Moldova and Uganda Part II: A Deeper Listening is Necessary
Moldova update (I will write later on Uganda) The purpose of my trip to Moldova in September and October was to deepen my understanding of the culture and region of Moldova and to assess whether or not there is a future project that could make a sustainable difference. Progress was made in deepening my understanding […]
To Notice
The desire to be noticed is human. Perhaps it is in our DNA. Perhaps it is part of the attraction of Facebook? We so desire to be noticed, appreciated, and to know that our time here has made a difference. So if you notice that you have some urge to be noticed, let go of […]
It Really Takes Courage
We begin to grow old from the moment we lose hope and the spirit of challenge, when we become self-satisfied or grow resigned to our present circumstances. ~ Daisaku Ikeda When I awoke this morning my thoughts where of the many good things happening in our community. Yes, we have many challenges before us. And […]
Moments of Gratitude
Let’s take a moment and to do an inventory of what we have to appreciate. Pay attention to the moment. Search and notice what there is to appreciate. No matter what the circumstances, if we pay close attention we will find something to be grateful for, to appreciate. Take action by actually appreciating. We can […]
The Gift
Think of the people in your life. Even those you are having difficulty with. Pick one of them. Write them a letter, create a card to send, a piece of art, something to encourage the person you have chosen. You may or may not send it. In fact, in some instances it might be best […]
The Face of Hope: Part II
My interest in the topic of hope began in the fall of 2011. I was looking for a thesis question as part of my graduate school program. Condensing my thesis question into one sentence was seeming almost impossible. I was looking for a question that would work cross-culturally, offer simplicity, and yet have some depth. This […]
Moldova: Creating hope (video)
This video is part of my graduate school thesis project in Community Counseling at Northwest Christian University. The question guiding my thesis work was, “How do we create hope in the face of distressing circumstances?” Moldova was the focus of this thesis. Our team to Moldova consisted of two professors and seven graduate students from […]
Change
Notes from my journal: Interdependence is more important than independence. Rather than creating a safe environment look to develop courage and compassion. The path is not always safe. People do not care how much you know about them once they know how much you care. Choose adventure and service over safety and self-interest. Choose collaboration […]
Take a moment
The past is a memory. Draw richly from it… with gratitude. And the future, my you draw forth hope and possibility. Is your past one of beauty and light? No matter how it may appear, you get to choose. It may not be easy. It may take a heart willing to shine the light of […]
Moldova: The Faces of Hope trailer
This is a video trailer for a project related to my graduate work in counseling. The photos and video were taken in Moldova (Eastern Europe). Moldova: The Face of Hope trailer