How to Leave the Land of the Familiar
May 13, 2019 2:31:21 PM Sarah Rymer Life, Living Overseas, travel, Learning, Culture
Leaving the land of the familiar sounds like traveling to me. Stepping into the unknown, the foreign. Leaving the known, the familiar.
How Clean Water Transforms Villages in China
May 6, 2019 1:10:34 PM Sarah Rymer China, Community Development, Hope, IDEAS projects, Transformation
Most of China's population live in large, modern cities full of skyscrapers, newly built highways, and modern technology. But in the rural villages of central and western China life is very different.
Signs of New Life
Apr 29, 2019 11:43:47 AM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, Love, Relationships, community, Transformation
This time of year I’m reminded of how life springs forth from the dry and barren ground and from trees that appear to be dead, like they will never come back to life. This reality reminds me that new life is always preparing to emerge unexpectedly from whatever loss or death I'm experiencing.
Why Should I Join IDEAS? Here's Why!
Apr 22, 2019 11:35:59 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, interesting people, Living Overseas, Organization, Relationships, Volunteer, work, Hospitality, community, Transformation
"So, why should I join IDEAS?" I love this question. In fact, I never get tired of it because it is the exact question a possible volunteer or long-term Associate should be asking.
8 Ways to Be the Ideal Overseas Guest
Apr 15, 2019 12:03:01 PM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, Living Overseas, Tips, travel, Learning, Hospitality, Culture, Transformation
Recently while in Jordan visiting some of our IDEAS Associates, I was reminded of practical ways to be a respectful guest while visiting or working in a country outside the U.S. Here are some travel tips that will make you a welcome guest.
How to Grow in the Grief of Childhood Transition
Apr 8, 2019 2:23:56 PM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Living Overseas, Learning, Culture, Transformation
There is loss in leaving, and adults come to know it quickly. Experienced overseas workers learn how to make immediate friendships, grieve good-byes, and move on to the next wave of arrivals. There is a cycle, and most of us are transient. You get used to it.
What's Next for You?
Apr 1, 2019 1:16:29 PM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Living Overseas, Learning, Culture, Transformation
One evening, 17 years ago, I was out walking my dog, and I began processing my life. That particular evening, I started thinking about my calling and my future.
What Is My Purpose? An Engineer's Response
Mar 25, 2019 12:50:29 PM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Agriculture, IDEAS projects, Living Overseas, Relationships, community
Why do I work? Am I having an impact? Is my work worth something? These are questions we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives. We want to know we are working towards something more than just a way to earn a living. That our work has some greater value. When I took a position in Jordan with IDEAS, I had no idea how important these questions would ...
5 Ways to Change Your Mindset
Mar 18, 2019 3:19:50 PM Sarah Rymer Hope, Life, Living Overseas, Relationships, Learning, Culture, community
Our thoughts and mindset determine how we view life, learning, and failure. Our minds are always observing and deciphering what's happening around us and what we need to do as a result. Sometimes we interpret life through a certain lens or particular mindset.
A Happy Cart-Pusher: How I Work with Refugees
Mar 12, 2019 12:19:28 PM Sarah Rymer Cyprus, Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Relationships, Hospitality, Culture, community, Transformation
We asked an IDEAS Associate, who recently began working with our refugee project in Cyprus, to share how serving refugees has transformed her life.