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.
3 Reasons Why I Joined IDEAS
Jan 25, 2021 9:35:30 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, interesting people, Life, Relationships, Learning, community
I feel incredibly privileged to be with IDEAS! My husband and I joined IDEAS in 1999, specifically because we embraced its vision to see transformed lives in communities of contagious hope.
Are You a Cultural Critic or a Cultural Learner?
Jan 18, 2021 11:08:10 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, Life, Tips, travel, Learning, Culture
Are you like me, just waiting for the world to open up so you can travel again? Can you hardly wait to buy that next airline ticket to take you overseas? I really get that. I’m right there with you. In the meantime, I’m learning to evaluate how I view the cultures of the places that I long to visit and to become better prepared to fully enjoy those cultures.
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Practicing What I Learned in 2020
Jan 11, 2021 8:21:16 AM Sarah Rymer Hope, Tips, Learning, community, Transformation
2020 was a year of reminders for many of us, including the fragility of humanity, the necessity of community, and the unpredictability of life. Entering into 2021, I've been thinking about how to put into practice what I learned in 2020.
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 ...
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?
Facing My Expat Privilege
Aug 10, 2020 9:09:41 AM Sarah Rymer Education, IDEAS projects, Learning, Culture
Even though life abroad has many challenges, there’s a reality we often don’t talk about. I’ve recently been reminded that I benefit from a certain favorable bias or privilege afforded to me as a white, English-speaking foreigner living overseas.
5 Tips to Thrive
Jul 13, 2020 9:53:51 AM Sarah Rymer Life, Living Overseas, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
Transitions are hard, and they're also opportunities for transformation. Many of us are in the midst of transition, whether adjusting to a new normal, undergoing a life change, switching jobs, working from home, or living overseas. Whatever your new normal may be, here are 5 tips to help you thrive!
6 Ways IDEAS Cultivates Professional Development
Jun 29, 2020 10:17:54 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, interesting people, Living Overseas, Organization, Tips, work, Learning
When I first joined IDEAS, I was unsure of what the next six years of my professional life would look like. I kept hearing the lie in my head that said people might think I was giving up on my professional development because I could not find a job in America. This lie came from the fear of the unknown about my ...