My Winter Of Discontent

 If I were to tell you back in the winter of 2008/ 2009 that one of my biggest challenges today would be configuring a strategy to deliver 2,000 acupuncture needles to a clinic in Chapagaon, Nepal via Thailand you would have most likely thought to yourself that I was insane, delusional or most likely both.  Although an argument could be made that I possess these attributes regardless of the situation, the reality of the challenge presently exists as I make some final preparations for my trip.  As the departure date approaches my thoughts curiously drift about the unknown of the adventure ahead and I can't help to reflect of how this opportunity has evolved.  After creating this blog, I realized that many of you whom I'm reaching out toward to inform regarding my adventures and volunteer experience with the Acupuncture Relief Project this fall probably have a few questions.  So, for all those who have been anxiously awaiting for some details here is my attempt to clarify and explain some of the events leading up to this opportunity.

In January of 2009 I was living in the town of Davis, West Virginia which is famously known as the highest elevated incorporated town in the state.  Although, the community and setting itself is a wonderful place to live it was the middle of winter and the temperatures and conditions outside were brutally cold and harsh.  This, ironically enough seem to be a reflection of my situation and symbolized my mood.  I was laid off from my construction job, financially struggling, frustrated, confused and cold ( both literally and figuratively).   With barely making ends meet and having what seemed to be an eternity of time for my mind to swirl with anxiety, I was at my "wits end".  Since little hope of immediate employment and other opportunities for forward momentum was available at this time I became convinced with minimal hesitation that it was time for a change.  So I set out to do what any rational individual in this situation would do.  I rented my house,  moved 3,000 miles away to Portland, Oregon and began school at the East West College of the Healing Arts to become a licensed massage therapist.

Although this decision could appear to have been made out of haste, in reality the my choice was a result of much thought and circumstance.  And on the positive side, a few opportunities did happen to present themselves during the spring that would both solidify my desire to continue to be in the helping field as well as challenge my decision to move to Portland.  The first was having the privilege to be invited to work as a outdoor adventure facilitator for chronically ill adolescents with the Hero's Journey program at The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut founded by Paul Newman ( the actor and natural foods guy).  This experience pleasantly reminded me to be grateful for what I do have and reinforced my desire to help others as a professional. The second was the offer to teach the outdoor education and pursuits curriculum as an instructor at my alma mater, Davis & Elkins College.  Although I participated with the program in Connecticut which delayed my departure to Portland, I hesitantly declined the offer with Davis & Elkins College in order to move forward with my plans. At this point I was committed and it was onward to the pacific northwest.

 Deciding on Portland was the easiest part of all.  In past years, I have visited and became familiar with the city.  Situated near the coast and between the cascade and coastal mountain ranges Portland offers many opportunities for outdoor recreational opportunities while providing all the allure of the city life.  Additionally,  my brother and his family have lived here for years calling Portland home.  Another attraction was that my lovely girlfriend Jennifer Walker had just started school at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland to complete her masters degree and become a licensed acupuncturist.  And, to top it all off, the school I would be attending is known and recognized as one of the top healing arts and massage schools in the west. Needless to say, my stage was set.  I would have support, my relationship, family, school and a city that is everything except unfamiliar and boring.

After 18 months I completed my curriculum and passed the national and state board exams and became licensed as a massage therapist.  Although I am currently practicing as a professional now, my initial re-introduction as a student was an adjustment.  My school experience was more than I had hoped, extremely rewarding and nothing even close to what I had planned for or expected.  Returning to the world of academia after 12 years presented its own set of challenges.  I won't provide the details here in hopes of letting your imagination roam free and be the guide.  I will however,  acknowledge to you that at 36 years of age I believe I may have sampled what it feels like to be an "old fart" as many of my classmates were nearly half my age.  It would be worth mentioning here as well that my "southern accent" raised a few eyebrows along the way to those communicating with proper hipster dialect.  Lastly, I will add and admit that it is safe to say that I am NOT "hip" by any means, shape or form anymore!   Enough said.  After utilizing patience, determination and focus I was able to persevere in my new learning environment with grace and dignity.  All jokes aside, I was fortunate to have met some incredible individuals and taught by talented instructors.  With a little encouragement, I even participated in the graduation ceremony.

During this time, my girlfriend and "partner in travel", Jennifer had been introduced to the president and founder of the Acupuncture Relief Project while attending a presentation at her school.  The result was the beginning of what would form a connection with the project's mission and a desire to plan on volunteering in Nepal for two months in the fall.  When she suggested that I might be interested in this project and being able to participate my immediate reaction was less than enthusiastic.  Traveling to Nepal sounded great but practicing in a rural acupuncture clinic as massage therapist there did not have the same appeal.  Although my professional goals include specializing in and practicing eastern modalities of massage, namely shiatsu, thai and tuina,  I did not immediately understand how my skills as a LMT seemed to fit in with the project.  Quite frankly, the endeavor also intimidated me.  I have limited knowledge with acupuncture and as a volunteer I would be surrounded by professionals with many more years of experience, knowledge and education than me.  And all this would be happening in a third world country!  My mind was " on the clock".  After a lengthy interview with the founder and president I was quickly relieved to know that not only was I welcomed to the project as a massage therapist, that my skills would compliment the overall goals of the project.  I was sold.  So I committed to the project, began my fundraising campaign and the rest is history.  Until now.

I will officially be leaving Portland on October 15th to drive back to the east coast.  There I will drop the dog off,  have a short visit with family and friends and catch a flight overseas.  Once I arrive in Bangkok, I will have a much anticipated reunion with Jennifer, whom just spent the last month in China extending her studies with acupuncture.  Until than, I will  continue to practice therapeutic massage and enjoy the limited time I have left  here with my family and the offerings of the Rose City and pacific northwest.

I will now apologize if I succeeded in creating a foggy haze of boredom ( yawn) for you with my thoughts today.  I am glad I had the opportunity to "set the scene" for the experience and provide an update of my journey over the last few years. If you choose to come back for a look next time ( and I hope you do) you can be assured to know that I will continue to update the blog as I prepare to leave Portland in a few weeks.  Until than, the best of wishes go out to all of you......wherever you may be or headed!

Oh yeah, in case you were anxiously wondering with anticipation....... I was able to find a way to make sure I get those 2,000 acupuncture needles to the clinic in Nepal!  Well,....... almost.

Cheers!

Earthquake in Nepal

Although the area where the clinic is located where I will be a volunteer at doesn't appear to be damaged, its a sad day for a poor country.  My thoughts are with the volunteers of the Acupuncture Relief Project who left saturday to Katmandu to begin their work at the clinic in the village of Chapagaon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/19/world/asia/earthquake-shakes-india-and-nepal.html

Here is some information about Chapagaon....the village where the clinic is located.

http://www.travelomy.com/chapagaon

Welcome and thank you!

As promised, here is my blog!  Welcome and thank you for taking a look!  This is my attempt to keep all of you who have supported me ( in many different ways) informed about my professional development and newest endeavor with the Acupuncture Relief Project this fall in Nepal.  Between now and the beginning of the year, I will document the personal and professional experiences I will encounter associated with this journey.  It is my hope, that in doing so, I can relay and share this transition with all of you of whom I am greatly indebted to for all the support.  In addition,  I am looking forward creating a dialogue and resource regarding the scope of all the factors involved concerning alternative health care ( mainly massage and acupuncture), professional/personal transition  as well as travel and adventure. With that being said, let the adventure begin and I hope you enjoy!  I look forward to reading your contributions to the blog!

"Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it." - Chinese Proverb