Fresh Perspective

I never dreamed I would live in the Middle East. I had no desire to live in the Middle East. Not even one little drop of curiosity. Only fear and complete lack of interest were my emotions. So, imagine, that in the past 2 months I have spent the better part of a week in 5 different Middle East countries. Each one, uniquely delighting my heart and awakening new dreams that I never imagined could take place. I will share a few quick glimpses of precious encounters in each country. Dubai was the first country.  It’s glitz and glamour were a striking contrast to Lebanon’s raw and real . I was in long days of training there, but on one evening gracious hosts took us to eat overlooking the amazing fountain displays and laser shows. In addition, we snuck in a day at the impressive World Expo. However, the highlight was meeting up with my cousin Aaron who lives and works in downtown Dubai. My Uncle and Aunt had just flown in from...

A five-minute drive from my home took me to the narrow alley way of Duaa. In between tall buildings and tight spaces, filled with too much humanity and buildings in disrepair, I climb the dark stair well to Duaa’s apartment. Our phone lights were needed to keep us from stumbling up the stairs. I quickly take in electric wires dangling everywhere, the laundry drying in-between buildings and a lone plant struggling to find light. Her warm greetings rang out, even before the humble apartment door opened. We kiss each other on the cheeks. Twice on each side. Duaa is our newest lady to join the Woven Dignity team.  She has 3 children (ten years old to two) and a husband who works for substandard pay as a car mechanic. They fled Syria ten years ago because of the war and have lived from week to week, sometimes day to day, in refugee status ever since. Ten years is a long time to live with the label refugee. Ten years is too long to live with not enough. Ten years is n...

 It’s Valentine’s Day and my husband has flown away to another Middle Eastern country. Strategically, before he left, I asked if we could stop at the flower shop and buy some flowers. See, I had already decided that if for some reason Darron didn’t get me flowers before he left, that I would just go and get my own, but that seemed even more selfish than asking for some. He willingly obliged. What else could he do? (giggle) This is love, 25 years in. It is not perfect. But the love that I have discovered in and through Darron must be proclaimed loudly. Lest you think I am going to speak more about the love in our marriage, that is not going to be the focus. Rather as my husband is supposed to mirror the love of God…it is in this imperfect reflection that I have learned so much more about God.  I will share 5 of the most precious glimpses of God that I have seen.  There are many more, 5 will be enough for this Valentine’s Day… #1. Darron pursues people. He especially p...

 It was a typical visit to my refugee friend’s home. We laughed. We caught up on their latest joys and challenges. We laughed some more. We shared food (an absolute Middle Eastern must). They delighted in the warm used socks I brought them. Then they placed something unusual on the little coffee table covered with a brightly unsewn cloth. It was a shower head and a tap. They proceeded to explain that their current ones had broken completely off and that they could no longer function in their bathroom. They complained that no one would come and help them, even though they offered to pay a handyman. I knew that I was not talented in bathroom fixture installation. My husband was travelling. My mind wandered through a list of possible men that could help…but they were all unavailable. If there is ever a time that I feel powerless as a woman, it is when I don’t know how to fix or deal with a problem that I consider a man’s job. With a husband who travels often, I ...