Departing Lebanon...

After a wonderful week in Lebanon, the day of my flights back to my family in Scotland had finally arrived (Saturday, 24th June). I said many sad farewells during the early morning, and then went with friends to an Armenian bakery before lunch. We enjoyed delicious kunefe and also explored the Beirut Mall - picture below. :)

Soon though, we were back at the hotel and I was ready to head to the airport for my Lufthansa flights from Beirut to Frankfurt and on to Glasgow. My flight departing Beirut was considerably delayed, which meant that my connection in Frankfurt was going to be less than an hour. 

Upon landing and disembarking the aeroplane, I sprinted through the airport and managed to make my flight to Glasgow - which was also (thankfully) delayed. My final flight went smoothly, and I was soon on the ground in Scotland. My sister picked me up and we were back at her flat at midnight. It had been an amazing week in the Middle East!

Inscription on the foundation stone of the hotel.

One final breakfast at the hotel.

Amazing treats at the Armenian bakery.

View of Beirut from the top floor of the hotel.

Climbing out of Beirut onboard the Lufthansa A321neo.

Summit Day Five...

The final day of the summit was Friday, 23rd June. I joined the international staff members for a trip down the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon, where we visited ministry sites in southern Lebanon. We also stopped in historic Tyre, where we visited the Tyre World Heritage Site, the location of ancient Phoenician and Roman ruins - including the Tyre hippodrome, one of the best-preserved chariot racing tracks in the world. 

We even walked along the same Roman road where Jesus would have walked 2,000 years ago! It was in this region that Jesus healed the Syro-Phoenician woman's daughter as told in Mark 7: 24-30 and walked where Jesus walked 2,000 years ago! 

We enjoyed delicious freshly caught fish at a seafront restaurant, before driving back to Beirut. On the way back, we stopped at the Saida (Sidon) Sea Castle, a Crusader castle built in 1228 (and used over the centuries since then). It was amazing to see the rich culture and history of Lebanon!

Information board at the Tyre World Heritage Site.

Amazingly preserved ancient ruins.

View towards the Triumphal Arch.

The Tyre Hippodrome - a fantastic arena that hosted chariot races. It seated 20,000 people!

Curious little lizard.

The fishing harbour at Tyre.

Fish for lunch!

We walked through the Christian quarter and passed this old church.

Beautiful streets...

... And colourful doors!

Saida Sea Castle.

Walking across the causeway to the main entrance.

View towards Sidon.

Lovely to be at the coast.

Another view of Sidon's Sea Castle.

Later that evening, we ate dinner at a restaurant on Beirut's marina.

Pigeon Rock off the coast of Beirut.

Summit Day Four...

Day four of the summit was a time to take part in ministry opportunities, such as house visits. But for me, it was a day spent with the Communications team, talking about our strategy moving forward and planning for the future. We also went to a Christian coffee shop, where we had an informal meeting about marketing and media. I took the opportunity to take some photos of Beirut street scenes, too. The photo here is of a collapsed petrol station destroyed during the devastating port explosion of 2020.

That evening, local staff members hosted international visitors in their homes, giving us a little experience of the warm Lebanese culture! :)

MEC Creative studio.

International Communications team.

Painting on the wall of the MEC Creative studio.

Amazing coffee shop.

Lineman's nightmare.

Lebanese flag on a large Christmas tree.

Driving up into the hills for dinner that night.

It was a lovely sunset...

... Spent with good friends.

Lovely hospitality and a delicious meal.

Lebanese baklava.

Summit Day Three...

The third day of the summit was a day of connection and relaxation. We drove into the mountains above Beirut - to an altitude of over 1,064 metres above sea level - and spent the day at The Pine Yards, an outdoor adventure place with a zipline course, giant swing, trampolines, and other games.

We spent time in worship and there was a strong sense of unity, especially when we sang How Great Thou Art in so many different languages. Staff members then spent time bonding over games, ziplines, and deep conversations. It was a really special time.

The front of the hotel.

Squashed in the bus, heading to the retreat.

Precariously perched block of flats.

Looking back as we drive up into the mountains.

View looking towards the Port of Beirut. The site of the 2020 Beirut Port Explosion is out of the view - to the left of this shot.

Winery and vineyards high up in the mountains.

Walking into the adventure park.

Lots of games and activities.

Pretty flower.

View back to where the bus is parked.

Driving back down to Beirut.

Interesting building close to our hotel.