I was invited to write the following commentary for The Indianapolis Star's Faith Forum column on Saturday, August 11, 2012. The positive feedback has been tremendous; I've already been told that it was discussed at length at a local Quaker meeting, and a professor at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indy will use it as required …
Hassan Al-Deeyafeh (“Peeling Oranges” Series)
The green, stone-strewn hills beckoned us out of the city and welcomed us into their fields, bursting with yellow flowers and fed by a gushing stream. As two friends and I descended into the valley, passing homes and shops, children waved hello while washing their goats, and men took long strides to catch up with …
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Taxi Rides at Maghrib
After my first day at the university a few weeks ago, I jumped into a cab with a friend at dusk, stressed and tired from the long day. My mind was reeling with the new situation and setting, preoccupied with the computer problems I was having. But as I settled into the back seat, the …
What’s in a name?: Jordan goes to Jordan
Written January 23, 2012 Today is my first full day in Amman, Jordan. During my four months studying abroad here, my blog will continue to serve as a place where I post stories and reflections, which will no doubt be enhanced by my new location, activities, and acquaintances. I think it's appropriate to begin this …
Why you should care about the National Defense Authorization Act
*This is a long post. But its length reflects the importance of its topic. I hope this discussion communicates the complexity of the NDAA and the significance of the law’s implications. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law by President Obama on December 31. This bill is passed yearly to determine the …
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