Dan Russell

I was formed with eternity in my heart, yet I am surrounded by what is temporary, much of it fading with time. Today I choose again to trust what is unseen.

As I read the headlines from back home while living here in the Middle East, and see many of my friends and former teammates gathered on the White House lawn for one of the most talked-about sporting events of the year, I am struck by two very different stories unfolding at the same time.
On one side of the world, athletes stepped into the octagon as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. On the other side of the world, many headlines are filled with uncertainty, conflict, and concerns about what tomorrow may bring.
As I watch these very different stories unfold, I am reminded of an important truth.
The world does not need less passion, less strength, or less competition.
The world needs more character.
Sport teaches us that conflict does not have to create enemies. Two athletes can battle with everything they have, push each other to their limits, and still embrace at the end with mutual respect. They leave as competitors, not enemies.
Imagine if nations, communities, and individuals approached their differences with that same spirit.
At Wrestling for Peace, we believe the mat is more than a place to compete. It is a place to learn respect, discipline, humility, courage, and friendship across borders. It is a place where people discover that strength and compassion are not opposites.
The biggest story in our world may be conflict, but the greater story is reconciliation.
Fight the good fight.
Fight for what is right.
Fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Fight for unity where others sow division.
Fight for hope when fear dominates the headlines.
Fight for peace.

This is a tradition with history and a story behind it.
At Petra, Jordan, inside the famous Cave Bar, guests gather in a setting unlike any other. The venue is housed within a Nabataean tomb carved into the sandstone cliffs nearly 2,000 years ago, when Petra was the thriving capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. These are the same master craftsmen who created Petra’s iconic monuments, including Al Khazneh, the Treasury.
In this remarkable place, now a restaurant and gathering space, I watched a clay vessel filled with a slow-cooked meal brought before the guests and set ablaze. As the flames danced around the pot, anticipation filled the room. Then a special guest was invited from the table to step forward and break open the clay vessel, revealing the feast hidden inside.
What makes this tradition so fascinating is the way it connects the present to the ancient past. For centuries, people throughout this region have cooked meals in clay vessels that seal in moisture, flavor, and aroma. In the land of Petra, where pottery and craftsmanship have been woven into daily life since Nabataean times, this meal is more than food. It is a celebration of heritage passed from one generation to the next.
The fire, the gathering of friends, and the honor given to a guest to break the vessel transform dinner into something unforgettable. It becomes a celebration of hospitality, community, and shared experience.
One of the things I love most about Jordan is discovering traditions that keep history alive, not in museums, but around the table.
Watch the videos and experience this remarkable tradition for yourself.

Coach Joe Russell (My brother) just sent the the results for the U23 Pan American Championships in Lima Peru...
Out of 10 weight classes...
9 Gold 1 Silver.
Great work Coach and Team USA.

Living in the Middle East provides a unique perspective on both the beauty and the realities of life in this region.
At 4:51 this morning, many of us received a security alert advising that reports indicated missiles, drones, or rockets had entered Jordanian airspace. The guidance was straightforward: seek shelter, remain indoors, and monitor official updates.
For those who have never lived in this part of the world, these alerts may sound alarming. Yet for many residents, they are a reminder of the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and staying informed. Governments, embassies, and security services issue these warnings not to create fear, but to help protect people and provide timely information when regional tensions arise.
One of the lessons I continue to learn is that peace is not simply the absence of conflict. Peace is found in how we respond. Peace is choosing wisdom instead of panic, faith instead of fear, and compassion instead of division. It is checking on neighbors, praying for families across borders, and remembering that behind every headline are human beings who desire safety, hope, and a better future.
This morning’s alert was a reminder that we live in a world that can feel uncertain. It was also a reminder that we are not powerless. We can pray. We can encourage one another. We can work for understanding and reconciliation. We can trust that even in moments of uncertainty, light continues to shine through acts of courage, kindness, and faith.
Today, I am grateful for those who work tirelessly to keep communities informed and safe. I am grateful for friends and family who reach out to check on one another. I am joining many others in praying for peace for Jordan, for the region, and for all people affected by conflict.
May wisdom guide leaders. May protection cover families. May peace prevail.

It was an incredible honor to meet with United States Ambassador James Holtsnider to discuss opportunities for Wrestling for Peace throughout Jordan and the broader region.
Before anyone comments on the photograph, yes, Ambassador Holtsnider’s legendary beard is every bit as impressive in person as it appears in photographs. It may be one of the most recognizable beards in diplomatic service today. And may I add, his wisdom, experience, and character are even more impressive.
Ambassador Holtsnider was exceptionally generous with his time, thoughtful in his counsel, and encouraging in his support of sport as a vehicle for building bridges between people and nations. His insights regarding the region, youth development, and the importance of strategic partnerships were invaluable as we continue exploring opportunities to use wrestling as a platform for education, leadership, cultural understanding, and peacebuilding. And he is excited that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is hosting the World Veteran Championships.
A former United States Marine and career diplomat, Ambassador Holtsnider has served in some of the world’s most challenging and strategically important regions. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating opportunities for cooperation. He is also from the great state of Iowa and very knowledgeable of the rich wrestling history.
My sincere thanks to Ambassador Holtsnider for his hospitality, encouragement, and valuable insights. I look forward to building upon our conversation and continuing to explore how sport can create opportunities for young people and strengthen connections across borders.
As for the beard, I am fairly certain it deserves its own diplomatic credentials. Much respect.

Happy Birthday to my little brother, Joe Russell.
By little, I mean younger than me by exactly one year, one week, and a half. A fact I have proudly reminded him of for decades.
From backyard adventures as kids to wrestling mats around the world, we have shared a lifetime of memories. Wrestling has taken us to places most people will never visit and introduced us to people we never would have met otherwise. Somehow, no matter where we are in the world, we keep finding ourselves together again.
Joe is a man of faith, character, and perseverance. I am grateful for the brotherhood we share and the journey we continue to walk together.
Happy Birthday, Joe. May God bless you with another year of purpose, adventure, and impact.
And just in case anyone is wondering, I am still the older brother.

Thank you, friends, for taking the time to send birthday wishes on May 29th. Your messages, calls, texts, and prayers meant more than you know.
That same day, my mother began hospice care, and I spent most of the day in the air on the long journey back to the Middle East. It was a day filled with both thankfulness and sadness. Honestly, I am still processing the emotions of it all, and I simply have not had the bandwidth to respond to everyone individually.
Yet this I know: Life has a way of reminding us what matters most. Every day is a gift, and every relationship is a blessing. I am deeply grateful for the love and encouragement of friends and family. Your kindness helps carry me through both the joys and challenges of life.
Thank you for celebrating with me, praying for my mother, and walking alongside our family during this season. I am grateful for each of you.

Life is shorter than we think,
and eternity is longer than we can imagine.
That perspective changes things. It makes thankfulness easier, forgiveness more necessary, and the people around us more valuable. The uncertainties of life are real,
but they are NOT the final word.
Hope remains because our future rests on something far more secure than the circumstances of today.