Finally

So, this blog thing hasn't worked out very well yet despite our good intentions. Syria doesn't allow access to the site, and a small village in Lebanon isn't really the place to find an internet cafe. But now we have the technology so here it goes:

Syria highlights:
After a short sleep we made our way to the mosque via the souq (market) and found ourselves instantly immersed in a very different culture...the sights, sounds, crowds, traffic, smells and the looks we received - and very soon we found that people were interested in talking to us, welcoming us to their country, having us hold their children and taking pictures of us...
The Mosque was a peaceful community centre, quiet and clean, and a place to rest, and think. Food - shawarma and falafel, and baklava, the mezze - a buffet of baba ganoush, humous, and many other things..in the ancient surrounds of a Damascus courtyard. the hammam was very special for everyone - the girls were asked to sing and they did - African songs (Vic should be proud)- people stopped and listened and applauded. Next day- Crac de Chevalier for some, for others, to an Aramaic village where we heard the Lord's Prayer in Jesus' language. Annanais' chapel was another highlight. The girls became expert at bartering, and made many good shopping 'deals'. The backpacks are heavy now...

Damascus journal entry: I have been in awe of how the students have embraced this city. I see them making friends with everyone, from Muslims in the mosque to an Iraqi with war scars in the Turkish bath. I seem the females in our group speaking with niqab hidden women, speaking with interest and warmth. They've even had fun trying to get pictures with cute waiters - who will be able to forget the irresistable Fadi at Beit Jaber? Wherever we went, the students filled spaces with enthusiasm and positive energy, despite being hungry or tired or . . . I love this city; I love what it does to people.

Lebanon highlights: We arrived after a long border wait exiting Syria, seems all the paperwork done in advance lacked one thing - ask James about 'urgency fees'. Syrians save their friendly folks for their cities...
The students were excited about the accomodations in Schneller , 'it is like being at camp' and soon were sent outside to speak English and Arabic with the students of Schneller. If there were any nerves about this, they soon dissipated as the groups of students merged and lots of laughter and conversation began. For sure, our girls were the main attraction, as the students we met that evening were boys from the vocational program, but many of the boys made new friends as well. The next day the legendary basketball game took place, Lebanon led bythe PE teacher (younger and cuter than KW) and Canada led by Levi, who was convinced we could win this. Much cheering from the bleachers (outdoor court, hills of Lebanon as a backdrop). We taught the younger students to cheer 'Go Canada Go' and since we were clearly the underdogs, they did, with enthusiasm and volume. Heather Fast RIPPED a ball from the hands of one of the Lebanese, JH should be so proud. We lost - but did the best we have ever done, according to James. They did not offer us any players, as they have in the past - that would jave been too risky. Soon the students headed home for an extended Easter break, and the place was very quiet. The next day we toured Lebanon - the Jeita grotto and a gondola to the top of the city overlooking all of Jouneh (a suburb of Beirut), and the Medit..Sea - beautiful...
It is remarkable to imagine the wars this country has endured, and may again endure. Many people that we spoke with, when we mention Canada, say that their sister (cousin, brother, etc) is there, and they hope to go there one day soon as well. It is a beautiful country, but they want very badly to leave. The struggles are evident for these people love their home very much...but...
One more night at Schneller and then a long day, with two border crossings (more urgency fees) and we arrived in Petra. More on that soon....
A highlight for most of the students was visiting James and LeAnn's former neighbours. They treated us with true Lebanese hospitality, forcing us to drink coffee and tea, and showing us how to dance the dabke (the traditional Lebanese dance). Some of you from the last trip may remember these folk; Johnny is still a show off - he's the best at dabke in the village. He certainly charmed the hearts of some of our girls..no names will be divulged.

Pam and James (on behalf of the group)