How a Professional Community in Jordan Weathered the Pandemic
Aug 24, 2021 10:28:53 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Education, IDEAS projects, Relationships, Learning, community, Transformation
“To see transformed lives in communities of contagious hope” is IDEAS' vision, but what does community look like in reality?
Mirrors and Doors: Books for TCKs
May 24, 2021 12:02:01 PM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Education, Children, Families, IDEAS projects, Learning, Culture
As a librarian, I love to see the excitement when readers discover books with characters who are like them. Third-culture kids (TCKs) have a unique identity, not tied to any one place, growing up in one or more countries that are not their passport country.
Staying Behind: 5 Ways to Embrace Where You Are
Apr 19, 2021 11:04:25 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Education, IDEAS projects, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
Spring is my least favorite season of the year. Why? It’s allergy season, the season of sneezing and itchy eyes and generally not feeling great. This was true in Colorado; it’s worse in Jordan, where I’ve discovered that I’m allergic to olive pollen.
The Value of Unproductivity
Mar 29, 2021 12:01:34 PM Sarah Rymer Jordan, interesting people, Life, Living Overseas, Relationships, Culture, Transformation
Life is full of encounters that mold us and mature us. For me, experiences that have molded me and matured me are often accompanied with humility.
3 Recipes Around the World
Mar 1, 2021 9:51:26 AM Sarah Rymer Thailand, Jordan, Tunisia, Culture, community
Explore the world and countries where IDEAS professionals work by creating and savoring these recipes from the Middle East, Thailand, and North Africa! Enjoy!
4 Tips to Adjust to a New Neighborhood
Feb 23, 2021 10:25:12 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Education, IDEAS projects, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
“Where can I make a phone call?” I asked my roommate who had lived in Casablanca for a year longer than I had. “There are no pay phones here,” she replied. Hmmm, I thought. Many people in the city don’t have the money for cell phones. How do they make calls?
The Power of Small Seeds
Feb 2, 2021 10:00:17 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Education, Hope, IDEAS projects, Learning, Culture, community, Transformation
The beginning of a new year is a time to look back. In spite of all the challenges, there have also been many moments of rejoicing. I’ve seen small seeds of change begin to take root and new doors open.
Best Books of 2020
Dec 21, 2020 10:53:32 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Education, Hope, IDEAS projects, Learning, Culture, community, Transformation
Books change lives. Several years ago, I was visiting a library here in Jordan. As the librarian and I talked, a high-school student approached us and showed us a book, saying, “This book changed my life.” The book was "Quiet Power" by Susan Cain. In a very extroverted culture, this student had always thought something was ...
Advent in the Time of Covid
Dec 15, 2020 10:39:45 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Living Overseas, Celebration, Transformation
Although the world is weary, the thrill of Hope is real this Christmas season. During this time of Advent, this time of waiting for salvation to arrive, we asked an IDEAS Associate to share glimpses of Hope in the weariness of waiting. . .
4 Tips for Celebrating Corona Holidays
Dec 7, 2020 11:07:42 AM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Education, IDEAS projects, Life, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
In the midst of this challenging year, I had a great Thanksgiving. Our IDEAS community here in Jordan gathered for dinner, as we usually do. The difference this year?