Back in the USA

I want to thank everyone for their concern and love during this difficult time. The death of my father in Colorado was compeltely unexpected and has left my head spinning. We don't always understand why certain things happen or the role they are meant to play in our lives. However, I do believe that God knew the timing of all of this and I believe that he will continue to direct my path. I have quite a bit of processing ahead of me and do not know at this time what my near future holds. For now, I will remain in Colorado for an undetermined length of time. Please pray that I will have clarity as to what direction I am to take. I am an analyzer and unfortunately that leads me to see this from many different points all presenting different pros and cons. I know that I need to take care of myself and my family at this time. Asia is a difficult mission field and the last thing I want to do is go over there broken. Yet, I am also one who believes in finishing what you started, working hard, perservering, etc. Where is the balance? To put it simply, above all else, I want to do what is right...not necessarily what will present the least resistance. I greatly appreciate and need your support and prayers in this.
All my love,
Keira

A Peek

"Then the time came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was far more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

It's hard to paint a picture of my world this last week. I got to the point where I was doing a basic self-check: I knew that all 5 senses were still intact. I was breathing. I still had a heartbeat. However, I was numb...completely numb and yet completely tormented. Make any sense? Exactly. Some of you received those dark, tormented emails that provided a glimpse of what was taking place deep inside of me. Was it a reaction to my attempts of processing what I am about to take on? I don't know. But I fully believe that I would not have pulled through without your prayers and support. I can honestly say that in the last week I have experienced some of the most extreme, desperate and frightening emotions.

But alas, it has passed!! Now that I have reached the other side I can share some of my lighter experiences thus far in Thailand. I'm pretty sure I've perfected the squatie toilet and using a bucket of water to pour down the toilet to flush. I'm now used to a toilet "burping" at random moments thus requiring me to smell potent sulfur while lying in the other room or while showering practically on top of the toilet. I've gotten used to the idea of a mattress being so firm that when you are stepping onto it with your heavy backpack in tow, it doesn't move...at all. Forget the fancy memory foam! (You know the commercial where the woman jumps on the mattress and the glass of red wine doesn't spill?!) Just when I thought I couldn't improve, I've mastered the art of sweating like nobody's business. Delightful, eh?! (Beth and Maggie, I guarantee I will be using that trusty Neosporin at some point, ha!) My stomach became inspired by the olympics and has really taken to completing some sort of gymnastics throughout the day. Unfortunately, that has led to some peculiar sulfur taste in my mouth. Yummy! And don't be thinking there is any connection between my mouth and the burping toilet...gross! I have a feeling I'm really increasing my romantic potential with all of this talk :O)

On the relational side of things -- I've met some amazing people here! People from New Zealand, Australia, Holland - all so nice. Most are just traveling through but it's been great to have conversation and some laughs. And the locals are so, so friendly! The land of smiles and kindness! On the topic of nice people -- those from the organization we at GRI are teaming up with, Partners, are awesome! I just met them yesterday but already feel warmth from them. All but one girl are married with children (various stages of life) which is somehow very comforting to me right now. And they all have a common passion - a heart for the hurting and forgotten. I think I'll fit right in!

So, get ready for the adventure. There will be very high highs and low lows but because of you all I won't be alone! As I've said time and again - I want to live a life less ordinary. I guess I better cowboy up then! I love you all dearly and miss you! (Not to ruin the moment but there are little ants crawling on me in my bed right now!)
"Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." I John 3:18

Basics

Here is a brief overview my friends. Bethany and I have spent two days in Bangkok (can do without the massive city), five days in Chiang Mai (my soon to be home), and just arrived in Mae Sot (a small town on the border). I'm not sure how long we will be in Mae Sot...we are being extrememly flexible (like the green guy gumby, right Toby?). We are here to make some contacts and awaiting a possible assignment. Some things to know: my phone number is 011 66 848093965. You can get international calling cards for less than 10 cents/min which would rock my world; I have a skype account (keira.beck) so we can communicate live for free over the computer; I have to be "hush hush" and not so detail-oriented when I talk about some of my work here. I will say things like "that country to the west" when I refer to work outside of Thailand...make sense? We can't say certain things on email or during phone calls as to avoid red flags. Our emails and calls can be tracked and we don't want to put any nationals in more danger than they already are. Thank you for your help with this!
Okay, I had to put these pics in...good times! Rachel, that mullet picture is for you! And you bow so often like our friend Ronald here :O)

