… watching for the brushstrokes of God
I am from Iran
9 yards of black polyester
slowly invisibly suffocating
anger waiting to explode
amidst beautiful, hospitable people
picnics by the side of the road
fragrant rice, gourmeye sabzi, shirin-e pollow
pulling my chador off while walking into the airplane –
leaving … to Fairouz singing …. kifak inta? (how are you?)
Where have you found challenge and beauty together in one place?
I am from Κοβρος – (Cyprus)
stepping off the plane –
breathing deeply… letting go
ocean blue nourishing the soul
Lebanese Cheese pies in the Ayia Napa Monastery
resting, belonging, connecting
laughter, food, friends
nourishing, sustaining, renewing
What refreshes your soul? When or where do you breathe deeply?
I am from the old city of Damascus
dusty, ancient, vibrant,
Christian, Jewish, Muslim
narrow alleys winding, twisting, intersecting
shaded oasis within
filled with the smell of jasmine
dinners on the roof – allah u akbar
What dust do you have on your feet? What cultures have added color and flavor to your life?
I am from AMBS
dwelling within the word
a seminary, a community,
spiritual friends searching together
sunshine under cloudy Indiana skies
empowered, nudged and commissioned
Who has empowered you?
AMBS is Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana.
I am from The Hermitage
A barn remodeled
for silent encounters with God
rustic, beautiful, at peace
people on a journey
formed, held, beloved
called, sent…holy ground
Where and how have you been shaped?
The Hermitage is a retreat center in southern Michigan.
I am from a culture with rhythms
biking, walking, resting
vacations at the beach or the mountains with a lake
lost in my room with a book
traveling the world
What rhythms have shaped you?
With the Eyes of the Heart 