Byrnie's Guestbook
Comments
Date: 27th December 2009
Mike, Im sitting in Norrkoping, Swedwn and have an nice holliday with Barbro, David and Ann. Today is 27:th of december and I read some of your travel history. I like your reasoning way of looking at different arument. I could only find 1 of 2 -is it a number 2 of your Jerusalem writing? One thing i understading different opinions, another, and as I beleave, ting is to get dialog to reach a compromise all can live with. To understande different opinions you also have to look at the political side. israel was not a religius project but a jewish national project beginning at the late 19:th century. The ortodox religius jews have resisted rhe creation of Israel as a political idea. The jewish nationalism - sionism - came together with other european nationalist movements. Time changes and today yoe have both jews and christinas who motivate land conquering with religios terms. At the same time you have other non religius who motivate the same with securety terms. Violence and religius fundametalism leads to confrontation and not ti dialogue. Today it doesnt look so good for dialogue, but I think that dialogue, mutual respect and compromise for peace is the only way forward. With love to you from Kjell
From Blog: Jerusalem - Eye of the Beholder (1 of 2)
Mike, Im sitting in Norrkoping, Swedwn and have an nice holliday with Barbro, David and Ann. Today is 27:th of december and I read some of your travel history. I like your reasoning way of looking at different arument. I could only find 1 of 2 -is it a number 2 of your Jerusalem writing? One thing i understading different opinions, another, and as I beleave, ting is to get dialog to reach a compromise all can live with. To understande different opinions you also have to look at the political side. israel was not a religius project but a jewish national project beginning at the late 19:th century. The ortodox religius jews have resisted rhe creation of Israel as a political idea. The jewish nationalism - sionism - came together with other european nationalist movements. Time changes and today yoe have both jews and christinas who motivate land conquering with religios terms. At the same time you have other non religius who motivate the same with securety terms. Violence and religius fundametalism leads to confrontation and not ti dialogue. Today it doesnt look so good for dialogue, but I think that dialogue, mutual respect and compromise for peace is the only way forward. With love to you from Kjell
From Blog: Jerusalem - Eye of the Beholder (1 of 2)
Date: 20th May 2009
interesting quote
Mike, great story. I understand and sympathize with your point of view. I would like to reffer to a historic quote, and how I believe it resonates with what you have described about the city. (you can choose to edit or not...it is your blog) "Would that even today you [Jerusalem] knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you,and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you,and they will not leave one stone upon another in you;because you did not know the time of your visitation."
From Blog: Jerusalem - Eye of the Beholder (1 of 2)
interesting quote
Mike, great story. I understand and sympathize with your point of view. I would like to reffer to a historic quote, and how I believe it resonates with what you have described about the city. (you can choose to edit or not...it is your blog) "Would that even today you [Jerusalem] knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you,and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you,and they will not leave one stone upon another in you;because you did not know the time of your visitation."
From Blog: Jerusalem - Eye of the Beholder (1 of 2)
Date: 20th May 2009
A beautiful, terce treatise on the struggle for peace in the face of religious dogma (nay,as an excuse to justify the hegemonic control of not just a land, but its dispossessed and disenfranchised people) which spans, at once thousands of bloody years, and but the equivalent of a few seconds of the arc of human history. Written so elegantly and with such a humble sense of at least some of the struggles, I feel fortunate to know its author, and with it the opportunity to share ever more of the insights and perspectives that come with that connection.
From Blog: Jerusalem - Eye of the Beholder (1 of 2)
A beautiful, terce treatise on the struggle for peace in the face of religious dogma (nay,as an excuse to justify the hegemonic control of not just a land, but its dispossessed and disenfranchised people) which spans, at once thousands of bloody years, and but the equivalent of a few seconds of the arc of human history. Written so elegantly and with such a humble sense of at least some of the struggles, I feel fortunate to know its author, and with it the opportunity to share ever more of the insights and perspectives that come with that connection.
From Blog: Jerusalem - Eye of the Beholder (1 of 2)
Date: 17th May 2009
Welcome back!
