Ben Barrows grew up on Deer Isle, Maine and while traveling and working abroad discovered a calling for humanitarian work. Ben founded the International Solutions Group and has worked with the United Nations, the US Department of State and relief organizations such as Save the Children and Worldvision to name a few. Ben's company serves individuals, businesses, governments and organizations to help them work more effectively in difficult places. Ben met Filiz online while living in Jordan and flew to Boston for their first meeting. For more on his very special proposal visit the "Our Story" section on their website.
Meet Filiz...
Filiz Soyak was born in Belgium to a Swedish mother and Turkish father and moved to Japan when she was young. She graduated from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA with a degree in Visual Art Education and is an accomplished artist with work that reflects her travels and diverse background. On Filiz's website she says about her childhood and influences, "Spending a large part of my childhood there (in Japan) taught me much and molded my character and I learned the art of balancing different backgrounds early. Japans culture is amazing, incredibly strong and loyal, yet pouncing on new discoveries. I have learned that Japan's secret to success is honoring its past and its traditions while moving into the future. Japan has mastered the art of balance." Following her graduation from Lesley, Filiz joined Ben in Amman, Jordan where she teaches art at the New York Institute of Technology.
on June 6, 2009. Since they do not return to the states very often, they will also have some activities on Deer Isle the week prior.
Congratulations Ben and Filiz! We look forward to welcoming you and your friends and family.
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