Tuesday, 7 May 2013 - 12:20 AM EDT

Congratulations!

Wednesday, 8 May 2013 - 9:06 PM EDT

Hey, my name is Jessica Aoun Abou-Tanos and I am 20 years old. I live in Gatineau, Québec Canada. I am born and raised in Gatineau. In Fall 2013, i will be studying in university to become a teacher. Currently, I work at 2 glasses store, I am an assistant optometric. So whoever needs an eye exam, I'm here to do the pre-test! Ha-ha! Anything special about me..... I may look shy when you first meet me, but I am the most outgoing and loud person! 

Thursday, 9 May 2013 - 12:37 AM EDT

My name is Michelle Theresa Haddad, I am 29 years old. I am currently in the New Jersey area and I was born in  New Jersey. I am currently studying to become a Pharmacist. I work two jobs at the moment and attend school. I work at a restaurant near my area as a Manager/waitress sometimes. My second job is a Pharmacy Tech.  I love to sing, write poetry and play sports. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my family, especially my nephews and nieces. I could be having the worse day but a simple smile from them makes the biggest difference.

I look forward to meeting you all in Lebanon!!!!!

Thursday, 9 May 2013 - 7:14 AM EDT

Hi Everyone,

 My name is Melissa Zeidan and I am 23 years old. Both my parents were born in Lebanon, however I was born in Sydney Australia and have lived here my whole life. I graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Commerce -Marketing degree. I am currently working for St George Corporate Bank and also work at Coles Supermarket on the weekend as a Customer Service Supervisor. The Maronite Academy has taught me alot about my heritage and culture and I am very excited about the trip! 

Thursday, 9 May 2013 - 8:17 PM EDT

My name is Christina Magri; I am 27 years old and from Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, however, I currently live in Houston, TX.  I was born and raised in Michigan, and lived there most of my life until moving to Houston, Texas in 2009 for a teaching position.  All four of my grandparents are immigrants.  My mother’s family is from Lebanon, and immigrated to the United States, my father’s family is from Italy and immigrated to Canada.  I grew up in Michigan, but crossed the border to Canada several times a month since I was a child.  I studied education at Michigan State University, and spent 6 months of my college career studying in Durban, South Africa.  Currently, I teach 4^th grade math and science in Houston, and help teach the CCE classes at Our Lady of the Cedars in Houston. 

Christina.Magri.cm@gmail.com

Thursday, 9 May 2013 - 9:34 PM EDT

My name is Nada Bechara. I’m currently 19 years old and turning 20 in June this year (I was always the youngest in my grade). I’m currently living in Sydney Australia. I’ve lived here my whole life and absolutely love it although I can’t wait to travel and see what the rest of the world has to offer! I graduated from high school in 2010 and am in my last year of university studying a Bachelor of Podiatry. I’m so excited to graduate and start working in my field as a health professional and help people every day.

Friday, 10 May 2013 - 10:58 AM EDT

Born in Sacramento, California, USA, I have a deep passion for Lebanon where both of my parents were born. I am 28 years old and have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Finance and a Masters of Business Administration degree. I am a Treasury Analyst for the California State Treasurer’s Office, and I am Secretary of Pastoral Advisory Council for a new church I help found in Sacramento, Our Lady of the Rosary. I am also very active in our church by being a Finance Committee member, Director and Teacher at the Arabic and Religion school, and member of the church Dabke team.

Friday, 10 May 2013 - 12:38 PM EDT

Hello! My name is Theresa Trad, and I am 23 years old. I was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I am currently attending the University of Windsor for a degree in the Psychology and Dramatic Arts. I most recently got a job as a server at a restaurant called Taza is Fresh, which I`m sure most of you guessed, is a Lebanese cuisine restaurant. It`s already hard enough for me to resist the food.. I love meeting new people, because I feel it makes life more interesting and enjoyable. One of my hobbies is travelling.. only when I can afford it of course. Travelling is by far the best way of learning to me. I would rather experience it than read about it. 

