A Small Group of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens

Last Saturday, Rosehedge/Multifaith Works welcomed 25 new volunteers into our CareTeam Program training.  These new volunteers were all so different from each other: they ranged in age from 18 to 78; they were Asian, African, Hispanic, and Caucasian; they were gay, lesbian, and straight.  They came from Shoreline, West Seattle, Issaquah, Skyway, Edgewood (I had to look that one up on a map too), and many parts in between.

The new volunteers were different in those many ways, but what brought each of them to us was essentially the same thing.  They all had an impulse to give their time and share themselves with people who will truly benefit from both of these gifts, that is, people who are living with the challenges of HIV/AIDS.  They had this impulse and, most importantly, they acted on it.  This impulse and their subsequent action is what brought all of us together that day.

We have a print of a Margaret Mead quote hanging outside of our office kitchen:  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  These new volunteers are exactly that -- a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens who will not only change the worlds of the people they serve, but as Margaret Mead's quote illustrates, they will be a part of changing the world.

Cherie Schumacher
Volunteer Program Director
Rosehedge/Multifaith Works

The Magnitude Of Compassion

As a new agency member, I felt honored to be able to attend the two-weekend Shanti trainings. Everyone I had spoken with had a hard time encapsulating the Shanti experience and yet also felt it was one of the more effective ways of understanding the work Rosehedge/Multifaith Works does in the community.

After having gone through the training, I too find it hard to express in words the magnitude of compassion and camaraderie I felt at the end of the two weekends and how proud I now feel to represent Rosehedge/Multifaith Works as an organization.

There are times in the past where I have felt very dismayed by the lack of community in the world today. After meeting over 20 people who were signing up for this level of intimate and compassionate care of a stranger, I felt very hopeful and inspired. And after seeing firsthand the impact human connection can make in another person’s life I was overwhelmingly moved.

Molly Viers said, at the end of the training, that she feels Shanti may very well be the antidote to apathy. I carry that sentiment with me not only when  I consider my role in life, but also every time I speak to another person about my new position and the future of Rosehedge/Multifaith Works.

Elizabeth List
Major Gifts Officer

Teach, Learn & Raise Awareness

I wonder at times whenever I meet a new young patient with HIV infection whether we have grown wiser as we've grown older with this epidemic. Certainly, this year, our 30th year of fighting this disease has taught us new insights to the impact of antiretroviral therapy as not only a tool to treat but to prevent the spread of HIV. These medications can result in >96% decrease in HIV transmission - we suspected as much but now we know for certain based on recent trial results.
But despite this new wisdom, 2.6 million were newly infected last year and in many countries, including our own, only a third of those who need these drugs are on them. I am sobered by these facts but at the same time inspired by the individual struggles of my patients and struck anew about how much more we can do. To teach, to learn, to raise awareness - because the fight is hardly over.

===================================================
H. Nina Kim, MD MSc
Assistant Professor of Medicine & Adj Asst Professor of Global Health
Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
University of Washington
Rosehedge/Multifaith Board Member

Was I Going To Die Too?

In the mid 90’s there was a white board at the house where I went for support. I dreaded that board because they used to write the names of those that died the week before from AIDS. Was I going to die too?  I used to be a resident in the MFW housing program. The house had a Care Team, which I equate as a big hug.

We have come along way since then as a community. People with HIV/AIDS are living longer, however there are still people living who need support. Being a support for others enriches my life. It allows me to be present for someone else depending on what his or her needs are.

This weekend I start my training as a SHANTI volunteer. I believe I will make a difference in another person’s life. More importantly I will be grateful for what I have lived through.

"Be Thankful, Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, if you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes they will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you’re tired and weary because it means you’ve made a difference. It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings." (Author Unknown)
 

Tony Radovich
Rosehedge/Multifaith Works Board Member