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| 3500 year old cedar tree. |
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| Robert looks out over the valley. |
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| The day Russell was leaving. |
While we were in Lebanon I had many fun ideas for my blog. Now I am finding it hard to write. We visited amazing places and were stunned by the beauty of the countryside, as well as the friendliness and hospitality of the Lebanese people. I even daydreamed about actually owning a vacation home near our friends so we could return there regularly. Having all 6 of us together in such a wonderful place was a dream come true for this mom.
Russell and Mike left after the first week. Ryan stayed until July 31st then returned to Abu Dhabi. Sallie, Robert and I flew home on August 6th. Naturally touring the ancient ruins and the cedar forests was beautiful. Walking the streets of Beirut, seeing bullet holes from the civil war was thought provoking and sobering. The new buildings and restored areas, however, gave cause for hope. Many days we just hung out in Dhour Choueir( our host Anwar's boyhood town) and played games, took walks, laughed and talked. With 30 people there(6 families) there was lots to talk about and lots of meals to prepare. :) The town itself is several hundred years old. One night Anwar and his sweet mom showed me an old part of the village...from the 1500s, or so. If the walls could talk.....
So you see, I have so many great ideas for my blog. But then, when I got home, I got a call from Russell. It was Saturday and he told me how his good friend had been killed in the countryside of Afghanistan, working in a clinic. What does a mom say to her boy when he shares news like that? I am afraid I failed miserably. No great theological truths...just tears and wishes that I could hold him again like I used to when he was a boy and needed a hug. And what about this young man's parents? And all the other people who lost loved ones that day? I guess we just keep leaning in...leaning into His arms. Trusting. Knowing that in the end there is victory. There is joy.
