Dear Hostel Beirut fam,
Wow, what an incredible month. I honestly didn’t expect to love living in a hostel for a month. Sharing a living space, primarily with strangers, having little to no privacy (thank God for showers), and having no control of who would be my team’s 6th roommate on any given night. These things might normally drive me a little crazy. But…
I had no idea that the sleepy-eyed hostel manager who greeted us on our first night would become like a brother. That the super stylish, cozy-scarf-and-Beats-wearing morning manager would be the one of the coolest, most accepting persons we would meet in Lebanon. That the lovely, quiet woman, who made sure everything was tidy would become a sweet, sweet friend. They didn’t know what was hitting them when 11 crazy Jesus-loving people walked into their hostel’s blueish green door, but man, they handled it like champs.
Who would have guessed that I’d make the sweetest friends in the smallest hours of the morning. That what would normally be my “alone time” (after everyone had gone to bed) would really turn into the late-night welcoming committee. That waking up to a small crowd chuckling, after I had fallen asleep on the pallet couch on the patio, would lead to some of the deepest, most rewarding conversations…and free pizza. That we’d have the best neighbor, who’s patio became a second home–just bring some popcorn and good conversation. That an Englishman, Irishman, Swede, a couple Norwegians, German, Belgian, Canadian, Indian, and a very English Libyan would become the greatest friends and honestly, the best teachers.
If any of them would read this, they might be surprised at the my calling them “teachers”, but that’s exactly what they were to me. Not only did they share their stories, experiences, and a wealth of tips for travel–but they shared their perspectives, their convictions, and their passions. For some that meant telling stories from home, sharing about their friends and family. For others, it meant explaining how they are basically going to change the world (I’m looking at you, Baptiste). Still others were willing to dive into the deep, with conversations about politics, religion, faith and science. But my favorite conversations by far were the ones wherein I truly got a glimpse into their personalities, their hearts and what really mattered to them. It wouldn’t be one bit of an exaggeration to say that these people changed me for good.
Some of these friends I may never see again. Some, I still talk to all the time! Some I fully intend on accepting invitations from to visit their family’s beautiful Summer home in Sweden! Thanks, Linus (our 29th squad mate). But whether or not I see you all again, just know that I truly appreciate you. Maybe one day, we’ll meet again, in a trendy little hostel in Beirut, Lebanon. We’ll write our names on the wall, share a meal together, and talk about the places we’ve been and where we’re going.
It was no secret why I was there–I love Jesus and I love to talk about him. You all understood and accepted who I was and who I am. Just know that I’m gonna keep praying for y’all and I’m always ready for another conversation. Don’t be strangers.
