Mission of Life, Beirut, March 2019

Beshara Moussa, Finance

“Our trip to Lebanon was very humbling and encouraging at the same time. Despite growing up on the outskirts of Beirut and living there for 10 years, I had never heard of Mission of Life prior to 2018. Lebanon has been through a lot over the last several decades, from civil war, to occupation, to degradation of rights, and lack of resources and infrastructure. Large portions of the population are unable to thrive because they have to focus on surviving. That inevitably means that those who need the most help, are left without it.

This is where Mission of Life comes in. This organization has been around since the early 90’s and they rely on a core group of people who have devoted their lives to helping the less fortunate in society, regardless of race, religion, national origin, or political affiliation (which is a rarity in Lebanon). What really impressed me and renewed my belief in the country is how many of the individuals associated with Mission of Life have cast aside their attachments to material possessions and literally give everything they have to the cause of lifting up their fellow man. That is almost unheard of in Lebanon.

Coming back from the trip I couldn’t help but reflect on how much I had changed since I left Lebanon 13 years ago and how much I have to be thankful for. I also had to ask myself if I am doing everything I possibly can to leave this world in a little bit better of a place than when I came into it.

I am grateful we had the opportunity to go to Lebanon and experience some of the difficulties the people there have to go through, as well as meeting some of the amazing people who spend their days helping those in need. It was an experience that will remain with me forever.”