What a character. Shadi is a Syrian man who has lived much of his life in Lebanon. He checked all ten of us loud Americans girls and our favorite Mexican with our giant backpacks into the hostel when we arrived in Lebanon around midnight on a Thursday evening. He was rightfully skeptical of our ragtag bunch upon arrival. He has worked at the hostel for a few years and has met hundreds of people from around the world through the process.
How in the world does someone end up working at such a fun place? Meeting people and welcoming them into your home every day?? Sign me up! So I asked him. He was working at a bakery and practicing his English with the customers. Through that job, he developed a relationship with a Dutch man. This man saw a need in Lebanon and wanted to open a hostel where the proceeds would benefit refugees coming into the country. Who better to staff that business than people who have experienced coming into a new country? Insert Shadi.
They say the best way to get to know someone is to live with them. We had the opportunity to live with Shadi for an entire month! It was a great one. We celebrated his first Thanksgiving! He made me my first, and second, and third, traditional Syrian meals! I’m telling y’all, the man can cook. We introduced him to American pop songs that sound like they’re singing to him (imagine Shawty). I knew he was coming around to us when he took on the challenge to learn our names. About halfway through the month, Shadi came into Fierce 5’s room one evening to tell us how much he loved the way we decorated our room (we nest hard). During this visit he said something that truly touched my heart. He told us about some bad experiences he has had with American women in the hostel in the past and about the way he saw Americans based on these experiences. But he finished with “You have changed my mind about Americans. You made me think better. You made the hostel better.” Poke me with a fork, I’m done. How kind is that? He followed up with the golden question, “You are different. What’s different about you?” We told Him about Jesus and how he died for him. He said “no, not Shadi” YES, SHADI! Laura told him “He gave his life to give the stamp that says Laura, you’re good! B, you’re good! Shadi, you’re good!” We chatted for awhile longer and Carla gave him A Good Book before we said goodnight.
Shadi has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and he accepts them all for whomever they choose to be, but he has also recognized some stereotypes; like most humans do. I know I have some stereotypes in my mind. Whether they are conscious or not, they’re still there. What’s important is being willing to recognize them and allow them to be broken when you meet people who don’t fit the mold you made for them. I am so thankful Shadi did that with us.
Here is what I know about Shadi. He is a great cook but he prefers to work alone in the kitchen. He will always share his food. He is a great handyman. He loves his video game. He doesn’t open up easily but once he lets you in you’re IN! He has the biggest heart. I’m going to miss him a lot. That’s what I’m doing here. Making friends like Shadi.
