On June 21, the CALB family, the Lebanese Brazilian Adventist Community that calls ARISE Beirut home, traded church pews for the trails of Yahshoush, along the banks of the Nahr Ibrahim river. It was a day nobody will forget any time soon!
The adventure began with a walk through a tunnel carved into the rock, dark and cool, opening onto a bright light at the exit. It was the perfect spot to raise the Brazilian flag high and remind everyone where we come from, even thousands of kilometers from home. Amid laughter, photos, and plenty of “raise it higher!”, the group made its way through the passage together, the way only a family of faith can.
On the other side, the real treasure of the day was waiting: the crystal-clear waters of the Nahr Ibrahim. Enormous boulders, shade from the trees, and a June heat that called for just one thing: a swim! And that’s exactly what happened. Between jumps into the water, arms open wide in pure celebration, and shouts of adrenaline, each person had their own moment of freedom and gratitude in the midst of God’s creation.
More than a hike, it was a time of fellowship: children, youth, and adults side by side, getting past slippery rocks, laughing at the tumbles, helping one another on the climbs, and finally posing together for the photo that has already become the group’s official keepsake, with the green and yellow stretched wide, big smiles, and the good feeling of a mission accomplished.
Yahshoush proved once again that Lebanon’s nature is an open invitation to fellowship, and that this is what the church is about too: people willing to step out of the routine, sweat through their shirts (literally!), and go home with lighter hearts and stronger friendships.
Until the next trail! 🥾💚💛
