Bag of Photographs
Jan 7, 2020 10:53:16 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, interesting people, Life, Lebanon, Hospitality, Culture, community
Delicately my friend sets a well-used plastic shopping bag in front of us on the floor. We’ve been sitting for a while on a piece of folded old carpet and drinking strong tea out of miniature glasses. The plastic bag is stuffed with old photographs.
Celebrating Christmas Far from Home
Dec 23, 2019 1:43:27 PM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Life, Living Overseas, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
Spending Christmas far from home, away from friends and family can be hard. And it can feel a bit surreal celebrating Christmas in a country where it’s not an official holiday. Yet, this distance means that unexpected signs of Christmas turn into precious gifts. Some of my favorite Christmas memories come from living abroad.
...
Reflections on My First Year Living Overseas
Dec 9, 2019 12:08:47 PM Sarah Rymer Bangladesh, Children, Families, Life, Living Overseas, Love, Culture, community
It’s official! We’ve reached the one-year mark. One year ago, my husband, our three young kids, and I – along with 13 suitcases of everything we owned – boarded a plane and moved to South Asia, where we’ve lived, worked, and learned for 12 months now. As I reflect upon taking this giant leap of faith this time last year, I find myself stuck in a world of ...
Thank You from Around the World
Dec 2, 2019 12:44:50 PM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, community, Transformation, Multiple Locations
Hope is transforming communities around the world! 15,000+ marginalized people are receiving healthcare, clean water, better farming techniques, quality education, & life skills through IDEAS projects. Thank you from those whose hope is being restored worldwide through these projects. . .
...
The Selfless Love of a Refugee Boy
Nov 25, 2019 11:55:47 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, interesting people, Life, Lebanon, Hospitality, Culture, community
Wearily, his mom leaves the family’s one-room home at the bottom of the apartment building to walk to the store. Her preteen son quietly sneaks out the door and peeks around the building corner to make sure that his mother is not turning back for something she forgot. He already knows that his father is away.
What's Your Name?
Oct 21, 2019 11:15:50 AM Sarah Rymer Cyprus, Hope, IDEAS projects, Relationships, community, Transformation
As soon as the doors open at the refugee center, people start streaming in, a barrage of needs and desperate requests: “I can’t get food coupons.” “Can I take English classes?” “I need clothing.” “The hospital won’t help me.” “I don’t have a place to live.” Each request is a reminder of the sheer numbers of refugees and the limited resources ...
How to Talk Expat
Sep 16, 2019 11:51:45 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Life, Living Overseas, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
Recently I realized I’ve learned another language. No, not Turkish, French, or Arabic, although I’ve learned each of those to varying degrees of proficiency. I guess it’s not actually another language I’m learning, but a dialect I call Expat.
10 Habits to Boost Your Ability to Flourish
Aug 26, 2019 12:38:05 PM Sarah Rymer Life, Living Overseas, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
Overseas living is like playing an old familiar game of life, but the rules are completely changed. How do I gain competence? How do I progress? How do I “play fairly?”
5 Ways Change Can Transform
Aug 12, 2019 10:31:39 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, IDEAS projects, Life, Living Overseas, Learning, Culture, community, Transformation
Several years ago, the possibility of taking my family overseas to a new country became a reality. Since then, our lives have been anything but predictable. Looking back, if I had known what I know now, I would not have been filled with doubt, fear, and hesitation. Instead, I would have been filled with expectation and excitement.
...
Moving Overseas with Children: Inevitable Losses & Surprising Gains
Jul 1, 2019 11:43:54 AM Sarah Rymer Bangladesh, Children, Families, Life, Living Overseas, Love, Culture, community
For nearly a year before our family moved overseas, my mind was constantly processing the losses my young children would soon experience.