March 4, 2003

Work in progress at the Melkite Church.

Today is a school holiday, the celebration of the Muslim New Year. Elizabeth celebrated by sleeping in and catching up on chores and grading. Marthame returned from Ibillin, fortunately not having to spend the night on anyone's couch.

In the afternoon, he visited with Fr. Firas who took him to see the progress being made on the Melkite Church. The plastering is well under way, the window wells have been set. As Marthame told Fr. Firas, we remember when this church was closed and was an absolute mess inside. Now, it's simply an absolute mess! It's a construction site. Little by little. He's hoping to say his first Mass here on March 25, Annunciation Day. What a fitting sign of new life that would be.