Three months ago—in the middle of a global pandemic—I left the safety and security of my family, community, and well-paying job in California to move across the world to Tunisia. Here’s a glimpse into what I've learned in my first 90 days as a new IDEAS Associate.
What's Your Legacy?
Jul 26, 2021 11:21:02 AM Sarah Rymer Healthcare & Wellness, Education, Agriculture, Community Development, Business & Technology, Hope, interesting people, Life, Living Overseas, Transformation
A few years ago, I invited an American friend to come with me to visit my home country, South Korea. We both taught together at the same school in the Middle East. I was excited to see my friend fully enjoying the culture and people of South Korea.
How Sports Bring Cultures Together
Jul 20, 2021 10:32:34 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, Living Overseas, Relationships, Culture, community, Multiple Locations
After the Covid hiatus, international sports are back, and I’m enjoying them even more after numerous cancellations this past year resulting from the global pandemic. I’m aware now, more than ever, how much I love being connected to the rest of the world through sports.
God of Loss and Love
Jun 29, 2021 10:28:38 AM Sarah Rymer Hope, interesting people, Life, Living Overseas, Love, Relationships
Yesterday I unexpectedly found myself by a lone bench on an empty ocean front. A boat was just off the shore, solitary but securely anchored in the sea. I ached with the unexpected beauty, the symbolic solitude of the boat. I felt like this boat.
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.
When a Stiff Upper Lip Doesn't Cut the Mustard
Mar 15, 2021 11:54:29 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Life, Living Overseas, Learning
It hit me like a punch to the gut: news of another colleague moving on. However, rather than doubling over - the normal reaction to receiving a wallop to the entrails - I took a deep breath and turned to the next email in my inbox.
How to Pray for Your Nation
Mar 9, 2021 9:07:44 AM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Living Overseas, Tips, Lebanon, community
Many Americans are troubled by the state of the nation. It is an unusual feeling.
Cross-Cultural COVID: Working Internationally in a Global Pandemic
Feb 9, 2021 11:36:45 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, Living Overseas, Culture, Crisis
It’s been more than 100 years since the world has lived and worked through a global pandemic. What’s it like to live and work internationally during a worldwide pandemic?
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. . .
How Exercising Changed Everything
Nov 16, 2020 11:32:44 AM Sarah Rymer Healthcare & Wellness, Jordan, Education, Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Living Overseas, community
Growing up, I never liked sports. I was one of those girls who was slow at running and afraid of dodge ball in P.E. class. Thankfully, I was gifted in music. Somehow that compensated my lack of interests in sports. “It’s OK because I am good at music,” I thought.