1. Introduce yourself: Hi everyone my name is Christelle, I am 28 years old, I studied economics and I am currently working in Business Development.
2. How did you hear about the Youth? I heard about the Youth through friends
3. What is your best memory? So many good memories from seeing the kids riding bikes to dancing with the elderlies around the bonfire in Chabrouh to taking the guests for the first time visit the Massabielle Grotto during Lourdes pilgrimage!
4. The Youth in one word: Humbleness.
5. What makes you come back to our activities? The smile on the face of our guests every time they join our activities!
Saturday the 8th of February will definitely be a memorable day for the guests of our partner psychiatric institution. The Youth always try to give our guests memorable experience and a sense of adventure during our activities. As they rarely go out of their hospitals, we often use our creativity to make the best of their outings with us. The guests went accompanied by the volunteers to watch “Dr. Dolittle”. The magical movie left infinite joy and imagination in the guest’s eyes, and definitely was a change of scenario from their usual home. Through this activity, I learned that every opportunity given can create tons of magic and hope in the eyes of our guests.
Anthony el Dada, Volontaire libanais
Guests with Down syndrome weekend camp in Chabrouh
I have been a volunteer with the Order of Malta in Chabrouh camps for four years now. Today, I can confidently say that every single camp I attended has had a big impact on my life. I am so grateful that I now have a broader understanding of different kind of disabilities, and I hope I can work one day to raise awareness and improve the overall quality of life of people with physical and mental disabilities. At the down syndrome camp, my private guest was Audrey, a young woman who was the light of the camp. She impressed everyone as she is a professional swimmer. Something people wouldn’t expect from someone who has autism and down syndrome at the same time. Interacting with her was challenging, contrarily to the other guests. Indeed, people with down syndrome are often particularly affectionate and sensitive. Audrey, however, doesn’t even make much eye contact. It was a whole new way of communicating but I believe this is what makes her so special. After a while, she got used to my presence, she let me braid her beautiful long ginger hair and would follow me wherever I moved. I was so happy with her trust. She absolutely loved music and got really excited when speakers were on, or when DJ Joe started playing, which made us all really happy. We also sang “the wheels on the bus go round and round” all day long, a repetitive habit she is sticking to! Overall, based on how many times I saw her laugh or looking at me, Audrey had a great week-end. This camp was full of energy, music and laughs, which is a fun and joyful atmosphere to be around for volunteers and guests. I am glad I know Audrey now, and I will visit her soon, as I found out she is my neighbor!
Christina Achkar, Lebanese Volunteer
Before even arriving to Chabrouh, we had heard from many Lebanese that the camp for guests with Down Syndrome was their favorite, and that it will be amazing. Therefore, we were all very excited and truly looking forward to the camp and its happy and special atmosphere. After preparing the center on Thursday night, I couldn’t wait to see the guests the next morning. My guest Raymond, was a very old, adorable man who not only needed a wheelchair, but also needed assistance while eating or showering. Not like most of the other Down Syndrome guests and probably due to his age, he didn’t enjoy participating in loud activities such as dancing to loud music. He liked sitting next to whatever was happening while cuddling. However, this didn’t stop me from enjoying all the well-organized activities the entertainment team prepared. Even though Raymond couldn’t talk nor walk, I was overwhelmed by the love he shared and the good vibes he could spread. Thanks to him, all the other guests and volunteers, have been filled with joy and love, which will hopefully last for a long time!
Samedi 18 janvier, les volontaires de l’Ordre de Malte se sont réunis au musée national pour une activité pas comme les autres. Si la sortie au musée national a permis à beaucoup de personnes âgées venues de la région de Nabaa de découvrir pour la première fois leur patrimoine libanais, le déjeuner leur a fait découvrir des horizons plus larges : l’Inde. Une dizaine de volontaires se sont rendus au musée national pour accompagner 15 invités venus de Nabaa. La visite était aussi intéressante qu’enrichissante, nous avons visité les trois étages avant de suivre un documentaire sur l’évolution du musée au cours des années. Ensuite, nous avons pris la route vers Furn el-Chebback pour partager le repas tous ensemble dans le restaurant libano-indien Get Grilled. Une entrée, un plat très copieux et un dessert nous attendaient. De nouvelles saveurs titillèrent les papilles de nos invités qui furent ravis de ces mets exotiques. Pour terminer la journée, nous avons offert des paquets alimentaires de première nécessités afin d’aider nos chers amis en ces temps difficiles. Nous l’achevons sur une belle note !
