Makiko Abe

Healing from the Soil Have you ever thought about what it is like to be a refugee?  Much to my surprise I found it can be sheer boredom.  I learned this from ARI graduates in Sri Lanka, who, during their civil war, had to flee their homes and lived in refugee camps for some time.  At breakfast, they lined up for food.  At supper they lined up for food.  The rest of the day they just sat.  No work. No TV or radio.  Nothing.  There was absolutely nothing to do.  … Read more

Two Bags of Food A big bag brimming with fresh vegetables. Another bag filled with flour, grains, salt, sugar, and spices. It’s a hefty amount, good for a week or two. Every month 35 families gather at the SEEDS India compound, not just to receive this food donation, but to greet each other and talk over tea and snacks. With all those kids laughing and playing, the atmosphere is super bustling.  SEEDS India is a local NGO started by ARI Graduate, Thomas Mathew. They have numerous programs to help folks … Read more

Peace from food. This is the theme of our summer fundraising campaign for ARI, and I was asked to share with you some things we can learn about it from ARI’s graduates. By the way, I am Steven Cutting, the coordinator for Graduate Outreach, which means I frequently communicate with our graduates. I talk to them almost every day, as a matter of fact. So, I am probably the best person to assign this task. But…Peace from food. Peace from food. What does this truly mean? No peace from no … Read more

Easter / Travel Fee Campaign special series

Easter / Travel Fee Campaign special series

Easter / Travel Fee Campaign special series

Easter / Travel Fee Campaign special series

Easter / Travel Fee Campaign special series.