Bangkok

Hello to my people! It's time for blogging again, yippee! I arrived safely to Bangkok after a near 20 hours in an airplane. It was pretty crazy...I left the house in Colorado on Tuesday morning and was crawling into bed at 4am on Thursday morning. Weird. The other girl with GRI, Bethany, flew in shortly after I did. The good news - she had two of her friends she had met in Burma meet us there. These guys have lived in Burma/Thailand for about two years so have been most helpful. We went to lunch today and got some items at what looks like an Asian Walmart. My noodles were pretty good but had some very salty mini-shrimp looking things with the eyeballs and all. Yummy. I must admit that Bangkok is not my thing - not so much into the big city thing. We will take a night train on Friday to head up to Chiang Mai. I think it is a twelve hour ride. Then the meetings and all chaos start on Saturday. If Chiang Mai is anything like Bangkok regarding internet access - I'll be online multiple times a day. If you get frequent emails from me, just give me grace :O) I'm a bit lonely and missing everyone.

Much love! ~k

Ah, This is It!!

We are headed out of town this weekend to spend some time at Sipi Falls. It is a beautiful place about 4 hours from here with places to hike, little huts to sleep in, good food (or so I hear) and relaxation! With next week being the end of my time here, I am stepping away from the blogging. (I will be around a computer - just not as often - keirabb@yahoo). I will be soaking up every minute of my time with the people here. Our Ugandan office and field staff have already started joining me in praying that I will return soon :) The remainder of my time here will definitely be bittersweet.

The picture is my attempting to gracefuly carry water back to the hut from the watering hole. Notice how casually the other gal is holding her water compared to me (and her jug is twice the size of mine!) We stayed out in the village on Tuesday night and it was oh, so wonderful! I will provide pictures at a later time showing that experience!

Sorry this is short, but we are headed out to the field in a few minutes! For many of you, I will see you this month! Please keep me in your prayers...the journey is not over...nor will it be once I'm in the States.

Love you guys!

~k

A New Day: update on Sharon & Morris

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 Praise God that the hearts of Sharon and Morris are now filled with hope! The children are staying with the mother of one of our field staff, Bonny, and are joyful! After hearing of their situation, Bonny's mother offered to keep the children with her, even for an entire year, to prevent the children from returning to their grandmother. I am so thankful that God hears our cries...never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5b Wes and Jackson continue to work on gathering the necessary paperwork for the children's application to Otino-Waa orphanage. It appears that the next section of housing at the orphanage will be completed in a couple of months allowing space for more children. Sharon is currently on new medication for the tuberculosis and cannot be accepted into Otino-Waa until she is "in the clear" regarding the TB...we assume that would be in a couple of months. So, it looks like the timing is perfect, however there are many children being assessed for acceptance into the orphanage. We need to continue to pray for God's hand in the situation.Again, thank you for your prayers! Sharon and Morris are like two new children now...smiles never-ending. (The pictures were taken at their new home).
Love to you all, Keira

"A" Game

I wanted to bring a “lighter note” to the table in hopes of making people smile a little. On Sunday Jolene, Wes and I headed over to one of the schools here in town to play some basketball. We waited until 6:00pm in attempts to avoid the heat…yeah right…can you see our red, sweaty faces?! We ended up in a game of 4 on 4 with some Ugandan guys (one of them we adopted onto our team). Initially, these guys laughed when we challenged them to a game and no one wanted to be on our team: 3 munos (2 of them girls). But, about ¾ of the way through, the other team substituted out 3 of their guys due to fatigue! We three had our “A” game on for sure…passing, defending, making shots from outside and inside with guys up in our face! It was awesome. They gave me the nickname "killer." They underestimated our mad skills! At the end, we beat them 15 to 5. It felt SO incredibly good to be physically active again…and then we went and pigged out at Lillian’s :) The picture was taken after our game - you're scared, aren't you?

