is this Sunday...truly an amazing story...buy your tickets now!