As much as possible we try to provide our boys with
fulfilling, interesting, and positive life experiences. This isn’t often easy with the limited
resource at our disposal, but occasionally we get a weekend like this past one
when new challenges are faced and great memories are made.
Remembrance Day is celebrated in early November when
Commonwealth countries remember those who served country and died in
combat. The observation goes back to
1919 and is honored around the globe. In
Beirut, the British Embassy organizes a very appropriate and sincere
ceremony at the Beirut British War Cemetery.
In the midst of a hectic metropolitan, this tranquil site individually marks 1,147
lives of diverse nationalities that were lost in the two World Wars. Each year a young man from Dar El Awlad is
given the honor of participating in the ceremony by laying the wreath. It is quite an experience for our boys and
each year I’m impressed by how they are treated with such respect, interest,
and encouragement.
This year Ochinga was the representative to perform the
honor. He even showed up with a DEA
entourage. Ochinga usually is not the
type to be coy or nervous, but when he saw the crowd of uniformed men and
women, he got a case of the butterflies and needed some steady reassurance. As we awaited the start of the program he
prayed a prayer for steadiness and concentration, and when his time came he
proved to be an ace. Afterwards we
enjoyed a reception and the chance to mingle with ambassadors, embassy staff,
defense attaches, and international United Nations peacekeepers. The real treat was to converse with some
Lebanese WWII veterans who could still recall the war stories and recite the
patriotic verses of nearly 70 years ago.
It was a special encounter of our boys as they interacted with living history
and gained a greater appreciation of the generations that have preceded us. Of the many events I get to be a part of each
year, this remains one of the most special and meaningful. We greatly appreciate the British Embassy for
inviting Dar El Awlad to be part of Remembrance Day each year.
Ochinga laying the wreath following the 2 Minutes of Silence during Remembrance Day at the Beirut British War Cemetery.
Personal recognition of a task done well.
A moment with His Excellency
U.N. Servicemen from India
Listening to our very own veterans share memories of WWII. We won't have many opportunities to experience this living history again.
Remembrance Day is usually held on Sunday morning but this
year it was on Saturday because Sunday was the……
Beirut Marathon! Each
November the city of Beirut turns the streets over to runners for the
annual Beirut Marathon. There is indeed an official marathon, but most people participate in the attached 10 K race (which I have done ran the past couple years) and
a 5K youth run. Thanks to the local
Lions Club, 10 of our boys between the ages of 10 and 14 were invited to
participate in the 5K. We joined many
thousands in gathering with participants from around the country to share
in the uniting experience of sport. I
think this is a great event that really shines a hopeful light on Lebanon and serves as an inspiration to its residents.
We had a good time even if it wasn't a very fast time. For each of our boys it was the first chance to be in a proper race and I hope it won’t be the last. All day
they were full of stories about the event.
They weren't all accurate stories, but in a sincere way they were all true. That’s what’s important to these kids after
all.
Stretching before the race. But who was I kidding, these kids still have rubber for muscles. They're not looking at 30 like me.
Making our way to the starting line. I lost four boys along the way. No worries, they all made it across the finish line eventually!
Debriefing and enjoying treats from the post-race sack.
In a race like this, we're all winners! But I get to take the prize in the middle!
Great entry, Brent!!
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