Just to give you a heads up – I tend to create random ways to self-entertain…therefore I had scheduled a “cow-riding” at Bonny’s this afternoon. Bonny works with GRI and lives in one of the villages. And the cows, they are everywhere here! Bonny kept laughing at the idea telling me that his cow would take off into the bush with me (his cow is named "notorious B1G"...you read it right...that's a one not an "i") Ha Ha! Well, I milked the cow this evening and then attempted to get on it. The problem - the cow was actually afraid of a white person!! The others could go near him but everytime he saw me he ran! I have not considered this task complete. Instead, I will continue my search for a cow that I can ride!

Greetings to you all! ~Keira :O)

Jesus Loves the Little Children

I wanted to get another post up so that people can begin praying. Yesterday, Wes and I brought back two small children from a village about an hour and a half away. Both parents died from TB and the children are living with their grandmother. The little boy is 4 (moses) and the girl is 8 (sharon). She is sick with TB and hasn't gotten better with taking medication...GRI helped her out last September. Her grandmother makes her do the cooking, fetching water from miles away, and she has to mother her little brother...despite being so sick. The grandmother usually drinks alot of brew during the day and doesn't do much "caring." Her neighbors told her that she was going to end up killing the girl with her response being "I don't care. We are all doing to die." It's a really sad situation. The kids are precious though!! The whole way home yesterday and then last night Sharon was very snuggly with me. You know it feels good to feel loved! They learned how to use a "real" toilet and just giggle now whenever it flushes! They have been a joy. Last night I felt like a mother...four different times in the night they came into my room and I had to walk them back to bed :) I wish we spoke the same language but we are getting good at acting out our communication. Jackson, one of our Ugandan staff members, took Sharon to the hospital today and it turns out that she has been receiving enough medication for an obese adult. She is a tiny African girl!! Please pray for her and her brother. Tomorrow morning Wes and I will be talking with some of our friends here in Lira who are missionaries who run an orphanage. We don't know if they have any openings or if Sharon and Moses meet all of the criteria. We know prayer is a powerful thing!!!!

I am going to go to bed now. I'm absolutely exhausted...long hours in the field, emotional days, and I'm not sleeping well at night with everything that is on the mind. Despite the fatigue, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. I cried yesterday at a medical distribution for people with HIV - not because I was sad but because I was so touched to see their smiling faces and felt incredibly blessed to be with them. My heart is full :) I am totally blessed to be here and it is because of our supporters back home that Wes, Jolene and I are here and that we have the capability to bring people like Sharon into the hospital and pay for it all. Praise God!!

Love you guys!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me! This last week was very busy and exhausting, but it was much better! I saw the girl from my previous story a couple of times last week. It was very difficult for me to "turn her away," but at the same time I was able to discuss some very serious matters with her. I am not sure if she really listened, but I know that I said what needed to be said and did so in a loving way. God will have to take care of the rest.

I am growing closer and closer in friendship with our Ugandan field staff. They are wonderful. Not only are they funny but they LOVE their people. As we spend more days together our hearts are joining forces to reach the people of Northern Uganda. What a beautiful thing! And time is going by so quickly being that we are so busy. I am in the field 5 days a week and seem to find things I must work on in the office on the days I'm home...usually more research :) But Wes, Jolene and I still find the time to goof off! Today we threw around the football and frisbee (you can definitely tell which one I grew up with) and I think we may head over to play some basketball by one of the schools (it's not as fancy as you might think). Physical activity is definitely limited by the heat though. You know it's hot when the Ugandan guards have taken their shirts off because they are so hot - and that's at night!!!! Just a side note, I know some of you have wanted to get in touch with me, either by text message or phone call, so here is the number 011256774300603.

On a serious note: On Saturday, my eyes filled with tears (which I kept from falling) as I was sitting in front of the group at the medical distribution for PLWHA (people living with HIV/AIDS). There in front of me were 20 people who were desperate for hope. These are the thoughts/feelings that have consumed me: aside from the physical struggle, they are looking for love, acceptance, dignity, hope, forgiveness, the list goes on. This week I have really felt comforted by these next few verses and have shared them with those at the medical distributions. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:18-19 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 Despite everything in this life - the heartache, the struggles, the disappointments, the pain, the suffering - God's love is unfailing. Can we say anything else is unfailing? That doesn't mean that if we love God, these troubles will no longer exist. It does, however, mean that we can continue to have hope despite everything crumbling around us. And what is life without hope?

