Bridges of Understanding

"I looked up through the trees and saw the same sliver of a moon and the evening star that we had all seen the night before shining down on us at the Dead Sea. In fact the same moon that shone on me in Darfur. I was struck by the fact that we do have a common bond with women around the world."

Karyn Frist
Nashville, Tennessee

"Even though we are already swept back into our "real world " lives we are all forever changed. I feel encouraged by the opportunities we have to reach even further into a new world where I believe that we can make a difference."

Donna Pearson Josey
Houston, Texas

"As I walked around my vineyards yesterday, my heart was stirred by the beauty of the land and the passion I have for it. Passion and purpose are ingredients very few people have the privilege of finding in life. After last week we all share it with you for Jordan."

Patricia Kluge
Charlottesville, Virginia

"I am grateful to have been included in a group of special women who came together as strangers and departed as friends. I look forward to deepening these friendships while we build bridges with sisters in Jordan."

Betsy DeVos
Grand Rapids, Michigan

"Truly a transcendent journey---in the experiences we shared, the cultural doors we were able to walk through, the friendships we made. Now let it be the beginning of our own efforts to transcend boundaries."

Nina Easton
Washington DC

"It was a life changing week...The bridge is now being constructed and it's sure to be strong enough to span the globe."

Patricia Miller
Fort Wayne, Indiana

"We were truly immersed in the culture, history, and life of a fascinating country and its inspiring population."

Gaby Reynolds
Cincinnati, OH

"A great beginning for Bridges of Understanding; it was obvious how energized everyone was."

Kathi Koll
Los Angeles, California

"Stepping off the elevator on the top floor of the Burj al-Arab in Dubai October 3rd, 2009, I wondered how this trip to the Middle East would unfold. The accommodations had already set a high bar, but would the other aspects of the adventure? Would the participants be friendly and engaged? Would we coalesce as a group? Could the ambitious agenda possibly be accomplished? How could Luma and Karim Kawar execute so many events at such a high level while keeping us healthy and happy? All this I mused, and then I met a

fellow participant. Beautiful and rested after the 18 hour trip from Las Vegas, her focus and warmth were infectious and augured well. During that first dinner, the group united in exhaustion and excitement marking the beginning of what has become a cherished adventure.

"As the journey took shape and we raced across desert sands from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to Jordan, it was that combination of fraternity and interest that I remember best. Each group member had traveled widely and so had much to offer. Everyone contributed and whether we attended private conferences to learn more about Dubai World and MASDAR or dined with Ministers and Sheikhs, the participants gave of themselves generously. The Kawars lavished us with legendary hospitality in each location.

"Of course, our audience with King Abdullah and Queen Rania was a highlight beyond compare -- treasured by all. Petra, too, was a unique and enduring spectacle. No one present will ever forget the magic of that night: shadows cast by traditional dancers, our festive, jingling attire, the candlelit tented feast, an alluring belly dancer and the abandonment that came with knowing this was our last night of revelry under Jordanian stars.

"The Bridges created through business and friendship are wide and deep extending well into the future. Thank you Luma and Karim for introducing us all to your world and encouraging us to participate in such a special exploration."