Author Archives: admin

Coming to Grips with Beautiful Israel and Charming Palestine

(popping by after a full year’s silence to share about a recent culturtwining adventure that was particularly poignant to me) My aunt was a fervent supporter of Israel. I, on the other hand, have spent my entire career surrounded by … Continue reading

Posted in hope, humanitarian work, Religion, travel | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

My opinion about the World Vision same-sex marriage controversy this week

I’m not really into politics and controversy, and I generally work really hard to avoid having - or, at least, voicing - a strong opinion about issues that get people all-riled-up. I try to spend more energy trying to figure … Continue reading

Posted in Causes, humanitarian work | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Tomorrow - Chasing Misery Book Event - if you’re in East London, come!

This is the first live discussion about the book Chasing Misery, and I’m honoured that we are hosting it at my university. I think it’s a must-read for people like my students, who are considering a career in traveling around … Continue reading

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I attended the #WithSyria Vigil today - #Pray for Syria

This evening at sundown, in cities all around the world, people gathered in remembrance of the three-year anniversary of the Syria conflict. I attended the vigil in London’s Trafalgar Square, where we had a light show, children’s voices on the … Continue reading

Posted in adjusting to London, Causes, Dreams in the Medina | Tagged | Leave a comment

Evil and Perversion, Redemption and Beauty (part 3)

I’ve written about evil and beauty and perversion this week. There is so much more I could say about these things. Stories to tell, pictures to recreate in words. Experiences, memories. The depth of human depravity and the glory of … Continue reading

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Evil and Perversion, Redemption and Beauty (part 2)

So reading a book written by other women-like-me has had me reflecting on the things I’ve seen and lived in these past years. The way in which it has shaped my outlook on the world. As I read these essays, … Continue reading

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Evil and Perversion, Redemption and Beauty (part 1)

I’m working my way through an advance copy of a book entitled Chasing Misery. It’s an anthology of essays written by women aid workers about the humanitarian life. I’m thrilled to be a contributor. The essays are good, really good, … Continue reading

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Book Club Questions

Are you in a book club? If so, this is for you! My Dream for Dreams in the Medina is that it spark empathy and discussion about the beautiful diverse cultures of Syria. And I’ve been told that it actually … Continue reading

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Dreams in the Medina is officially launching!

Dreams in the Medina is “officially” launching! Please come and bring a friend (or, if you’re not in London, tell a friend in London to come, it’s going to be great!)… 12 December 2013, between 7 and 9 p.m. House … Continue reading

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Mourning Sham

With each day that passes, I feel further removed from Syria. But I still have dear friends there, and am privileged to be in touch with them several times a week. They are so dear to me, and they are … Continue reading

Posted in Dreams in the Medina, Syrians who have inspired me | 1 Comment