How to Raise Your CQ
Jan 20, 2020 12:24:19 PM Sarah Rymer Life, Living Overseas, Relationships, Tips, Learning, Culture, Multiple Locations
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 ...
Keeping Grandparents Connected While Living Overseas
Jan 13, 2020 1:07:32 PM Sarah Rymer Children, Families, Living Overseas, Relationships, Tips, Technology
When my wife and I moved to Asia with our two boys many years ago, we knew that the only communication we would have with our family would be through letters. There would be the occasional phone call, but phone calls were expensive and the sound quality was poor. Our parents would experience their grandchildren growing up only though photographs and ...
What's Your Name?
Oct 21, 2019 11:15:50 AM Sarah Rymer Cyprus, Hope, IDEAS projects, Relationships, community, Transformation
As soon as the doors open at the refugee center, people start streaming in, a barrage of needs and desperate requests: “I can’t get food coupons.” “Can I take English classes?” “I need clothing.” “The hospital won’t help me.” “I don’t have a place to live.” Each request is a reminder of the sheer numbers of refugees and the limited resources ...
Holistic Care for Survivors of Trafficking
Sep 30, 2019 2:08:30 PM Sarah Rymer Healthcare & Wellness, Hope, IDEAS projects, Relationships, Transformation, Multiple Locations
Recently I led a weekend training workshop with a group that does outreach to sex workers in a nearby city. I always prepare to address self-care, boundaries, and other personal growth topics with the groups I’m training.
A Card Game and a Picnic: A Refugee Story
Jun 17, 2019 12:33:27 PM Sarah Rymer Cyprus, Hope, IDEAS projects, Relationships, community, Transformation
The first day I met "Karla," she was sitting at a table in a class I was substituting. Her eyes were big and fearful of this strange American teacher who had just walked in.
Signs of New Life
Apr 29, 2019 11:43:47 AM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, Love, Relationships, community, Transformation
This time of year I’m reminded of how life springs forth from the dry and barren ground and from trees that appear to be dead, like they will never come back to life. This reality reminds me that new life is always preparing to emerge unexpectedly from whatever loss or death I'm experiencing.
Why Should I Join IDEAS? Here's Why!
Apr 22, 2019 11:35:59 AM Sarah Rymer IDEAS projects, interesting people, Living Overseas, Organization, Relationships, Volunteer, work, Hospitality, community, Transformation
"So, why should I join IDEAS?" I love this question. In fact, I never get tired of it because it is the exact question a possible volunteer or long-term Associate should be asking.
What Is My Purpose? An Engineer's Response
Mar 25, 2019 12:50:29 PM Sarah Rymer Jordan, Agriculture, IDEAS projects, Living Overseas, Relationships, community
Why do I work? Am I having an impact? Is my work worth something? These are questions we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives. We want to know we are working towards something more than just a way to earn a living. That our work has some greater value. When I took a position in Jordan with IDEAS, I had no idea how important these questions would ...
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.