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.
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 ...
Preparing to Launch
Feb 5, 2019 11:33:36 AM Sarah Rymer Children, Hope, Life, Living Overseas, Relationships, Learning
I’ve found myself in a new season of life. One characterized by wings, wrestling, tears, and blessing.
Start Something New, and Be Brave
Jan 22, 2019 2:18:13 PM Sarah Rymer Hope, IDEAS projects, Life, Relationships, Learning, community, Transformation
What is something new you’d like to try this year? Visiting a new country? Starting a new hobby? Joining a new group? Starting a new relationship? Learning a new skill? Stepping into a new career? Or stepping into your current career in new ways?