after several months of waiting, i finally know where i’ll be researching this summer, Lisq Oman! (i’m not going to lie… i had to look it up on a map.)
i’m in a program that focuses on qualitative research. gathering more information on behaviors and perspectives, we investigate the why and how rather than numbers and data. working with an in-country organization and interpreters, our research will focus on the following questions/themes:
- To understand the similarities and differences between Bedu or nomadic peoples and settled or Arab peoples
- To learn if and how information travels between the rural villages and the cities
- Generational issues, children’s education, do they stay rural or move to city? What are their religious beliefs?
- The role of stories plays in this culture
- How do these people view themselves? What is their identity? What sets them apart from other peoples in the Arabian Peninsula?
after spending a week in egypt in 2004 and having difficulties before living in a muslim culture, there’s part of me that’s scared. will i feel suppressed and controlled by the men’s eyes or will i be able to connect with the women? with 100+ degree heat and fully covered will i feel suffocated by the environment? will i be able to exercise any independence or will i have to remain under the watchful eyes of my male teammates?
but as a researcher, it is my job to dig in deeper and humbly seek to understand the way of life of these people. i will not stop at the surface observations but uncover meanings beyond the actions. i want to find the beauty of these people with my camera and tell their story with dignity and authenticity. i want to contribute towards the recognition of these people and celebrate their uniqueness.
a quick flickr search already immersed me into images from this place… june 17, i’m ready to go!
from © Eric Lafforgue see more HERE
o my gosh…this is outstanding! wow…
Thanks Liz! I’m super excited just thinking about all the photos ahead to take!
Jill, that’s excellent! I’m so excited, and look forward to following this next of your many adventures!
Hey long lost friend. It is fun to catch up with you here. Looks like God is taking you yet again to another culture. Wonderful. Miss you! So much to tell. Love you!
Jill! what a great opportunity to see such an interesting part of the world! I am sure you will be taking tons of pictures and absorbing not just such heat but their culture and traditions!
enjoy every second and please bring me a tiny tiny rock!
so that means you won’t be in SF when bob and i are there! bummer. i know you will have a fabulous experience. our thoughts will be with you.
@wendy – i know… it would have been fun to hang out with you all and wine/dine you in my beautiful city! alas… sarah will have to fill my place!
Jill! I am so impressed by your website and recent photos (from the baptist church — homeless shelter?) I haven’t visited your site in a while so this just blew me away, you’ve been really really busy! And now Oman, what a great opportunity. I have no doubt it will suit you beautifully and we all look forward to your photos. That’s how we will step into your shoes and see it with you. Also, can’t wait to visit with you next week.