the world watched

I woke up this morning to learn that I certainly wasn't alone last night in watching the election results come in hour by hour. Already, statements of support from political leaders both stateside and overseas are pouring in on day-one for the new president-elect. People and leaders of the world are hungry for an era of constructive dialogue and it is most encouraging.

In the past, I've often felt set-back internationally when trying to share my beliefs and worldview. I was all to often overshadowed by a reputation that preceded me via short news sound bytes of political leaders, headlines concerning foreign policy endeavors, and even music videos.

With more international conversation and dialogue from our very own president, it is my hope that we'll have a more positive and considerate reputation of collaboration that precedes us in the years to come.

from Salt City

Tonight I heard the stories of seven; all current residents of Syracuse but from many walks of life and stories between here and Cambodia, Macedonia, Mexico, Onondaga Nation, Cuba, and Sudan. The stage was taken not by actors, but by real neighbors in an interview-based stage production, Tales from the Salt City.

It was a narrative of heritage, adjustment, hardship, joy, and humor which brought warmth to the late-October night with their honesty. I too am settling into life in Syracuse, welcomed by the local voices that "carry us around the globe and bring us home with a more complete understanding of how the world out there is the world right here."

mornings and jajah

On a personal note, this comic is entirely too true:

It was sent to me this morning from one of my past roommates at 6:47 am. He now beats my morning routine by about 30-min and I'm sure he doesn't miss my repeated use of the snooze button before step 1.

For those of you looking for cheap international calls to stay in touch with friends around the world, someone told of this one: jajah.com
It uses existing cell and phone lines; calling both phones and then connecting you. It's a fraction of the cost and sometimes free depending on the paired countries.

kite festival

Never turn down the opportunity to go to a kite festival. There was one in Lowville this weekend, a perfect destination during my 3-day break from studies.

Some things just make one happy; perhaps it's simply the bright colors, the sun, the green grass, the autumn leaves and the blue sky. The only downside was that there wasn't enough wind to fly the larger house-sized kites. However, it didn't stop kids from making their own wind by sprinting up and down the field.

Sand Dams (part II)

I stumbled upon some amazing photos tonight! Within 3-months of visiting my friend Josh and the village communities in Dodoma, Tanzania, they've already constructed multiple sand dams to provide a more stable water supply for the upcoming year!

The dams are constructed and owned by the nearby villages with the help of MCC. Village water committees take ownership and contribute resources needed for construction. The design of the dams which hold back wet sludgy sand into the dry season originated in Kenya.

Check out more photos of the construction (and Josh's new puppy).

food of the market (part II)

I'm continuing to find the food I grew to love this past summer in Israel within walking distance of my apartment here in Syracuse, NY. Yesterday I ate at King David's with Stefan and Anjuli. Light food flavored with olives and cheese certainly hit the spot for the study-break.

Munjed's Middle Eastern Cafe is just up the street in the laid-back Westcott neighborhood niche. It'll be nice to go there some night for tabouleh and tea, especially once the Westcott Theater reopens later this month. It's currently being restored to its grandeur and will soon be showing independent and classic films.

My refrigerator is once again stocked with humus and whole olives. Sadly, I'm unable to get fresh pita daily from Afife's bakery, resorting to stocking up at Wegman's and freezing it for continued snacking.
Most importantly, I stumbled upon Samir's Imported Food's an hour ago, finding a store packed with zataar spices, sopping salty buckets of olives, and arab coffee with the scent of cardamom. Yes my friends, it's time to get my bling-bling coffee pot from Nazareth down from the shelf.

Intricate Relations of Anatomy

My instructor introduced the course as the study of "the intricate relations that lie just beneath the skin." Agreed. Knowing and seeing the physical structure alone opens up understanding of our body's ability to sustain, repair and grow. Many things are suddenly intuitive when one considers what lies beneath the skin
With much of the body understood via its construct, where to we place the inexplicable? I'm wary to separate it completely along with a non-physical mind.

Instead, I appreciate more now the awe of communicating with body language, novels becoming page turners, empathy causing our hearts to ache, political passion of candidates, and rhythm inclining us to dance. We don't need to understand the 'how' to realize their importance in our lives and get out there and enjoy the day.