Lebanon

Here's Popie and Phoebe Shaw (daughter of Perry and Karen) at Baalbek yesterday. This was our final fling in Lebanon, visiting the spectacular Roman ruins there. A stunning place,
with massive structures still largely intact, set in a lovely valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains.

We did some touristing in Lebanon, but more of our time was involved in interacting with Perry and Karen and with John and Nancy Sagherian, who lead Youth for Christ. Along with Doug and Judi Webb, from our church, we got to meet a lot of the people both couples work with, and we did several seminars for different groups. We kept busy, learned a lot, and came away very impressed with what our friends are doing.

Lebanon is extraordinarily complex sociologically and historically, and there's a weight of uncertainty and anxiety leaning over everbody. An election is coming and so posters and flags are everywhere, representing dozens of parties and politicians. We're very thankful for that faithfulness and skill with which people we know continue to serve God in that context.

Last night we had an overnight flight to Madrid, so we're back in Europe. Dave and Daphne Fisher are our hosts.... it's great to be with them though we are very sleepy!