Internationally Welcome Lauren von Thaden

“Where from?”

“United States”

“WELL-COME,” joyously declared a little kid from a Bedouin tribe in Jordan. Surrounded by ancient tombs, a sandy landscape, and locals wrapped in head scarves selling items from their tents, I felt out of place. Yet, this little boy’s cuteness combined with his tattered clothing and surprising use of English had me captivated. Our short moment together was a connection between two different worlds and cultures. Although our backgrounds are vastly different, both the Bedouin youth and myself accepted each other. We accepted our current ways of life, whether that be as a tourist in Petra, or as a child who is a proud member of a loyal tribe. This is what I desire, acceptance between peoples and cultures, no matter what religion, ethnicity, or class.

“Why have you visited Israel? Why are you traveling back and forth between Jewish and Muslim countries? I AM WATCHING YOU,” barked a Lebanese security guard at the Beirut airport.

The distrust displayed by the security guard emphasized the heightened fear and insecurity in Lebanon. The security guard, however, was only one of many distrustful citizens in the country. Covering the streets of Beirut were armed guards with large machine guns driving around...