Hi Mike, welcome back! It is always refreshing to hear about your adventures. You are a true cosmopolitan leader. Keep up the good work and keep enlightening us about these wonderful cultures. Best! Bruce p.s. Have you considered compiling all of these stories and use them as a backbone for a future book? You are a great writer and it would be great to see these adventures in a formal publication.
From Blog: Christmas and New Year's in Japan
Welcome back!
Hi Mike, welcome back! It is always refreshing to hear about your adventures. You are a true cosmopolitan leader. Keep up the good work and keep enlightening us about these wonderful cultures. Best! Bruce p.s. Have you considered compiling all of these stories and use them as a backbone for a future book? You are a great writer and it would be great to see these adventures in a formal publication.
From Blog: Christmas and New Year's in Japan
Date: 3rd March 2009
Interesting!
Mike, I am blown away from all the variety of environments and adventures you have been exposed to in Jordan. Just looking at all the stories on your blog with your challenges and excitements makes me understand better how unique Jordan is. Thank you for sharing. Bruce
From Blog: Climbing Kilimanjaro: Days 1-3 (Part 1 of 2)
Interesting!
Mike, I am blown away from all the variety of environments and adventures you have been exposed to in Jordan. Just looking at all the stories on your blog with your challenges and excitements makes me understand better how unique Jordan is. Thank you for sharing. Bruce
From Blog: Climbing Kilimanjaro: Days 1-3 (Part 1 of 2)
Date: 11th January 2009
Emocionante!!!
Olá Mike!!! Nossa estou maravilhada com essas fotos, realmente a experiência pela qual está passando deve ser única. Aproveito para te desejar um Feliz Ano Novo, que 2009 seja cheio de conquistas e realizações para você. Espero você no próximo carnaval!!! Beijos e saudade, Fabiana
From Blog: Summiting Kilimanjaro (Part 2 of 2)
Emocionante!!!
Olá Mike!!! Nossa estou maravilhada com essas fotos, realmente a experiência pela qual está passando deve ser única. Aproveito para te desejar um Feliz Ano Novo, que 2009 seja cheio de conquistas e realizações para você. Espero você no próximo carnaval!!! Beijos e saudade, Fabiana
From Blog: Summiting Kilimanjaro (Part 2 of 2)
Date: 7th January 2009
Nice blog
Thanks for a nice blog. It1s a thorough description of the difficulties of summitting Mt. Kili
From Blog: Climbing Kilimanjaro: Days 1-3 (Part 1 of 2)
Nice blog
Thanks for a nice blog. It1s a thorough description of the difficulties of summitting Mt. Kili
From Blog: Climbing Kilimanjaro: Days 1-3 (Part 1 of 2)
Date: 28th December 2008
simepre impresionante!!
querido Michael, que maravillosa vida!!! cuantos lugares increibles que seguis conociendo!!! ojala sigas ese camino de b+usqueda siempre, sobre todo en el conocimiento de vos mismo. Te recuerdo siempre con tanto cariño!!!! ojala podamos encontrarnos en algún lugar del mundo alguna vez!!!!!!!!!! beso enorme ona
From Blog: Summiting Kilimanjaro (Part 2 of 2)
simepre impresionante!!
querido Michael, que maravillosa vida!!! cuantos lugares increibles que seguis conociendo!!! ojala sigas ese camino de b+usqueda siempre, sobre todo en el conocimiento de vos mismo. Te recuerdo siempre con tanto cariño!!!! ojala podamos encontrarnos en algún lugar del mundo alguna vez!!!!!!!!!! beso enorme ona
From Blog: Summiting Kilimanjaro (Part 2 of 2)
Date: 19th December 2008
A blessing or a curse?
