What's happening? - February 2007

Despite the uncertainty all around us with the present political crisis in Lebanon things continue much as usual at Blessed.  The young people in the St Luke's Programme have enjoyed a special treat recently.  They had a trip to Macdonald's and enjoyed the fun of eating a Happy Meal. An added treat was in store when an onlooker offered to buy them all an ice cream!  Back at school the class rooms look smart with new carpets and chairs and cd players kindly donated by some friends of Blessed.  Everyone has the opportunity to make things in the craft sessions.  Some are busy embroidering pictures and then framing them in the woodwork class.  Others are weaving small carpets or cushion covers.  A couple of the older boys like to help in the bakery whenever they can.  Some of the girls enjoy making bead-work items with Miss Randa.

Students in the Visually impaired programme have been venturing out on short visits most days.  When the weather is fine a couple of the guys go to the local park.  The young ladies visit friends and are making plans for their future.  Talk of marriage is in the air for some!  Others hope to find employment outside of school.  Some are developing typing skills and trying to learn a musical instrument.  Our cane baskets are now being sold in a couple of places, which gives more hope to those who spend hours making them. 

Already Christmas seems aeons ago but the presentation by the St Luke's children was well worth watching this past year.  We had very effective scenes from the Nativity story- Shepherds/Angels/Wise Men and most important and central to the theme The Baby Jesus. Tony played his violin and Suheil the guitar and the room was filled with happy songs – joyful and rhythmic.  A couple of the lads even broke out into break dancing, which had us all mesmerised!  Excitement mounted as Papa Noels began to appear on the scene – sacks filled with presents – we ended up with 4 of them dressed up in the inevitable red costumes plus beards and hand bells!!  Everyone enjoyed the special meal of chicken and savoury rice with toasted nuts.  Finally the Yule Log went down a treat.

What about the future? 

We hope to develop the life skills programme to some seed planting – maybe grow our own tomatoes and some nice flowers for the small garden plot. 

The kitchen and dining room are in need of some renovation so we are hoping that we can have some work done over Easter.  New cupboards and worktops plus stainless steel sinks.

The winter rains have penetrated our roof and discovered every tiny crack so that the upper floor at times becomes awash with water.  Randa has to bail out regularly in the Knitting Workshop!  We would love to solve the problem with a sloping roof but of course this costs money!

We thank God as always for all He has done for us and we praise Him for safety and protection for everyone who is part of our school.  Chapel time is a daily reminder that He cares about each one of us.  The young people love to sing the songs and soak up the stories from the Bible.

If you want to contact us we'll be delighted to hear from you. 

Christmas Party