Hello from Lebanon,

Hello from Lebanon!

I learned more about this country between the airport and the Kids Alive

Orphanage, (one hour drive) then I ever knew before.  To my shame I guess, but as

you know, you can't believe half of what you hear on the news.

For instance, when I asked about getting to Israel, I was told that you

can not get there from here. And he meant it.  He said there isn't even the

word Israel in the computer at the travel agent's office.

We traveled through Beirut and he pointed out the Palestine settlements

where you can walk freely and where you don't even think about

walking.  Not exactly like NY City but in a way the same.  You just have

to be alert and wise.

It is a city of MANY different cultures from one end of the spectrum to

the other.  (extremely rich to extremely poor.)  When I was in Afghanistan
in 2003, it appeared that all in that country were the same – poor.  Afghanistan was nothing like this at all.

This scenario also causes problems with raising funds to take care of the children

as many people consider Lebanon wealthy and so the extremely poor

and refugees go uncared for.

We are doing well. I took a complete tour of the facility today. I hope to

visit a couple of electrical supply houses tomorrow to see what is

available in country to avoid shipping as I'm sure it would be extremely

difficult.

Linda visited the school today and helped a few kids with their English

reading skills. These kids are from everywhere - Sudan, Ivory Coast and a

dozen other countries.  It really gets complicated when you hear the

stories of how the kids arrived here and what lies ahead for them as they become of

age. (17)  It is a difficult to situation.

Thanks for your prayers and I will send updates as I am able.  Email is not as

dependable here as I thought it would be.

Thank you for praying,

Tom & Linda Garber