I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Africa. We hear too little about the richness and beauty of that region. Your last paragraph on family size really caught my attention, and I would like to take issue with a couple of points you make. First is what I interpreted as a connection between family size in Africa with the planet's holding capacity/diminishing resources. Large families in Africa (and other regions) are not the problem. Extreme consumption in the West is the problem. I would be very interested to see how an average family of seven in Tanzania stacks up against an average family of three in the U.S. with regard to consumption of resources, waste generation, and carbon footprint. That said, I agree that it is important for a husband and wife to have access to family planning information, and to adequately provide for the children that they do have. I also understand that family size has a direct impact on the nutrition, education, and opportunities for children and for that reason reducing family size can be viewed as a good thing. But before we embrace a reduction in family size as good news, there are cultural and religious implications to declining family size that should be taken into consideration as well. I wonder if having large families, and the unique web of relationships that stems from that (and extends to the tribe, community, nation, etc.) is not an important part of the culture that so enriches the region. Then, there is the principle that many Christians, Muslims (and people of other faiths) subscribe to which is that children are a gift from God, a treasure, and a blessing. In that context, it is not the place for any of us to say how large another person's family should be (or how they should practice their faith)...it is between that wife, husband, and God. Thanks for keeping us posted!
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
A blessing or a curse?
I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in Africa. We hear too little about the richness and beauty of that region. Your last paragraph on family size really caught my attention, and I would like to take issue with a couple of points you make. First is what I interpreted as a connection between family size in Africa with the planet's holding capacity/diminishing resources. Large families in Africa (and other regions) are not the problem. Extreme consumption in the West is the problem. I would be very interested to see how an average family of seven in Tanzania stacks up against an average family of three in the U.S. with regard to consumption of resources, waste generation, and carbon footprint. That said, I agree that it is important for a husband and wife to have access to family planning information, and to adequately provide for the children that they do have. I also understand that family size has a direct impact on the nutrition, education, and opportunities for children and for that reason reducing family size can be viewed as a good thing. But before we embrace a reduction in family size as good news, there are cultural and religious implications to declining family size that should be taken into consideration as well. I wonder if having large families, and the unique web of relationships that stems from that (and extends to the tribe, community, nation, etc.) is not an important part of the culture that so enriches the region. Then, there is the principle that many Christians, Muslims (and people of other faiths) subscribe to which is that children are a gift from God, a treasure, and a blessing. In that context, it is not the place for any of us to say how large another person's family should be (or how they should practice their faith)...it is between that wife, husband, and God. Thanks for keeping us posted!
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
Date: 19th December 2008
Mike,I am simply AMAZED with the reflexions about your new friends and their culture...what a wonderful experience...I'd say they have a lot in common with Cristo Redentor:always with open arms...and that makes totally the difference doesn't it???!!!ENJOY!!! Dora
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
Mike,I am simply AMAZED with the reflexions about your new friends and their culture...what a wonderful experience...I'd say they have a lot in common with Cristo Redentor:always with open arms...and that makes totally the difference doesn't it???!!!ENJOY!!! Dora
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
Date: 18th December 2008
Asante
Glad you visited Kenya...The next time you visit i will be home!
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
Asante
Glad you visited Kenya...The next time you visit i will be home!
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
Date: 18th December 2008
Kenya!!
Mike, amazing comments on culture and distinction between both. I am not trying to be critical, but to me it is clear that true happiness and cheerfulness shows in the people of Kenya in their culture with the garments and kindred spirit. Maybe this is why Brasil is so hospitable, because of African roots. I do not enjoy cold and uninviting cultures. Not to say that the middle east is as such, but in my opinion Africans truly wear their hearts on their sleeves. There is nothing for the weary and curious traveler to feel welcome and invited to partake in local customs. Although i havent commented much on previous blogs, this one truly touched me as I felt the same towards the Check... like a foreigner, I am glad that you can feel more at home in Africa. Stay safe, and enjoy the rets of the trip. It looks like I am graduating in may and will not be able to see you in T bird again. But I am sure you ll have much to share with the community after your travels. Sincerely, Diego. PS: Back in brazil... new years in Rio, will have some nice caipirinhas in your name.
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
Kenya!!
Mike, amazing comments on culture and distinction between both. I am not trying to be critical, but to me it is clear that true happiness and cheerfulness shows in the people of Kenya in their culture with the garments and kindred spirit. Maybe this is why Brasil is so hospitable, because of African roots. I do not enjoy cold and uninviting cultures. Not to say that the middle east is as such, but in my opinion Africans truly wear their hearts on their sleeves. There is nothing for the weary and curious traveler to feel welcome and invited to partake in local customs. Although i havent commented much on previous blogs, this one truly touched me as I felt the same towards the Check... like a foreigner, I am glad that you can feel more at home in Africa. Stay safe, and enjoy the rets of the trip. It looks like I am graduating in may and will not be able to see you in T bird again. But I am sure you ll have much to share with the community after your travels. Sincerely, Diego. PS: Back in brazil... new years in Rio, will have some nice caipirinhas in your name.
