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A Cooperation of the Lebanese and the German Association of the Order of Malta under the patronage of the Grand Hospitaller Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager . Order of Malta CARAVAN will offer young people the opportunity to do ten month of voluntary work in Lebanon learning and practicing the spirit of the Order of Malta. This spirit of the Order includes two charismas: Tuitio Fidei, strengthening the faith, and Obsequium Pauperum, service for the sick and needy. Both parts will be included in CARAVAN. The participants will be sent to asylums for the handicapped where they will do daily service. Another part of the program will be academic and spiritual by following various courses and seminars specifically organized for the participants. Here, they will learn about Christianity and Islam in the Middle East, about its culture and history. The formation will include seminars as well as outings and field trips.

Thursday, 27 October 2011

27/10/2011



News from Beirut . As with every week we are busy with our Arabic classes and of course Abla infamous Arabic tests, service in Antilias, Deir El Quammar, Deir El Salib and our spiritual meeting. Furthermore we had a visit to Deir El Salib on Saturday with the Lebanese youth of the Order Of Malta – a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all. This week we have Christmas on the brain and are eagerly planning some Christmas events including a visit from St Nicolas with gifts for the boys and of course girls of the homes, the Christmas events will not be possible without finances so we are planning some really great fundraisers in Lebanon , Ireland and Germany to facilitate these events.
Moving swiftly on from Christmas as the blog writer does not want to hear Christmas mentioned until the 1st of December , we have also been planning some events for the boys and girls – we look forward to updating you about these next week . The obvious allure of make up and nail polish has the caravan boys filled with dread (apparently it is too difficult for a boy to do! ) – we plan to show them that they can all be make up artist and nail technicians next week . Music is key to caravan service as it joins each of the boys and girls together – we are in the midst of learning a new song or two , well actually we are in the midst of making up the words as we go along . We received two Arabic songs from Michel that we look forward to singing in our German / Irish / Austrian and Dutch accents .
The last few weeks have been  busy for the Caravan , It started with a trip to our Naccache neighbour  Patrick Jabre for a lovely meal , a trip to see The Three Muskateers 3D ( rather interesting commentary from the two Irish girls throughout the film , a discussion arose as to whether it was meant to be a comedy which led to numerous fits of laughter. Lettie cousin features in this film and indeed she was definitely the best actress ) .Again  lovely evenings have been had by some of the team at the classics concerts with Dr Issa in Saint Joseph . We are becoming quite cultured really with trips to the museum and exhibition by Patrick Renauld , the ambassador of the Order Of Malta .
On Friday 21st , we attended the birthday of Pia and Lea , we were extremely grateful to be allowed celebrate their 18 birthday with them . Furthermore on Friday ,we were very fortunate to receive an invitation to attend the closing of Skybar , unfortunately it collided with Valerie arrival and the party but as I said previously we will always manage to fit three events in perfectly . The closing of Skybar was amazing and caravan really enjoyed and became weak at the knees J been so up close and personal with  Tinshy Stryder.
Valerie (the responsible for the caravan project ) arrived to visit on Saturday and we are really looking forward to spending some time with her , after all we have not seen her in two months .
Caravan arrivals for service on Tuesday in Deir El Salib was rather difficult as we  received the devastating news that Rene had passed away in the loving care of the hospital that he had been receiving treatment in for the last number of weeks . It is always with great sadness that we learn of the death of one of our boys. We hold him in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers and we hold his family and the caretakers of Deir El Salib in our hearts at this difficult time. We know he has been called back to God and received with open arms into eternal peace.
Again busy weeks ahead so apologies on the fortnightly blogs but it is all that we can currently fit in to our schedule .


Caravan x

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