One of the most wonderful experiences of the trip had to be our visit to the Maronite orphanage up in the hills above Beirut. The orphanage has recently come under the patronage of the Maronites, and the faculty and parents of AIS have started a social (justice) committee that is dedicated to helping causes such as this one. We viewed a marvelous video about the committee's work, which Maya narrated for us, and then traveled to the orphanage for a visit. After a short tour of the school and dorms, a visit to the classrooms, and a short coffee break, we all donned funny clown outfits and played with the children. They loved our goofy looks, although I think some of the younger on
es were a bit scared! Fr. Johnny was the biggest hit, jumping about and playing with the children like a big kid himself. They just loved him! We did face painting, and had competitions and danced. The nurses and several teachers from AIS joined us as well, and their energy and enthusiasm for these young kids was infectious. After returning to the monastery and a brief rest, Mrs. Khoury and her three delightful children arrived to take us up the mountain for a lovely dinner outside. Jules, Nicolette and Audrey were charming! Dr. Khoury is the sponsor of this trip, and we've all remarked numerous times about how grateful we are for this amazing experience. Mrs. Khoury and her children just recently moved, and yet she still found the time to play hostess, and charmed us with her beautiful gift of elegant candles at the end of the evening. I loved Mrs. Khoury's beautiful French accent, and her candle factory, at one time in France, has since been moved (I believe) to Lebanon. She fits right in in this country where most people speak French as well as they do Arabic. 
es were a bit scared! Fr. Johnny was the biggest hit, jumping about and playing with the children like a big kid himself. They just loved him! We did face painting, and had competitions and danced. The nurses and several teachers from AIS joined us as well, and their energy and enthusiasm for these young kids was infectious. After returning to the monastery and a brief rest, Mrs. Khoury and her three delightful children arrived to take us up the mountain for a lovely dinner outside. Jules, Nicolette and Audrey were charming! Dr. Khoury is the sponsor of this trip, and we've all remarked numerous times about how grateful we are for this amazing experience. Mrs. Khoury and her children just recently moved, and yet she still found the time to play hostess, and charmed us with her beautiful gift of elegant candles at the end of the evening. I loved Mrs. Khoury's beautiful French accent, and her candle factory, at one time in France, has since been moved (I believe) to Lebanon. She fits right in in this country where most people speak French as well as they do Arabic. 
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