Laughter.

My favourite thing to capture in a photograph is laughter. Laughter is honest. I was talking with some friends a few days ago about how pure of an act laughing is. My friend brought up that he finds laughter to be a form of prayer. When we laugh we are so detached from the physical world we live in and our ego. If only we could maintain this sense of detachment every time we prayed. 

1. Riz on a hot summer day in Akka.
2. N during 10-10.
3. Beautiful people at Uri Buri one evening in September.
4. My sister and the pub toils.
5. Ned having tea on one of our first nights together as flatmates.
6. My radiant Palauan friend retelling a story on hillel stairs.

Carrot cake and memories.

Surprise birthday carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I was distracted and tricked with the L screaming "come on guys the sherut is here!" A thoughtful and beautiful present made up of a notepad, pen and jar. A jar filled with memories. Each piece of paper whisks me off to another time and place I will now have forever.

October 22nd.

It was truly a beautiful day. The people that I have been able to meet have completely transformed the way that i view the world. It is truly powerful the love and unity we instantly  feel towards one another despite our different backgrounds. It is the perfect depiction of the beautiful truth that "the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”


The night before T and I went on a little adventure up in the Marcaz. We found a lovely little gathering of food and clothing vendors up and running because of the film festival. There was a lovely cool breeze, twinkling lights and lots of kids our age running around in scarves and boots. I bought some popcorn that we nibbled on as we strolled around and T bought a beautiful gold handmade headband. The atmosphere whisked us back to our college days and we both agreed it was a "magical night." We ended the night with lattes and almond croissants at Gregs. It was crowded, delicious and cozy as we sipped away both of us half-asleep. Everything about that night and the day after was magical.

Bahji days: Happiness is an attitude.

“Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same.”  – Francesca Reigler

Bahji days: Birthday in the Holy Land.

Suyane sleep over. Thursday service with Taraneh 10-8. Gate cleaning with MCC. Michel volunteering with us 3-8. Gardeners break room. Tea, tickles and magic sponging tables. "Surprise” visitors in BVC at 8. Surprise carrot cake hearts with candle outside . Café Razzaz with many beautiful people. Arabic happy birthday song in the cafe as we danced around. Jar filled with memory notes. Sea wall and prayers.