How to Help Immigrants and Refugees

As an immigrant myself this issue is close to my heart. I cannot fully identify with refugees or economic immigrants. I did not move out of personal need, but for ministry. I also have dual citizenship. But I understand moving to an foreign country. And we have also worked with refugees here. Even unofficially “adopting”ContinueContinue reading “How to Help Immigrants and Refugees”

These Hard Times: Time to Reset?

At the risk of sounding like a doomsday prophet I’d say that difficult times are upon us and bound to get worse. Financial woes, unstable governments, pandemics, alarming Great Resets, crumbling values. There are also existential threats to health and the environment, according to experts. Indeed, on our summer treks people everyone everywhere spoke ofContinueContinue reading “These Hard Times: Time to Reset?”

One-Bag Travel: Packing List

When I talk about why we Travel With Just One Carry-on each, I also share that traveling with so little once seemed an impossible proposition. I like being prepared for anything. And as an organizer and champion list maker, I’d jot down everything I thought might be useful, and then drag it along. Only toContinueContinue reading “One-Bag Travel: Packing List”

The Old Auntie’s Kerchief: The Power of Love

I can still see her, old and frail, limping up the steep hill with her homemade canes. “What do you have there, Zia (Auntie)?” my Hubby asked, pointing at the mesh bag on her kerchief-covered head. I just gaped, wondering how many nasty things had been on that seldom-washed, filthy headscarf! “Oh rabbit droppings for myContinueContinue reading “The Old Auntie’s Kerchief: The Power of Love”

Tradition and Cultural Adaptation

Adapting to different cultures is usually difficult and confusing, and quite challenging. Take the standard Italian greeting of a kiss on both cheeks. It’s really not as standard as you might think. Because many people here only touch cheek to cheek while kissing the air. And in many business or formal settings, a kiss onContinueContinue reading “Tradition and Cultural Adaptation”

Our Towns: Where is Home?

Our Towns is really our Tale of Two Houses. Ah, the complex fascination of life overseas (challenging, frustrating, but so blessed)! In fact, new acquaintances often ask, “So where are you from?” Our response? “Um, do you have an easier question?” So, to cut a long story short… Having lived all over the USA and Italy, with aContinueContinue reading “Our Towns: Where is Home?”