Surplus in a Season of Scarcity
Nov 15, 2021 9:29:08 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Agriculture, Life, Living Overseas, Learning, Transformation
As a team working for holistic transformation among farmers in North Africa, the challenge is to find practices and solutions that will prove sustainable and lasting. During a season of scarcity, when addressing challenges in the short-term proves complex and difficult, it has been easy to question what, if any, difference our work is ...
Dignity for Those with Disabilities
Oct 4, 2021 12:57:56 PM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Community Development, Hope, IDEAS projects, interesting people, Life, Living Overseas, Culture, Transformation
As a new IDEAS Associate, I’m still settling into my role as Director of Projects for one of our international partners in Tunisia. Recently, I asked one of the Project Managers what had inspired his passion for helping people with disabilities work towards greater autonomy.
Compost: Transformation Accomplished
Sep 7, 2021 10:49:06 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Agriculture, Life, Living Overseas, Learning, Transformation
True or false? “If you’re a fan of compost, you’re a believer in holistic transformation.”
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.
4 Tips to Transition Well
Jun 14, 2021 11:04:34 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Hope, Life, Relationships, Tips, community
This season of life is a time of transition for many of us as the school year ends, as life opens back up, as new opportunities become available, and as many people relocate. Any transition involves ending one chapter well in order to step into a new beginning.
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.
3 Recipes Around the World
Mar 1, 2021 9:51:26 AM Sarah Rymer Thailand, Jordan, Tunisia, Culture, community
Explore the world and countries where IDEAS professionals work by creating and savoring these recipes from the Middle East, Thailand, and North Africa! Enjoy!
How Hope Opens New Possibilities
Nov 2, 2020 10:42:31 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Hope, Life, Transformation
Hopelessness is the ultimate adversary of humankind. Hopelessness brings anguish, doubt, and fear. However, hope is stronger than fear. Hope conquers anguish, doubt, and fear and brings transformation.
My Thoughts Before You Go
Feb 10, 2020 9:39:33 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Children, Families, Living Overseas, Love, Relationships
Today it hit me, wells of emotions came rushing from nowhere and shook me from the inside out. My son is going away from his family core to begin his own life away from us, away from what we call home at this moment in time.
Daily Miracles on the Metro
Oct 7, 2019 9:21:31 AM Sarah Rymer Tunisia, Hope, Living Overseas, travel, Culture, Transformation
My very first language class was held downtown between the hours of 8:00pm and 10:00pm. My supervisor was less than thrilled. I was on my own, new to the country, and finding my way around the city.