Lebanon: Post 1

Marhaba!
Welcome to the middle east!

It's been two months now since the day I left for Ireland and Lebanon. It doesn't feel like it was that long ago because I still think of my time there so frequently... but I guess that's what happens when the hum drum of daily life sets in. Time just flies.

There is something about Lebanon that captured my heart completely and it was done in such a subtle way that I think it will be hard to even verbalize how much I loved this trip. I think a lot of it has to do with the cultural differences... that tug and pull you feel on your comfort zones. The sudden awareness you have of yourself... that internal tension of the world you come from and are familiar with in contrast to the world that surrounds you.

I think part of it also has to do with the notion in the back of my mind that maybe... just maybe... someday I would end up in Central Asia or the Middle East doing missionary work as a nurse. Because truthfully that is why I wanted to become a nurse in the first place... to treat women and children in a place where they often times do not receive adequate health care... if any health care at all.

I think the most impacting part of my trip to Lebanon though had to be the people. The reason I chose Ireland and Lebanon as my vacation spots this year was because my two BFF's are living in those countries. My friend Annie has been teaching history in a Lebanese Evangelical school outside of Beirut for almost two years now. It meant the world to me to be able to see what her life has been like there these past two years... to be able to step into her world and see and feel and get an understanding for what she has experienced there... really it was priceless. Not to mention the sheer joy of having a whole week to spend quality time with her, catching up on life, processing through what we have been dealing with on opposite ends of the world. It's hard when people live so far away because quality time together is so rare which is why this trip was so great. It gave me a chance to invest into my friendship with Annie in a way that I haven't been able to for years.

We truly had an amazing time together in Lebanon and I can't wait to share more of the trip with you all. Don't worry... there are many more pictures posts to come!

Until next time my friends...

ma'a as-salaama!