Category Archives: humanitarian work

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

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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

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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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How can humanity…?

I was just looking through my twitter feed and learned about the bombing in Benghazi today. To be specific, a hospital in Benghazi. At least 2 children dead, they’re saying. But it’s hard for me to react the way such news … Continue reading

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the ironies

Did you know that I left Cairo the day before their famed Arab Spring protests began? I’d been there for a conference and was staying right in the city centre - where the protests happened. Then I moved back to … Continue reading

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A quote from Pope Benedict

As you most likely have heard by now, the first Pope in more than a thousand years has retired. I appreciate his wisdom in accepting his physical limits. In fact, my respect for Pope Benedict only increased during the years … Continue reading

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Young men festering - Syrian refugees in Jordan

I had the opportunity to chat recently with someone who works with Syrian refugees. The project he works on provides meaningful educational and social activities for Syrian youth. To my amazement, he said that his largest concern is the young … Continue reading

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a glimpse into the world of Malian refugees in Burkina

I may have mentioned that during my time in Burkina Faso, I travelled up to the border with Mali and visited some amazing projects to support Malian refugees fleeing the ongoing unrest in their home country. It was a bit … Continue reading

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