Today I sit in an internet cafe in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon. Three weeks ago, I made a decision to come here, without a real plan for what comes after. I had a Plan A (to stay for 5 weeks and complete my practicum) and Plan B (get a job before I go, and come back after 2 weeks). Praise God, Plan A came through in the last minute, and I got a wonderful job with World Vision International (www.wvi.org) a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children and families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice!! My position is a Business Analyst position on the PMIS (Project Management Info Systems) team. This is a huge global initiative to gather knowledge and processes from around World Vision and build a common system with new technology. I'll be a Supply Chain rep., based in Monrovia, CA, and will likely travel extensively globally, over the next 6 months. I'll start on November 14th, the day after I return from Lebanon.

My time at Fuller has given me a unique lens through which I am viewing my time in Lebanon. This is my first time in a predominately Muslim context. I have prepared just a bit, by reading Colin Chapman’s, Cross and Crescent: Responding to the Challenge of Islam, which is a very helpful book for Christians trying to understand and relate to Muslim peoples. But now that I am here, I see no book can truly capture the massive spectrum of views, cultures, and beliefs that exist under this umbrella. This is much the same way Muslim people try to sum up views of American Christians and think we have a view that could be captured in one book. Yeah right!

Beirut, Lebanon has more western influence than I anticipated. This was evident as we walked by the Starbucks adjacent to our hotel. We have also traveled deep in the South, and up North where you go through a virtual time warp. The mix of people I have come across is vast, from Christians, both Orthodox, and Evangelical; to Shi’ite Muslims, aligned with Hezbollah or Amal; to Palestinian Muslims. Though many speak English, Arabic is the primary language, which I do not speak. Our hosts, who are American, have been wise and invested the first several years here learning the language. It makes such a big difference.

The main goal of our trip is to do medical outreach and to love and serve people in the name of Jesus. We have a team consisting of a doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, and two administrator, logistics types. We have been setting up these make-shift clinics in villages and inviting the local people to come and receive free check-ups. Our main objective is to support the long-term team, as they move to build relationships and bridges to these communities. We have had ample opportunity to pray for our brothers and sisters here and ask for God’s healing to come.

I must also say that I have been completely blown away at the hospitality of these people. When you come into even the simplest Muslim home, you will always be treated like a king / queen! There is always tea or coffee, often a snack, and sometimes a bit of fruity narghile (or hookah). It is so hard to refuse the hospitality, and after visiting several homes in a row, you may end up with a nice caffeine buzz for a while.

It is a shame there is not much draw for Americans to visit Lebanon these days. I however, am thankful I overcame my fear and took this trip. I encourage any of you who desire to see the Middle East, to consider Lebanon as your first stop!