Have a great week! Love you guys :o)

A Tough Week

Hello everyone! Sorry these updates don't come more often. The power is off at random times, we have a virus on our computer making it slow, and sometimes I am just too tired to think once I get home from the field.

This week has easily been my toughest week yet. One incident - while walking home from the market on Monday, I met a girl sitting off the side of the road crying. I will make this a very short version: she is 20 years old, 6 months pregnant, no longer in touch with her family in the village or the father of her baby, has a STD and is HIV+. She was very weak when I met her. I took her to the hospital on Wednesday. We waited for hours but eventually found out she had malaria and a urinary tract infection, both putting the baby at risk so they admitted her. I told her I would pay for the medical bills (very cheap here) and would visit her often. I listened to some of her stories and troubles and my heart totally broke for her! I was ready to give an arm and a leg to make sure this baby was okay, that she'd get a roof over her head and begin to bring in money. However, through a series of events I found out that some of her stories were not true and that I was being taken advantage of for her financial gain. I am glad that I was able to help her get medical assistance and that I was able to speak with her about life (after I found out about the lies). I know that God brought our two paths together for a reason and I have to trust him for the results. Needless to say, it was a bit crushing.

I know that no one likes to read sad stories, but this is part of my life here. I will, however, share happy stories too...I got to see the ending of a birth on Tuesday!! I was under a tree hiding from the rain (YES...it has RAINED a couple of days here!!!!) and some of the locals called me into their hut to witness the birth! It was so awesome! I've ridden sidesaddle on the back of a motorbike through the countryside in the rain on two different days. That takes away the bad feelings and makes you smile and giggle like a little girl! To release stress/sadness we watch silly movies on the computer screen (Dumb and Dumber, Ace Ventura) or listen to Wes play the guitar and we sing all of the 80s/early 90s sappy songs that we can think of, or like the other night I taught funny yoga poses and cheerleading jumps. Thank God there is laughter!

p.s I promise I wear sunscreen...I am often red because I am so hot :)

A New Month

Hello to my peeps! It's a beautiful Sunday, the sun is shining, and I am oh so sweaty! :) As always, the temperature is quite hot but we have a mild breeze today...yippee!!! My lovely housemate, Jolene, made a fabulous coffee cake the morning of my birthday. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. But in reality, that did not occur until the evening. We had fish and cabbage for dinner (my favorite here thus far) and then she baked a chocolate cake which just happened to be in our pantry from America! Oh sweet bliss!!! There was also some crazy guitar and irish flute playing to officially wish a "happy birthday!" It was fabulous!

So, my work in the field continues. I now have met with the women of 6 out of the 8 camps. On Thursday I had 73 women at my afternoon meeting! That, my friends, is extremely exciting! And at this camp, for the first time since I've been here, these women stated that they too hold the responsibility in preventing the spread of HIV. That may sound obvious, however it has been presented to me as anything but. Too often than not, the women are blaming the men for the devastating numbers of those infected. And there have been sobering times when the women have told me that they do not believe change is possible. So, needless to say, I was greatly encouraged on Thursday! I am so fired up about this topic...HIV/AIDS...and the need to empower these Ugandans, especially the women being as it is not the cultural norm. We were able to meet with a Ugandan, on Saturday, who is high up in the health world. We brought various concerns to him regarding some of the health care centers, the bicycle ambulances (you read it right) and I was able to present some of my thoughts regarding prevention of HIV transmission. He is a great man and really listened to what we had to say. He even haulted our conversation a couple of times to make phone calls to talk to various people about the issues. Long story short, I was given the opportunity to write up some of the research I've completed here and give it to him so he can get it to the Ugandan government. How awesome is that?!! I remember when my parents first told me I was tenacious. At my young age I was devastated :) I see its benefit and necessity now more than ever! And I can't disregard all of the prayer support you guys have given either! There are trials, and struggles, and disappointments that require patience, and faith, and trust. But I believe SO strongly that change can come. Maybe not in an entire nation, but surely in atleast one person's heart. Isn't that worth it all?! I can only believe that it is.

So, I have a request for all of you...PLEASE enjoy the Super Bowl for me! You know how I love my football. And if possible, eat some hot wings and french fries ;)

Love you guys and miss you!