From Blog: On East Africa... (Kenya & Tanzania)
Date: 18th December 2008
Nice insight
You are absolutely right on your analysis of mistreatment by all nations: german, israelis and americans.... nobody is inocent.
From Blog: Syria and the Golan Heights (Part 2 of 3)
Nice insight
You are absolutely right on your analysis of mistreatment by all nations: german, israelis and americans.... nobody is inocent.
From Blog: Syria and the Golan Heights (Part 2 of 3)
Date: 11th December 2008
Que lindas las fotos...
las mejores... moderns Bosra´s landscape, simplemente celestial On the steps of the toman theater (linda linda foto) Peace among the ruins (me gustaría ser yo) siga compartiéndolas para que me sigas haciendo soñar. Besos, Alex
From Blog: *Syria: The Ruins of Bosra (Part 3 of 3)
Que lindas las fotos...
las mejores... moderns Bosra´s landscape, simplemente celestial On the steps of the toman theater (linda linda foto) Peace among the ruins (me gustaría ser yo) siga compartiéndolas para que me sigas haciendo soñar. Besos, Alex
From Blog: *Syria: The Ruins of Bosra (Part 3 of 3)
Date: 26th November 2008
Amazing
Great description! I feel as if I am there walking with you. Thank you for making me a part of it.
From Blog: Syria....Hospitality, History, and Adventure (Part 1 of 3)
Amazing
Great description! I feel as if I am there walking with you. Thank you for making me a part of it.
From Blog: Syria....Hospitality, History, and Adventure (Part 1 of 3)
Date: 26th November 2008
AWESOME
Mike, visiting your blog is always a pleasant and enriching experience. Your words are so vivid that I could smell hat Syrian bread in the oven from miles away. I’d say you have received a beautiful gift: the ability to see beyond and to touch people’s heart with your constructive thoughts and reflections. Be safe, “Dora”
From Blog: Syria and the Golan Heights (Part 2 of 3)
AWESOME
Mike, visiting your blog is always a pleasant and enriching experience. Your words are so vivid that I could smell hat Syrian bread in the oven from miles away. I’d say you have received a beautiful gift: the ability to see beyond and to touch people’s heart with your constructive thoughts and reflections. Be safe, “Dora”
From Blog: Syria and the Golan Heights (Part 2 of 3)
Date: 25th November 2008
The best writing
...I've read all day: "buildings that lean over the street as if begging to find a century’s overdue rest on the ground below." What a great image. Thank you for having the guts to be poetic. As for your ruminations on the worshipers at the shrines, I am so glad that you have the discernment to see the beauty and commonality of all human beings in their yearning to connect with God. This is something I have pondered on a lot. We are so often put off or estranged by how other people worship or express their faith, but if we can get past the initial foreignness of it, we will surely recognize in those "others" some of the deepest feelings of our own souls. As always, thank you for your thoughtful posts.
From Blog: Syria....Hospitality, History, and Adventure (Part 1 of 3)
The best writing
...I've read all day: "buildings that lean over the street as if begging to find a century’s overdue rest on the ground below." What a great image. Thank you for having the guts to be poetic. As for your ruminations on the worshipers at the shrines, I am so glad that you have the discernment to see the beauty and commonality of all human beings in their yearning to connect with God. This is something I have pondered on a lot. We are so often put off or estranged by how other people worship or express their faith, but if we can get past the initial foreignness of it, we will surely recognize in those "others" some of the deepest feelings of our own souls. As always, thank you for your thoughtful posts.
