I Belong Here
I was sitting on a low stool that had been generously provided to me by the refugees living in the tent camp in the Beqaa Valley. Surrounding and obscuring me from every side was a sea of small children. “Where… Read more >
Now What?
It is hard to believe that I only have a short time left in Beirut! I have my ticket booked back to the States on August 1st. Not going to lie, I think the first things I am going to… Read more >
The First 100 Years are Hard
“The First 100 Years are Hard.” That is a Lebanese saying that I learned shortly after my arrival to Lebanon. It means that things get easier after the first 100 years. Too bad no one ever lives long enough to… Read more >
Fadia
I first saw her on a Sunday morning. She was a new face and it was her face, framed by her bright blue hijab, that first caught my attention. I thought she was beautiful and it was also the first… Read more >
Welcome to the Nabaa
Welcome to the Nabaa. The Nabaa is the poorest neighborhood here in the already working class district of Borj Hammoud. Trash blows down the cluttered alley filled with a crisscross of power lines. Clothes are hanging from the windows of… Read more >
Heaven on Earth
One of my top projects upon arriving to Beirut has been to take on the annual Kingdom Fiesta that our church puts on. The Kingdom Fiesta is a 3-day multi-cultural festival that features 10 or more different nationalities and people… Read more >
Death Pays a Visit
For all the tragedy and consequences of war and all the poverty around us, the story seems to always be pulled back from the brink and the miraculous prevails. So, when tragedy struck the other week, it was felt deeply… Read more >
Welcome BACK to Lebanon!
Lebanon gave me a warm welcome upon my return after 30 hours of travel. Not! It was cold and rainy, although not as cold as the subfreezing temps I left in VA upon my departure. However, it was cold shower… Read more >