solidarity and …

I called the Belgian Embassy and they told me that they had so many people to contact and they therefore were so busy. I was also told that “being known” by the Embassy is apparently not the same as being registered in times of war. I kindly told them that I was not even considering leaving but that it’s about the principle. Anyhow I was not surprised, given the fact how the American Embassy acted with my friend Lily, an American citizen. Today the last Belgian plane leaves…and I do not at all regret I’m not on it.

As I was writing this now, 8 heavy explosions were heard…the priest Father Jean-Marie called to say that it’s about 900 m from his house. We were all planning to go up to Bikfaya to celebrate mass with the displaced up there, but given the attacks….

But, after one hour Fr. Jean-Marie says he’s going up, so we join him and celebrate mass in a school full of displaced Christians….the faithful pray fervently and I’m moved when the priest asks to pray for all those who like evil, the ones bombing, the ones desiring to hurt others…a total different atmosphere at this school with about 15 families….

I’m grateful for so many who mail me and are worried about me and my Lebanese friends, my sisters call and others send text messages…it’s this specific tie, war creates or simply does not create…but in my case it creates a common solidarity…