Today was my first day of meeting in the Opeta village with the women of married age. We talked about HIV/AIDS and being faithful in their marriages. It went really well...52 women came despite several large town meetings going on at the same time. The women asked some very good questions and expressed great appreciation for my coming to inform them. However, I cried on the way home. There is so much infidelity here, on both sides, which is why HIV is spreading like wild fire. I read scriptures to them and felt like I got my point across but there is so much corruption it feels a bit overwhelming. I know they heard what I said, but it is hard to know if things will change. There is obviously great depth to the problem. But, on the way home I read "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galations 6:9 I need to learn to trust in that. My mind knows that God is in control of all of this, but my heart is struggling to find understanding. I also need to remember that this is only the beginning :)
On a happy note, while waiting for the truck after my talk I sat under a big shade tree, sipped on a warm, orange fanta and played cards with Wes and a couple of Ugandans. It was great!! There will be joy and there will be sorrow, but we will press on!!

Week One

I am loving it here! It is rather HOT and I've officially started my farmer's tan! It started yesterday with riding in the back of the truck on the way to a village (almost 2 hours away). The people here are trying to get me to turn black, so they say ;) We went out to the villages on Thursday and Friday. The good news...50-90% of the people have left the IDP camps and have returned to their villages!!!! The rebels have not attacked in many months (they have moved to the Congo). Wes says the people have higher spirits now. However, the people are still desperate for help. I was able to assist with a medicine distribution on Friday for those who have tested positive for HIV. The people were so welcoming - singing and dancing as we arrived. I know this is exactly where I am to be right now. In the following weeks, my schedule will be filled with traveling to 8 different villages and beginning the HIV/AIDS class with women. I have fallen in love with the women here so I am very excited to dive in further! I have already been faced with emotional challenges however there has also been joy. These people are so wonderful! We have several Ugandans on staff who are extremely helpful and have a great sense of humor. That's how you deal with things...you find ways to laugh. I am blessed to be surrounded by the staff and Wes and Jolene. I wish you all could see it here. Lira is a smaller town and the main form of transportation (other than foot) is by bicycle. The women ride side-saddle on the back of the bikes! I'll have to try it and pray that I don't fall off. They'd just call me a crazy muno (white person)!! Sorry this I'm jumping around everywhere...there is just so much to tell :) Common animals around here - mosquitos, goats, cows, bats(tons of bats), and oh yes...rats! Last night I went into the pantry and spotted a rat with a furry tail!! One of the staff guys told me today that those are the bad ones...they eat the other rats. Great! I'm convinced it was a RUS (rodent of unusual size...for those of you who have seen Princess Bride, ha!) Well, I should get this sent being as I don't know when we might lose power. It was just off today for about 6 hours. They turn it off and on randomly, no rhyme or reason. Good thing we have candles. Thanks for the comments - it's nice to hear from home :) Love you -

I'm Here...FINALLY

So, after 52 hours after I left my house in Denver we arrived at our house in Lira.  Three flights, a layover in chaotic and unfamiliar Amsterdam, a lovely sleepover in Kampala (an actual bed) and a fabulous bus ride lasting 8 hours.  Imagine a bus dated back to the 70s, every seat filled including children sitting on someone's lap and people standing in the isle.  For eight hours No food, little water, no bathroom and our bus was burning oil the whole time....notice the picture!  We were clean before the bus ride began :)  Oh yes, forgot to mention that we will literally have bruises on our knees from hitting the seat in front of us due to the road.  But once we arrived in Lira, Wes was waiting for us with the GRI truck to take us to the house where a warm meal was waiting for us!  During the flights and the airports, I started thinking "what the heck did I get myself into."  However, as soon as I stepped off of the plane and took in a deep inhalation of the Ugandan night air, I somehow felt at home and a sense of calmness come over me.  It's been a long journey so I now will turn into my bed and pull the mosquito net over me for a nice, restful sleep.

How this works

Hello everyone! So, this is the page that I will write updates and various experiences during my trip. I am not yet sure how often I will be able to get online being that we only have electricity every-other day :O) Feel free to post comments or use my yahoo email address to send emails. We are 10 hours ahead of Colorado time. My flight leaves Monday at 9:10am -->Minneapolis-->Amsterdam-->Kampala, Uganda Tuesday night at 9:30. We'll stay the night in a hotel then ride a bus 6+ hours north to our house in Lira. I'll be in touch! Love ya

Are we there yet?

This is driving me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!