In "Deep" Thought

It is a daunting task to attempt to sum up the time I had with Deep Griha. How do you put into words an experience that has changed your perspective on the world at large, how you live your life and so many things that you held as truths. Well, as my time at Deep Griha is winding to a close (and my long journey home is looming) I suppose that summary is the task at hand.

Before I arrived in India, I was not sure what to expect. In fact, I was very nervous about my trek to the subcontinent. After all, I was a female travelling alone to a radically different culture, and to volunteer for a fabled NGO I had only heard stories about. But all of my initial trepidation was immediately relived when I caught a glimpse of the amazing grass roots organization that is Deep Griha. I have been very involved with international heath initiatives and education at home with my medical school faculty, but too see such a wonderfully functioning needs-based organization was just magical.

During my time here I have been blessed to be able to work with DISHA (Deep Griha’s Integrated Services for people with HIV and AIDS) and help wherever I could. Just to have the privilege to get to know that lovely DISHA staff, let alone see the amazing work they do for their community, is life amending. Their warm acceptance and caring puts a gorgeous face on the deplorable and frustrating situation that is HIV/AIDS in India. Deep Griha and its DISHA project truly is a "Lighthouse" for the people of Pune.

With Hans' gracious help I have also had the privilege of seeing the other medical projects and initiatives that Deep Griha is affiliated with. Vadala Mission hospital graciously took me in and showed me the most unforgettable 4 days of my life, The Leprosy colony was a remarkable sight, and Sahara HIV/AIDS Hospice was amazing to see. I am truly inspired to carry on my medical education and pursue a career in international health.

OK, I realize that I am being sappy, which for me is par for the course with these reflection-type situations, but for anyone who is reading this that and is thinking of coming to Deep Griha to volunteer or just visit I would encourage you to do so. The work that goes on is like nothing I have ever encountered.

P.S. Sorry for the silly picture. It seems I have tons of pictures of everyone else but not that many decent ones of me... oops! :0)

Laine Racher, Volunteer June -August 2005