Service was fabulous this week , we where in Deir Quammar on our usually Monday service , first indoor service there for the Caravan team and what a great venue it is . The Irish produced a puppet show with the help of our translator Kathy , we need a lot more practice !!! Tuesday and Wednesday saw us in Deir El Salib , our arrival on Wednesday was met with Soeur Manal announcing that their was a concert in the lecture room adjacent to the dining area upstairs ( for those familiar with DES ) , so off the 10 Caravanistas trotted on the bus with a number of the boys from Saint Dominique on a bus trip around the grounds and then to the concert . For now the bands name has slipped my mind but when I find out I will be sure to update , it was a lovely concert and a lovely opportunity for the boys to sing , dance , run around with caretakers , caravanistas and of course the wonderful and incredible Soeur Manal . Many of the residents of DES where attending the concert making the atmosphere truly amazing . Thursday saw us in Antellias for what proved to be a very musical service , a really lovely afternoon was had by 60 or 70 of the boys . The sister responsible upstairs is a truly remarkable woman , she is quite elderly but really gives her all to the boys and indeed the Caravan team . We are truly indebted to her for her support of us. Service on Friday in Deir El Salib proved that the Summer has not completely left Lebanon yet . A scorcher of a day saw many of us in the gardens with our boys having a ball . Watching the birds , sitting on the benches , having a little drink , a cuddle , a song or two or indeed for some just wondering through a new environment exploring .
University this week was a two day affair due to a National holiday on Monday and Tuesday . It is fascinating to learn about the history of Lebanon right from the Stone Age until recent years. We look forward to university this week where we head on a trip to the National Museum in Beirut. Will update further when we become more regular with university .
We had out first family visit this week which saw the arrival of Johannas' cousin Anna for a week , it was really lovely to have Anna staying with us for the week . On Friday 11th , we had Mr Honsig and Franseco ( Johanna father and brother ) come to Lebanon . It was lovely to have them around for the weekend . Lucas girlfriend Amelie arrives this weekend to spend two weeks with the team . Family visits are lovely and of course when the family bring treats for the whole team , well then that makes them great !
On the 12th November , we were honoured to be invited to the official inauguration ceremony of the knight and dame of the Order Of Malta . It was also a great honour to attend the ceremony of the first confessed knight of Lebanon and indeed for the whole of the Middle East . We met many Lebanese knights , dames and youths who we had not met until now . Our thanks to Patrick Jabre for co-ordinating jobs for the team on the day and to the knights and dames that invited the team . 'The Caravan team' once again offer our congratulations to Madame Coralie Zaccar , Madame Lina Frangie Wagner , Madame Dominque Sehnaoui , Madame India Abdini , Mademoiselle Tania Arwachan , Madame Marie - Madeline El Khazen , Mademoiselle Lelia El Khazen on becoming dames and to Monsieur Pierre Chidiac , Monsieur Walid Mouzannar , Monsieur Chadi Haddad and Monsieur Rainier Nouhra on becoming knights. Furthermore , we offer our congratulations to Monsieur Jean - Louis Mainguy on his commitment as a professed knight of the Order .
As with every other week , the team partake in a variety of activities , this week was the first of our fundraisers for the Christmas Appeal for our friends the boys and girls . We had expected a large turnout but unfortunately many people where not able to attend due to university and other events . We are truly grateful to those who attended and to those throughout Europe who are donating to the boys and girls . Each donation is so welcome for the appeal . We’re just finding the work / fun balance at the moment . Loads of events planned in the coming days and weeks so await updates. Also another guest blogger next week so prepare for and I quote ‘an amazing blog’ . We have also taken time to write about preparation camp which I hope to put on the blog this evening . Lots of changes for prep camp including venue etc .
Furthermore , we ask everyone who reads this to join us in supporting the boys and girls and to remember them in your prayers each day .
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