preparation and priorities

hello all. i would like to take a moment and point out that this is my first blog ever. i would now like to take another moment and explain why i am now a "blogger" as the kids are calling it these days. if the whole namaste india title didn't tip you off- i am moving to india in the near feature. this blog will exist to keep you up to date on my travels and experiences for your reading (and comedic) pleasure.

let's see, more background might be required. i am (very thankfully) nearing the end of my dual degree program, leaving just a few classes and field placements left between me and the two hoods i'm chasing. considering my specialization is global health and infectious disease what better way to satisfy those requirements than abroad? i traveled to india last january and fell in love with the country and culture. so when i heard that i had an opportunity to return to kerala to complete field and classes, i jumped at the chance. the acceptance came through and the countdown has officially begun.

the move happens in early june for me and 5 of my soon to be dearest friends. we are living at rajagiri college taking classes and completing field requirements. considering i need to satisfy social work and public health field work, i'll spend the majority of my time working with an organization called CASP- focusing specifically on children and families with hiv/aids. i'll be doing a lot of educational and knowledge based programs for various target groups within Kerala. india has the highest prevalence of hiv/aids in the south east asia region, which is second highest to the rates of sub-saharan africa. and its steadily increasing. so needless to say hiv/aids intervention is of great need in this area and my time there has huge potential to make a difference on both the macro and mirco level.

apart from the whole infectious disease level, kerala is beeeeautiful. it's known as 'god's own country' and is referred to the hawaii of india. i absolutely loved it. not too shabby of a place to end up for an extended period of time. if i can figure this whole thing out- i'll include some pictures so you can actually see my soon to be home.

so in between now and the move -free time is few and far between. my weekends from here through june are full of road trips from north to south, visits from people i adore the most, and the occasional paper writing/studying marathon. it's okay, you can judge me, my priorities might be a little off. however it's hard to focus on the semester at hand when there are so many exciting things on the brink of the horizon. so i'll spend half my time focused and diligent on school work, the other half focused and diligent on thoughts of india- train trips throughout india, bike journeys through kochin, yoga lessons on the beach, trips to the taj, essential and necessary hiv/aids work and all around living. to the extreme.

stay tuned my loves. cheers.

my future school...and home.

the courtyard at the school.

the people and places of kerala.