We had just prepared our letter to loved ones in America. Corona is spreading everywhere, I wrote, but we are on lockdown, and perhaps safer here than we would be in the States. We have money, food, and good relations with neighbors. We plan to stick it out here.

Sometimes I can’t handle life anymore. It’s overwhelming, like a mountain I’m constantly climbing. There seems to be no end.

If you are like me, you are receiving daily emails from every airline you’ve ever flown explaining all that they are doing to keep you safe if you travel with them. With constantly changing news and health and travel advisories, perhaps you, like many in IDEAS, have been forced to rethink or change your upcoming travel plans, conference attendance, and daily ...

I've heard it many times. When people learn that I work overseas they say, "You're living my dream." That may be true. People dream of the adventure of travel and living in a new place. I get to live in Jordan, a fascinating place with a long history, friendly people, and delicious food. But I've learned that those who last the longest overseas have ...

Although we’re already halfway through the month of January, you may still be thinking about your goals for 2020 and for this new decade. Hopefully, you’ve not already given up on your New Year’s resolutions! As you think about the changes you’d like to make, maybe you are focused on the usual: losing weight, getting more exercise, or spending less time on ...

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. 

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.

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 ...

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. . .

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.