Notre Dame de Lebanon-Our Lady of Lebanon

Today began with a lesson in French flower dissection with Ms. Karin’s 6th grade. The children were delightful and they all helped me learn the parts of the flower in French. Some of the names are the same as English, and others are quite different, but they were patient with my fumbling French and sweetly presented me with the flowers that were left over at the end of the lesson. I was charmed. I spent a lovely day teaching Ms. Georgia’s 9th grade Chemistry about atomic structure and Ms. Maya’s 10th grade about the history of atomic theory, though we did start with a quiz on Symbiosis from the day before. They seemed a bit shocked that I would do that to them, but quickly got over it, and mostly did quite well on the quiz. After classes today, and before lunch, the three of us were entertained by the 1st through 4th grades. Mireille led them in singing songs and then their teachers helped them each with their presentations. It was just adorable. There was a wedding feast, a powerpoint all about us (apparently my hair is like the sun and my face is like the moon!) and then a contest where we tried to make Zatar on bread (Jody won), put together a puzzle of northern Lebanon (I won) and make a traditional hat (Sheila won). I guess we all have our talents. I’ve never been much of a cook! Perhaps my analytical side won out. After a late, but tasty lunch, we headed to Harissa with Fr. Johnny and Maya. We met Rania of the beach expedition along with her husband George, and their two children. We chose to take the gondola to Harissa instead of driving up. It’s a spectacular ride, with views out over the Mediterranean that take your breath away. Jody and Nadiya reenacted the famous Titanic scene from one of the gondola stations on the way up! Harissa is an enormous statue of the Virgin Mary atop Mt. Lebanon, and it is said that when she was placed atop the lovely little church over 100 years ago, she turned to face the sea. You can climb around the outside of the church, winding your way to the top, and pray to Notre Dame de Lebanon and look out over the truly spectacular views from the summit.

Later, Katya and her husband El came to the monastery to take us out for the evening. It was an absolutely delightful and relaxing time, enjoying the company of this young couple and their two young children, Jimmy and Joyen. We visited several local saint’s shrines and ended the evening with sweets at a local bakery. The children charmed us all, especially Joyen, with his amazing and beautiful eyes.