I am near the Old City in Jerusalem, Israel after visiting Tel Aviv, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tiberias, Nazareth, and Bethlehem. As I read the history and learn more about Israel’s rich history and culture, I am struck at the diversity I see. The Carmelite Catholic nuns in El-Muhraqa, Mount Carmel (the place where Elijah is said to have challenged the prophets of Baal to demonstrate who is the true God) believe that when Muslims, Jews, and Christians are living in peace the Messiah will come again. I do not know but my tour guide told a joke: everyone wants peace in Jerusalem because everyone want a piece of Jerusalem. I can’t afford any land in Israel, but what I can afford is a bookmark. Even on a flight or a boat ride or a train ride or a bus ride, I carry my son with me as a bookmark. Have you considered photo bookmarks of those you love to make travel fun, especially when you have to travel without your family? It makes for a great father’s day gift. Love you son and I hope you’re reading this blog. DAD

Celebrating 10 years of marriage in October.  Two beautiful boys and plenty of Japanese and West African food later, what awaits us next? Diversity matters. Africa matters. Family matters. Faith matters. Diplomacy matters. We were honored to celebrate America by attending the Marine Ball in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Another place besides the natural mud bath spa in St. Lucia we love to visit as a family is Arima onsen or hotspring in Kobe, Japan. The reception and welcome we received at Arima Grand Hotel was exceptional and the food was amazing too! Thank you.

Fantastic family trip to St. Lucia. 2nd time around for me, first with the family. We all enjoyed the world’s best natural mud bath spa in Soufriere. Our skin felt great and the warm mud cleansed our souls. Thank you St. Lucia for the Pitons and the memories. We made it up to Pigeon Island and back.

As a father of two kids I noticed my sons will engage one parent against the other to obtain concessions. We’ve all done this growing up. I know I have. You essentially ask one parent to buy you say Doritos and your father says “ask your mother.” Your mother says she will buy it if your father says “ok.” By the time the parents arrive at the cash register they look perplexed. The bag of chips is there and no one said “yes.” The parents think it is cute for a little kid to engage in childish deception but soon discover they need to have a talk to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Does this happen in the international arena where one ally tries to leverage her ties with another to obtain multiple concessions? Absolutely. Does it work? Sometimes it does, sometimes it does not. The difference in diplomacy versus business is a business can find another supplier to sell a product whereas nation states are irreplaceable. The long game is therefore that much more important. Hence, there will always be a need and market for diplomats. Only instead of negotiating for a bag of chips, the stakes are exponentially higher.

Conversations with a 6 year old looks at life from one six year old’s eyes – John Francis Reiman. The author is an intelligent, conscientious, and enthusiastic learner who addresses a series of questions on what is important in life and how to address challenges. John teaches us the meaning of life and joy of living in an easy to follow way. His answers are his own. The book in interview format is a dialogue. He is the creator of his own story. He wanted to publish his book to help others and encourage more six year olds and parents to better understand each other.

Available at Amazon via Paperback here or kindle version here. Enjoy!