How to Survive Culture Stress
Jun 24, 2019 2:28:58 PM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Life, Living Overseas, Tips, Learning, Culture, community
I recently experienced culture stress. The situation: the purchase of a new refrigerator and the fact that it took two weeks for it to be delivered, which meant two weeks of storing my food at my neighbors’ house and two weeks of rearranging my schedule to be available on days the refrigerator might be delivered. This ordeal led me to think about culture shock, ...
Giving Birth Overseas. . .One of My Best Decisions
Jun 3, 2019 1:27:19 PM Sarah Rymer China, Children, Families, Life, Living Overseas, community
The first time I walked into JinXiNanFang Hospital I was eight weeks pregnant.
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 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.
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.
Top 10 Health Tips for Travel
Mar 5, 2019 12:49:12 PM Sarah Rymer Healthcare & Wellness, Life, Living Overseas, travel
Becoming sick or injured while traveling or living internationally can be an upsetting experience. Here are a few tips to help you prepare before traveling.
With You in the Moment: A Refugee Woman's Story
Feb 26, 2019 1:21:24 PM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, interesting people, Life, Relationships, Lebanon, Learning, Hospitality, Culture, community
With thumb and forefinger she wipes the tears welling up in her eyes. . .
Trauma-Informed Care: A Personal Look
Feb 12, 2019 12:26:47 PM Sarah Rymer Thailand, Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Relationships, community, Transformation
I talk and teach a lot about “trauma-informed care.” Trauma-informed care basically means care (provided by anyone) informed by the knowledge of the science of what trauma does to the brain and body as well as the nuances of what this might look like emotionally and socially. This approach shifts away from the question of “What’s wrong with this person?” to a ...