Wherever You Go, Go With All Your Heart
In 2005, my little brother, Josh, and I were placed in foster care. My mother relinquished her parental rights shortly thereafter and now lives in Texas. She has struggled with alcoholism for many years and even though I no longer speak to her, I do still love her.
Josh was adopted in 2010 and he now lives in a small town in New York. Since I was older, I was never adopted and I moved to Georgia in 2009 to attend college.
Click the “Placement Timeline” link above for a detailed assessment of where we have lived.
Contact me: rebeka.geer@gmail.com
I tell my story to inform, to inspire, and to show other foster children that they’re not alone.
My TED video was posted today and although there are things I would go back and change, I’m so proud of myself for making it through the talk without getting too choked up. I underestimated how hard it was going to be to talk about something so personal…but I did it. The past is now officially behind me.
From here, there’s no where to go but up
Just wrapped up an incredible day of TED talks and I can’t even describe how honored I am to have been a presenter. What an incredible experience it has been! Once the video is published, ill be sure to share it with you all
I want it to be perfect but I can’t find the words
vivrelaviedetonreve Asks:
rebeka21 Said:
You’re right! I did go alone- but I lived with a local family in Kathmandu. Since everyone mainly speaks Nepali, it was definitely helpful to have locals with me who could make sure I could properly communicate with everyone. At the same time though, about 80% of the people I met spoke broken English (but still understandable). That being said, you don’t really need to worry about the language barrier.
In regards to safety, there was never a point in my 5-week visit where I felt in danger. The people of Nepal are incredibly kind and also very helpful (just as long as you respect them back). I always travel with an open mind and complete desire to embrace the culture so as long as you do the same, I say yes! Go for it! (But be sure to buy the Lonely Planet travel guide for Nepal or something similar because you should definitely do some extensive research before you head abroad for such an extended period of time). If you have any other questions, feel free to email me at rebeka.geer@gmail.com. I love nothing more than helping my fellow travelers :)
I need one- BAD. I can’t believe how hard senioritis hit me this year. All I want to do is nothing…no homework, no class, no studying…is that too much to ask?
In shock, yet again…looks like I’m destined to be nothing but smiles this dreary Tuesday :)
I’ve been selected to present at the TEDxUGA event on March 22! I am absolutely honored to be given the opportunity to speak at such a high-caliber event. This is my chance to re-brand the image of foster children - to show society that we’re more than just “wards of the state.” We’re fighters…we’re leaders…and it’s time for our story to be heard.
December 25: Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha
(The building behind me is where the rock where Buddha was born can be found)
(No shoes allowed of course!)
(I had the pleasure of watching this Monk meditate in one of the monasteries and I was blown away by the way he passionately chanted his mantra. To witness such an intimate moment was breathtaking)
Dec 26-28: Pokhara street festival
(Once again, no words)
Dec 29-Jan 2: Kathmandu with Tika and his family
(Celebrating New Year in style! Momos and cake for everyone!)
Jan 3-6: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and surrounding cities
(Bhaktapur with Tika’s son, Pratap and big brother)
(Being blessed by the monkey god at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu)
Jan 7-8: Bungy Jumping at the Tibetan border
Jan 9: Departure for the States :(
Okay seriously you guys, where do I begin….
Nepal was the most enriching experience of my life. The culture, the lifestyle and the natural beauty of Nepal literally almost made my heart explode. My trip was about 5 weeks total and although I’m back in Georgia (and getting my butt kicked by my classes), every piece of my soul is still in Nepal. Here’s a quick run-through of my trip:
Dec 3-4: Arrived in Kathmandu, preparation day for Everest
Dec 5-17: Trekking in the Himalayas (Pumori Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Everest Base Camp.
(First view of Everest! It’s the second peak in from the left)
(One of the sweetest families I stayed with on the trek - they let me help make dinner with them and completely opened up their home to me)
(Everest Base Camp- 12/12/12 - words can’t describe)
Dec 18-24: Trekking from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park, Elephant Safari
(Eating Dhal Bhat in true Nepali style! On our trek to Chitwan, we paid locals to let us stay with them along the way - such a great opportunity to experience their culture)
(We rode elephants through the jungle and I was absolutely mesmerized by the beauty of such massive animals)
(After the jungle safari, I volunteered to help in an elephant bathing ceremony - the best way to spend Christmas Eve!!)
My mom sent me that message tonight. I called her shortly thereafter and she told me she relapsed again.
It’s crazy how much hurt a heart can take, but then at other times it just feels like a hollowed out hole in my chest. Tonight it felt empty. I think the reason it stopped hurting is because I stopped hoping for things to change. I got to a point where I just expected things to go south again and knowing that I let myself get to such a dark place really upsets me. I don’t ever want to go numb inside, no matter what.
She explained that she’s been sober for 64 days and she says she hit rock bottom this time. She was drinking everyday and when she would stop, she’d throw up. “I just got so sick this time,” she said, explaining how this was really the last time. “I would wake up and get a glass of wine just to settle my stomach.”
I know it’s a disease and I tell myself that relapsing is part of the healing process, but to hear her say that this is rock bottom is absolutely infuriating. You getting sick is rock bottom? How about you losing all your children and spending over a year in jail? No matter how hard I try I can never understand how her mind works.
I do respect her for telling me though, I know that must’ve been hard.
Mt. Everest