Chabrouh is the embodiment of hope, love and family. Chabrouh is the place that will teach you the lessons no other place ever will. Chabrouh is the place where faith unites us all. Chabrouh is the place where God’s love radiates its brightest whether through the passion of the volunteers or the smiles of the guests. Chabrouh is a driving force for anyone who takes part in this magical experience. Chabrouh is lending a hand and being lifted up in return. Chabrouh is joy at its finest, laughter at its loudest and worship at its sincerest. Chabrouh is the place that will make you dream but also sometimes cry. However, in a matter of a few minutes, Chabrouh is the place where your tears will turn into laughter. Chabrouh is the only place where you give but receive so much more in return.
Chabrouh will make you appreciate what you have and share it with those who aren’t as fortunate as you are. Chabrouh is a refuge from the chaos of daily life a place that will make you happier than any other place ever will. Chabrouh is where you give people hope and they give you a reason to keep going.
No matter how much you give in Chabrouh, you will always receive much, much more. The atmosphere in the center transcends any word one can come up with. It’s tough yet joyful, full of challenges yet full of rewards, full of difficulties yet full of God’s grace. Chabrouh is the only place where in a matter of few days you will learn more than you ever have your entire life. Chabrouh is the place where life-long friendships will be tied and where memories will be forever engraved in your heart and mind.
Chabrouh was by far the best experience of my life, it taught me the value of little things and the magic of the big moments. Chabrouh is the place that made me get closer to God, find hope in prayer and comfort in worship. Chabrouh is and will always be the place that changed my life forever and the only place I sincerely believe made me and all of us better people. Chabrouh is a life lesson. Chabrouh is a family, Chabrouh is unity, Chabrouh is an eye opener. Chabrouh was my savior. If you ever lose faith in humanity, be sure that Chabrouh is the place to be. Being part of the Youth of the Order of Malta will always be the greatest blessing anyone can possibly wish for.
Every year, the Sovereign Order of Malta chooses around 25 young volunteers from around the globe to take part in the silent Blessed Gerard Retreat. It consists of times of meditation, common prayer, lectures and offers the opportunity to share with others the witness of faith in the experiences made through the Order. Fra’ Dr. Georg Lengerke led the retreat with spiritual guidance alongside Father Romanos Bou Assi of the Lebanon Chabrouh Project. The retreat took place at Centro Nazareth, located in a quite secluded area next to Fiumicino airport. Despite the center’s modesty, its positive energy, beautiful park and peaceful landscape were perfect for this spiritual escape. Joumana Doummar and I were “Blessed” to represent the Lebanese Youth.
We spent 3 complete days in silence, meditating on the notions of knowing, loving and serving in regards to our faith. On the bright side, we got to hear what 30 people eating breakfast in silence sounds like. I’ll let you imagine the resonating spoons, the crunches of toast and the slurps of hot coffee.
For the first time in 9 years with the Youth of the Order, I was asked to introspect, and take care of myself instead of others. Many of us found out that it is much harder to serve, than to be served. We also faced the demons of our limitations when it comes to faith and service. Personally I really liked the idea that “to love is to want their greatness be drought up to light”. However, sometimes we are faced with those who don’t want their light to shine. In that case, we should accept that some things are out of our control. Fra’ Georg did an amazing job in making us understand the delicate balance and intertwining between spirituality and service by invoking the episode of Martha & Mary (Luke 10:38-42). We need to be cautious about service becoming overbearing and consequently losing sight of its spiritual essence. This was a valuable lesson in humility. I also grasped that without humility we cannot progress in spirituality. What I mainly took back from this silence was a sense of renewal. Renewal in faith, in hope even in energy. We were all given a life changing opportunity to put a stop to our chaotic daily routines and reset our mindset. It was a chance to compare the urgency versus the importance of things and discern which matters have power or control over our lives.
We also left the silence with a better understanding about our vocation: The Order is a special call to serve. A desire to serve, but sincerely. We also talked about being ready to carry what we don’t agree with, out of love, forgiveness, compassion and tolerance. That to love someone is to tell them: you shall not suffer. “We are not called by God to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” ― Jean Vanier.
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