'I would like to thank all the members of the Maronite Academy who chose me to make this trip and made me feel comfortable and safe during the whole trip. I want to thank the Foundation President, Charles Hage, all the coordinators and all the priests.
Going to the place where my grandfather was born was something unique. And seeing how the Lebanese diaspora can help the growth of Lebanon is something unique. I reiterate my gratitude for this opportunity, and I say goodbye congratulating the Academy for its organization. I am proud to be a former student of the Academy and I recommend this trip to anyone who can make it.
A.I.
Amin Issa
Nader Jesus Kfoure
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Argentina
I thank the Maronite Academy with all my heart for making one of my biggest dreams come true: getting to know Lebanon.
This was not like any ordinary trip, rather it was one that I will never forget. Being in Lebanon,I felt that this little country belonged to me. I felt the connection with my roots at all times and in every magnificent place we visited.
I learned a lot about various topics, from culture to history and religion.
I also formed a strong bond with boys and girls from all over the world, and what brought us together was our great love and passion for Lebanon.
The most exciting part of the trip was to find my Lebanese relatves at Ain el-Sofsaf, a village near Dhour el-Choueir). With them, I completed our family tree and shared really valuable time. This experience has expanded the knowledge I had of my origin, as I am the first member of my family to have gone back to Lebanon.
I am committed to working hard to make the Maronite Foundation known in my country and to further spread the history about my beloved Lebanon.
N.K.
Nader Jesus Kfoure
Maria Fernanda Ocampo Jalil
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Argentina
Oddly enough, sometimes dreams that we have not dreamt yet come true. This sums up my trip to Lebanon and the country where my great-grandparents were born, and that sadly saw them leave in search for new horizons towards Argentina.
The Maronite Academy made it possible for me to live the most significant experience of my family history, giving me the missing pieces of the puzzle that I needed to put together.
The spirituality of walking in the footsteps of Saint Charbel and Saint Rafka will be forever memorable. The taste of home in every meal, the hospitality of its people, shared with friends from all over the world who are now like brothers, was what made this experience unforgettable.
Thanks to each and every person that made this trip possible. Thanks to Father Fadi and thanks to all the members of the Foundation for motivating us to grow and convey the main values of every Lebanese. Finally, thank you for making me live a dream that I did not dream of and one that I now I dream of every day.
M.J.
Maria Fernanda Ocampo Jalil
Mauricio Medrano Sauma
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Bolivia
M.S.
Mauricio Medrano Sauma
Raquel Rivera Safadi
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Bolivia
This trip with the Maronite Academy was one of the best experiences of my life. I visited a wonderful country, full of incredible places, exceptional and courageous people and, above all, I discovered many things about myself, my origins, the country of my great-grandparents, my current family that is still there, their customs and religion and I reconnected with the beautiful land where my origins come from.
It was a magical experience. Places, people, and customs showed me that "what is inherited, cannot be stolen." It was a path of discovery of who I am, where I come from, and the reasons for many things I couldn’t explain before. I felt the people of the academy as my own family. It was a revival of my childhood and the legacy that my great grandparents brought to Bolivia, but in another language and in its purest origins, in Lebanon.
There are no words to describe all the happiness I feel having been able to live this experience, and to describe how joyful and grateful I am to everyone who made this possible. I return to Bolivia, but I leave my heart in Lebanon, totally in love with each of its corners and its people and hoping to return one day to live more unforgettable experiences and I am, more than ever, proud of my Lebanese roots.
R.S.
Raquel Rivera Safadi
My experience in Lebanon on this trip was extraordinary and I have the Maronite Academy to thank for that! I was completely astonished by the generous hospitality of the amazing Abi-Nader and Kabshi families who hosted us in their beautiful homes and treated us like family. Similarly, thanks to Mr. Amal Abou-Zeid for hosting a fabulous dinner overlooking a panoramic view of his hometown Jezzine! I am also forever grateful for the remarkable speakers who took the time to meet with us and talk about so many great emerging topics. Last but never the least, the team leaders, the organizers and the Maronite Academy board members, you guys are beyond incredible!! Year after year, you allow this program to take place, giving the chance to so many to experience Lebanon in such a fulfilling way... a thank you is NOT enough. As a first generation Lebanese, born and raised in Canada, you have my word to never forget Lebanon and to come back year after year. I would like to give a special shoutout to all the participants this year who made this experience as great as it was. Maronite Academy 2019, you will forever be in my heart.
R.S.
Renee Sayegh
Shantall Alam
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Dominican Republic
S.A.
Shantall Alam
Ana Helena Helue
|
Mexico
If I had to choose just one word to describe my experience with the Maronite Academy, it would be “exceptional.” Before going to Lebanon, I was sure I would find a country full of culture and full of wonders, because of all the amazing stories I have heard since I was younger. But the truth is, no words can explain what I found there. I found a country full of beautiful and kind people, people who are proud of their country. I found a country full of beautiful and unique places, full of delicious food, full of nature and full of history. I left part of my heart in Lebanon and I cannot wait to go back and make new memories and experiences. My time there couldn’t have been better.
Now, I am even more proud of my roots than I was before. I can finally say I have been to Lebanon and I have fallen in love with the country.
My mission now is to spread the word among the youth, so they too can have this life changing experience. I now have Lebanese friends all around the world that have a huge place in my heart. I have nothing else to say, but thank you from the bottom of my heart the Maronite Academy. Thank you Lebanon for showing me that I also have a home on the other side of the world. Shukran Libnan!
A.H.
Ana Helena Helue
Yianinna Abimorad
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Uruguay
Getting to know Lebanon was an experience that I dreamt about a few years ago.
Visiting the land I come from and feeling the energy of the famous sense of belonging was truly magical.
Trying the local cuisine and the feeling of being Lebanese while walking through its streets s something I will never forget.
Lebanon gave me unforgettable memories in my life and thanks to the Maronite Academy, I was able to love and meet people from other countries that made this experience memorable.
Y.A.
Yianinna Abimorad