July 2010
4 posts
My Research Available Online!
Last semester, I wrote a conflict report on Somalia for my Politics of War and Peace class, which is part of the Peace and Justice Program at The University of San Francisco. My work, along with that of several of my peers, is now available on the program’s website at Peace & Justice Studies. If you’re interested, you can find it along the right hand column under my last name.
“We must treat Christianity with a great deal more intellectual respect than is...”
– T.S. Eliot, The Idea of a Christian Society
WatchFrom CallMeBarbara.com
June 2010
1 post
“Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.”
– Unknown
May 2010
2 posts
Sorry Dora, You're Not Welcome Anymore →
Bad Ideas in Aid →
February 2010
2 posts
“Open your newspaper- any day of the week- and you will find a report from...”
– Peter Benenson, 1961
January 2010
4 posts
WatchThe danger of a single story
Some Thoughts on Development from Wangari Maathai
“‘Development’ doesn’t only entail the acquisition of material things, although everyone should have enough to live with dignity and without fear of starvation or becoming homeless. Instead, it is a means of achieving a quality of life that is sustainable, and of allowing the expression of the full range of creativity and humanity. …I was reminded of the traditional...
Does Africa Need Me or do I Need Her?
Today was the first day of Spring semester, and I’m already feeling the weight of it. Not because my classes have any heavier work load, or crazy hours, but because of the content. My spirit is heavy with the same heaviness I feel when I watch the news reports about Haiti or spend a couple days wandering around Manila. The feeling of being helpless. Of not being able to do enough. Or...
Consider This
What is the gospel? I know, I know, I should know the answer to this question, right? But when is the last time you really stopped to think about it? Is it simply, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so,” or is there more to it than that? We call the first four books of the New Testament “The Gospel According to Matthew,” “The Gospel According to...
February 2009
1 post
Learning to Live as God Intended, or Life Lessons...
Here I am, back in Guatemala City again. It’s been eleven months since I was here last, and a total miracle that I was able to come this time! Back in September, when I was barely getting used to life in Uganda (side note: does anyone ever really get used to life in Uganda?), I told my new friends that I loved Guatemala and I was determined to somehow make it there with the MTI students...
March 2008
1 post
Writing on the Wall
I press my face against the window, trying to absorb every detail as Antonio steers the sparkling new Toyota van into Zona 3, where the largest garbage dump in Guatemala City is located. The surrounding neighborhoods have almost become a city of their own; you can feel the change in atmosphere and see it all around as you enter. The buildings here are different. The paint is chipping, and although...