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, 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!
6 comments:
Happy Birthday!
The Super Bowl here was good - wings from the chow hall, non-alcoholic beer, and the same guys I hang around with all the time. But it was really good. I hope your days are the same. Take care, stay safe, and keep fighting the good fight.
Here's to saving the world, and Here's to life.
KEEERA! Happy birthday (the other day). I did think of you, and it just occured to me that I could have emailed you for it though I couldn't call. I ate some hot winds for the Super Bowl. And cookies. And chicken fajitas. And nachos. And sausage balls. Whew. i worked out yesterday, though. I have big muscles (for me) now! I'm glad you're doing well, and I am remembering to pray for you. We may have more tornados here today...so I'm quite busy at work. Love you!
Happy belated b-day K. You missed an amazing super bowl! I really enjoy reading about your adventures. Stay safe and keep up the hard work.
Keira Dear...you need to use some sun screen. Sweetie you will regret it in a few years if you don't. Those fine lines seem to want to show up around 31. I am glad to hear all that you are acomplishing there. You will be rewarded for being God's hand extended.
Much Love from the USA!
Keira,
I was just catching up reading your blog. It sounds like God is really using you! The people sound wonderful! We have people at our church (in our ELL class) from 26 different countries. I will have to find out if we have anyone from where you are ministering. Reagan is in Ireland and we use something called Skype to talk live to her. Have you heard of that? It is free and all you do is schedule a time that you want to talk and you both go onto Skype. You just need to have a microphone (&camera to see each other) to do it. Also, for 2 cents per minute she can call us from a pay phone using a phone card from Skype. Let me know if you want any more information. My email is Dawnchesnut@comcast.net. It sounds like you are having a wonderful adventure and that God is blessing you in so many ways. I will keep you in prayer and continue to check your blog. Take care. We love you. Dawn
Hello my friend. I am so proud of you for what you are doing. it takes a special person to make a decision like that. the superbowl was good but I have not had any hot wings for awhile. I'm on that diet thing and for some reason its not on the menu, darn it anyway. well you are in my prayers and I believe in what you are doing. happy belated birthday and see you when you are back.
Drew
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