Stories

Trudging with my stuff I weave through the crowd, “excuse me Madame… sorry Monsier,” just to get through the door. It’s more than half an hour before registration starts, and there are at least 50 people waiting already. They are anxious to get their families registered. The parking is blocked and the staff who are usually inside preparing for the day, are outside arranging, and setting up early. We need to start because the people are blocking the street. The hum of people speaking continues for the next two hours as the morning students come in and most are assigned videos so that they can focus.

 

It’s introductions only for today. We take a bit of their story and a small amount of information, and each family will receive a visit to their home. For us it’s a way to double check information, but mostly to be able to sit and hear about their lives. We hear the pain and the hurt, the struggles, and the trails. We want to be a listening ear and a hopeful presence as we come. Many have no one to listen. They compare their problems to their neighbors and remain silent if their situation isn’t as bad. But with a tanking economy, their money locked in banks (if they have any) the need is great, whether or not they talk about it. Many go without electricity because they can’t pay the bills. Some of our regular students bring their phones each morning to charge.

 

As the need grows, we continue to open the doors to be a safe presence in the community. Some come to ask for help, some just want to sit and talk with us. Either way we are here to be a presence of Christ in the community. To remind them they are not forgotten and that there is and will be more for Lebanon.