#poor akkar

[averil2004]

Erian: Dad?

Ezarel: You love us?

Akkar: Normally I would say yes without hesitation, but I feel like this is going somewhere I won't like.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

Some of the trees in Akkar province are more than 100 years old, says Mohammed Abdallah. A refugee from the war just over the border in Syria, Abdallah has come to know the forests of northern Lebanon well and has spent recent days putting out a persistent blaze that threatened ancient woodland near Qabeit.

He is one of 80 men and women of the First Responders team of Jurd al-Qayteh, drawn from 15 villages in Akkar, the region’s largest volunteer firefighting unit. Wildfires are responsible for 26% of tree loss in Lebanon over the past 20 years. Rising temperatures and poor forest management have contributed to an increase this year in a season that lasts about 18 weeks through to late September. With the country in economic crisis, emergency services like firefighters are in disarray.

“I don’t have any land or trees of my own, but I wanted to get involved and help save the forests,” says Abdallah, a carpenter who came to Lebanon with his family in 2012 to escape the war.

[bandofmerrytravelers]

Camiga smiled and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Oh! Shoot! I should send a message to the crew so they know we’re alive. The poor things.”

“Honey, they’re your old crew. I doubt they’re worried.” Akkar rolled his eyes, chuckling a bit.

Wizards!

Lucian always hated travelling with his Uncle. It always meant sparring, training, studying, or politics. And in this case, it was Politics. Sir Gerralt Reid, being one of the 4 land owners outside of the empire, answered a message from the empire for trade route talks with the king. More trade, meant more currency. More currency meant more repairs to the castle, so of course…Gerralt obliged. But with many dealings with the empire, meant the possibility of an attack so Lucian was forced to come along with a few of Gerralt’s guard. 

Upon arrival, Lucian glanced out the carriage window and frowned. Nobles. Guards. The whole lot, filled to greet them, along with another carriage arriving right behind them. Lucian was completely embarrassed as he stepped out of the carriage, seemingly recognized by a few of the knights and commanders present. 

“Did I really have to come here? They’re going to know.” Lucian murmured fixing his greave. 

Gerralt stood in front of Lucian, fixing his collar and his cape. “You’ll be fine. Just keep quiet. And don’t speak unless spoken to. If a noble bows to you, you bow back, hear me?” He asked and Lucian nodded sheepishly.

@bandofmerrytravelers

[mdye]

In a few days we will be ringing in Ramadan, when millions around the globe will fast with the hope of purifying their hearts and souls. For many, this is the month of charity and good deeds. People are supposed to be kinder to each other and be a little bit more understanding. It’s the month when many take on the challenge of tackling their bad habits, from smoking to swearing. But perhaps most importantly, it’s the season of solidarity with those less fortunate.

During Ramadan, you never pray alone and you certainly are not supposed to break bread by yourself. People put aside their grievances and grudges to stand together.

I started fasting at the age of seven. As a little boy, it was exciting to see all of my family under one roof, elbowing each other, trying to get more of that popular dish before it ran out. Mom and Dad always made sure we had enough food, and then we would pray and rush to the nearest TV to watch our favorite prank shows or dramas (hey, I have five sisters). We would stuff ourselves with jams, cheeses, dried fruits—anything sweet that was within reach. Some stores and restaurants would even open their doors at crazy hours to cater to our special Ramadan schedules.

You can imagine how different it was for me to experience my first Ramadan in the US as a lone student in the Rocky Mountains. It took a lot of adjusting, but it turned out well, thanks to friendly people on campus who made sure to make the few Muslims feel welcome.

I like that most about this holy month: people come together and feel a sense of unity. They look around to lend a helping hand to those who need it. During Ramadan, the poor sometimes find food on their tables thanks to a mysterious neighbor who sent a plate from their own kitchen.

This is the month when caring folks go the extra mile and shower their surroundings with love, charity and blessings. Broken families come together, employers take it easy on their employees, and schools cut the little ones a break. And of course, this is when organizations like ANERA, where I work, step up efforts to offer relief and aid to those who need it most.

In a place like Akkar, Lebanon where thousands of middle-class Syrian families have taken refuge, our staff are on the field every day working to provide basic services. So many of these refugee families had never worried about food, water, electricity or shelter. But now they find themselves forced to cope with misfortune from a brutal civil war that has yet to let up. Their dignity is important to our staff and our donors alike.

While most companies cut back on their business hours for Ramadan, our staff actually log more hours during this month due to the high demand on services and interest in our work.

All too often, refugees do not have safety or food security. They are strangers in a strange land with few resources. The month of Ramadan shows them that they are strangers no more, and that people hear their plight and are offering them support and love.

This Ramadan, show refugees you stand in #RamadanSolidarity by helping them celebrate with peace and security. We’re all part of a common humanity, after all.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

[averil2004]

Erian: Dad? What are you most afraid of?

Akkar *without hesitation*: Your mother's brothers.

Ezarel: Uncles Elgar and Shefe? But they're so cool!

Akkar: Because they calm down when Erian was born...

*Years ago*

*Luthien's family: mother, father and two older brothers - twins*

Luthien: So... I'm pregnant and it's a boy!

Luthien's mother: Oh my Oracle... Congratulations!!!

Elgar and Shefe: ...

Luthien: Guys?

Elgar and Shefe: *look at Akkar and grab their spears*

Akkar: Shit! *Runs*

Elgar: YOU F*CKED OUR LITTLE SISTER?!

Shefe: GET BACK HERE!

Luthien's father *confused*: But... But you are already married.

[bandofmerrytravelers]

Akkar snorted, “oh don’t embarrass the poor kids, honey.” He took a sip of his morning tea.

Alynor sighed a bit, calming down. “Good morning, mom. Good morning, dad!”

“Morning, Aly!”

Luna rubbed her face before she took Alynor’s hand to get up. “Damn is abnormal hearing.” She murmured as she moved to lace up her Corset, and adjust her dress.