Closing Thoughts

Not sure when I will be blogging again other than to put some pics up for you to see the experience rather than me just talking about it.

One thing that just baffles me are the American restaurants that you see here: Mc Donald’s (duh), Burger King (which was huge), Applebees, TGIFriday’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dunkin Doughnuts, and of course Starbucks! The other night I had a Lebanese Burger – actually it was just a regular burger except they stick the fries in the burger. Last night it was a good ol’ cheese pizza. Just had to do it!

Last night’s class went really well. Many of the young adults from Syria, Iraq and Lebanon are still here going through more training in the daytime as well as the ones at night. They might be slowing down a bit but you would never know it. They are as enthusiastic as ever. They truly are an inspiration.

Tomorrow during the day I have the opportunity of touring through some caves just north of here. They say they are incredible. For part of it, you even take a boat to get out to them. Should be a real treat. Then it is one last class to teach, dinner (10pm which of course you remember that everyone here is still going strong!) and then off to the airport for that 3am flight.

I am continually reminded that people are the same no matter where you are in the world. We have been fearfully and wonderfully created in God’s image. The things that bring joy and sadness, what causes distrust and lack of faith is the same in every culture. Boys will be boys and girls will be girls. We can try all the different fads and all the technology but it truly does come down to becoming more like Christ, letting Him mold and shape us into His image. In the process we discover the universal principles and share them with one another so the gates of Hell will be crushed and more men, women and children are brought into God’s Kingdom. Can’t thank you enough for the support and prayers to see me through what I believe God is asking of me.