The tragic explosion of the Beirut port left the families of our beloved city both devastated and in distress, many of whom lost their homes, loved ones, friends, and last glimpse of joy to blast. In the midst of a global pandemic and an uprising national economic crisis that brought end to the incomes of many households all over Lebanon, I believe the families of Beirut had lost all hope in surviving the aftermath of the explosion. That being said, the Order of Malta in Lebanon and its Youth were quick to take action. Many projects such as a food relief and refurbishment campaign in the Geitaoui area were put in place to serve the streets of Beirut or what’s left of them for that matter.
In the middle of all the chaos, an idea came to mind: the Chabrouh Shelter project. The project’s aim was to provide the affected families with a “house of love and mental relaxation to all”. With the idea of mental health being completely neglected in Lebanon since the blast, we took it upon us to provide a retreat for those not only physically but also mentally affected by the blast. As team leader for this shelter, I have to admit it was challenging to bring all the pieces together as it was an entirely different concept from the camps we usually host at Chabrouh for the differently-abled of Lebanon. However, the way I see it, the blast only made us stronger.
We came up with a brilliant plan to provide the families of Beirut with a comforting escape from the miseries of the capital. Nonetheless, this plan wasn’t fully optimized until we finally met the families we were going to spent the next week or two with. When we met the first family, a kind of special bond was formed between them and the volunteers which, in its turn, created a big family gathered around by laughter, care, and joy. We shared many moments and stories that got us closer during our stay at Chabrouh. Various spiritual activities were planned such as a trip to Saint Charbel where families rediscovered their faith that allowed them to survive the blast.
A typical day at the Chabrouh Shelter would start with what we call some “Laughter Yoga” to release all the stress and tension built up minds and bodies followed by good food and activities such as painting or going for a hike to the dam. We even had a water fight at one point which even the adults enjoyed. We would end each long active day with our Chabrouh tradition “Almaza Time” where we would unwind, have a beer with the families and share stories and jokes accompanied by laughter unlike any ever heard before. I wish I could put what was talked about in words, but as one family member said: “Almaza time shall remain a Chabrouh secret”.
As team leader, I think what makes me the proudest is hearing the tone of the families as well as their face expressions before and after their stay. The tone went from sad and empty to fulfilled and energetic. In my opinion, the team managed to embrace the families, and give them a sense of safety and warmth they lacked in the capital. I am grateful for every single person that made the Chabrouh Shelter such as a big success for the families, and I hope we can move forward in the Order’s mission, and keep on helping the less fortunate.
Antony Al Dada, Lebanese volunteer (Camp Leader Chabrouh Shelter Wave 1)