From Blog: Syria....Hospitality, History, and Adventure (Part 1 of 3)
Date: 17th November 2008
Nossa!!! Esse lugar é maravilhoso! Amei as fotos! Aproveite muito e depois venha para o Brasil rsrs. Beijos e fique bem
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
Nossa!!! Esse lugar é maravilhoso! Amei as fotos! Aproveite muito e depois venha para o Brasil rsrs. Beijos e fique bem
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
Date: 10th November 2008
Assertive in Service
As a theologian it is wonderful to read remarks framed in assertiveness for the purpose of serving. Serving neighbor or in the text of Scripture loving neighbor through serving neighbor is the essence of the great commandment to love God. This plays out in daily lives in a variety of ways. In yours I am reading it through your service to young Jordanian students. Keep up your faithful stewardship of your abundant talents.
From Blog: ...an unexpected inspiration!
Assertive in Service
As a theologian it is wonderful to read remarks framed in assertiveness for the purpose of serving. Serving neighbor or in the text of Scripture loving neighbor through serving neighbor is the essence of the great commandment to love God. This plays out in daily lives in a variety of ways. In yours I am reading it through your service to young Jordanian students. Keep up your faithful stewardship of your abundant talents.
From Blog: ...an unexpected inspiration!
Date: 2nd November 2008
continuing adventures
Hi Mike, Sounds like they continue. Your pics are wonderful....I can just imagine myself relaxing in that hammock at sunset! Enjoy your work and your stay and...... I can't keep myself from saying it....stay safe! Love, Mom
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
continuing adventures
Hi Mike, Sounds like they continue. Your pics are wonderful....I can just imagine myself relaxing in that hammock at sunset! Enjoy your work and your stay and...... I can't keep myself from saying it....stay safe! Love, Mom
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
Date: 30th October 2008
What a fantastic opportunity!
From one T-Bird to another...what a blessing to have played such a huge role in this selection process! I can't imagine anyone else out there more perfect for this role...I'm sure the candidates you helped select will not only have a amazing experience at Thunderbird, but will hopefully serve as the great leaders for the future of Jordan! I look forward to hearing about some of those responses! You should be proud of yourself and your candidates!
From Blog: ...an unexpected inspiration!
What a fantastic opportunity!
From one T-Bird to another...what a blessing to have played such a huge role in this selection process! I can't imagine anyone else out there more perfect for this role...I'm sure the candidates you helped select will not only have a amazing experience at Thunderbird, but will hopefully serve as the great leaders for the future of Jordan! I look forward to hearing about some of those responses! You should be proud of yourself and your candidates!
From Blog: ...an unexpected inspiration!
Date: 29th October 2008
South Africa!
Bruce, I am sure you will enjoy South Africa, especially with Prof. B at the helm. That's the kind of person I want leading my winterim! I will definitely keep the blogs and pictures coming, especially with the support and motivation that both you and Erika has given me. I am working on an entry with a few interesting pictures of people. Keep an eye out for that... Hope all is well back at TB as you guys approach the second module of the trimester.
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
South Africa!
Bruce, I am sure you will enjoy South Africa, especially with Prof. B at the helm. That's the kind of person I want leading my winterim! I will definitely keep the blogs and pictures coming, especially with the support and motivation that both you and Erika has given me. I am working on an entry with a few interesting pictures of people. Keep an eye out for that... Hope all is well back at TB as you guys approach the second module of the trimester.
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
Date: 29th October 2008
Wow Mike, the scenery is amazing I wish I was there Just so you know, we decided to go to South Africa and will not be joining you in Jordan. But after seeing these pictures I am beginning to regret that decision :-P You are the best .keep sending us more!!
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
Wow Mike, the scenery is amazing I wish I was there Just so you know, we decided to go to South Africa and will not be joining you in Jordan. But after seeing these pictures I am beginning to regret that decision :-P You are the best .keep sending us more!!
From Blog: *Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea Eco Reserve
Date: 27th October 2008
More people and a gallery
Scott, I was thinking the same thing. I will work on taking and post more pictures of people. Thanks for the suggestion.
From Blog: Eid Al-Fitr Break (Oct. 1-4)
More people and a gallery
Scott, I was thinking the same thing. I will work on taking and post more pictures of people. Thanks for the suggestion.
From Blog: Eid Al-Fitr Break (Oct. 1-4)
Maroon 
Ellen
non-member comment
tell me more!
I am awaiting my interview for the 2010 placements and would love to know as much as you're willing to share about your experiences with EMDAP.
From Blog: Getting Ready for Amman