Saturday, 11 May 2013 - 3:03 PM EDT

My name is Kathy Kuzni, and I am 23 years old. (I like being called Katia). I live in the San Francisco area of California, and I was born here. I am graduating in June, 2013 with my B.S. degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Currently, I don’t have  a job, but I have applied to work as an Accent Reduction Therapist with professionals (e.g., doctors, business people). From a young age, I have been intrigued by travel and culture. I love travelling and experiencing new regisons of the world! My travel list is getting longer and longer :)

I fell in love with Lebanon during my sixth trip there, in 2007. I experienced it to the maximum, and promised my family that I would return as much as possible. Since then, I have travelled back in 2009 and 2012, and I’m looking forward to a new experience this summer. My ultimate dream is to be married to a Lebanese man and live in Lebanon one day, raising my children there (Inchalla). I am looking forward to meeting all of you, and keeping life-long friendships globally. 

Sunday, 12 May 2013 - 10:48 AM EDT

My name is Brian Jbara, and I grew up in Kalamazoo, MI. My dad's family is of Lebanese descent, growing up in the Detroit area. I am a twin! He works in New York on Wall Street, while I work in higher education in the area of integrative learning. My main role is to help faculty/staff connect academic and experiential learning for their students. I am 27 years old (will be 28 tomorrow!), and have been married for a year and a half. My wife is a lawyer and, recently, we have moved to Grand Rapids, MI, to be near family and to pursue new job opportunities. I have always wanted to learn more about my Lebanese heritage, and this program has provided me a wonderful opportunity to do so. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Monday, 13 May 2013 - 10:57 AM EDT

My name is Helio Antonio Mokarzel Neto, i'm 28 years old. I am currently living in the Amazon region. I was born in Belem, Brazil. I am studying at a local University to become an IT Manager. I work with computers at my University and I am a consultant. I am proud to be Lebanese and I hope to meet you all soon.

Monday, 13 May 2013 - 2:18 PM EDT

Hello all! My name is Kristin Arguedas Arias, although, my Facebook page reads Kristin Jamed (my mother's birth last name). I am 29 years old. I was born and raised in the United States of America, in the state of Georgia. I am currently studying for a degree in Biology and I have a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Foreign Language (Spanish) with a minor in Humanities and pre nursing. Two of my passions are the arts and sciences, hence the two very different academic paths I have chosen to follow. I am applying for a Master's next year in Clinical Nurse Leadership program and hopefully I will be using my Biology degree for Medical school later on. I currently am working in a hospital as an assistant to the Nurse Manager. I help him with management of two ICU's and although I didn't study Business management, my strong work ethic opened up this opportunity for me. I have four loves in life, my family, my travels, my education and my job. There are two un -Lebanese things about me, one, I don't like the beach and two, I don't like parties. I am a bit of an introvert, except when it comes to interacting at work. My aspirations include helping as many people as I can, whether it be medically, psychologically and to a lesser extent financially. I am not s baller, yet, such an American thing to say lol. I believe God gave me the gift of gab, which means I talk a lot, but I know how to say what needs to be said, when it needs to be said. Other than all those things I just mentioned, I am just like everyone else :)

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 - 12:52 AM EDT

My name is Fadi Khourieh, I am 24 years old. I was born and raised in Calgary, Canada. My parents were both born in Beirut, Lebanon. I studied Business administration in the Marketing field and completed a diploma. I currently work for a large cell phone provider (Rogers Wireless) as a field ambassador/trainer. I love the culture I was brought up in; even though I've lived in Canada my whole life, my parents raised me to be very Lebanese. Words can't describe how proud I've always been as a CHRISTIAN Lebanese.

Thursday, 16 May 2013 - 1:14 PM EDT

My name is Flavio, I am 29 years old, born and raised in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Since I was 21 I have been working in the 4 corners of the world on board of cruise ships as a receptionist, always in touch with people from everywhere. I really enjoy travelling and speaking foreign languages. Furthermore, I have just graduated with a bachelor on International Relations. I love history, geography and politics.

Friday, 17 May 2013 - 10:01 AM EDT

Bonjour! Esmee Mariam. I just turned 31 years old. I have been married for almost 10 years and I live with my husband in Michigan in the USA. I have lived in Michigan my whole life. I come from a large family. I don’t have any children, but between my husband and I, we have 13 nieces and nephews! I work as a Clinical Social Worker on a mental health unit in a men’s prison. People are surprised to hear what I do for a living, but I really enjoy what I do! I travelling, hanging out with friends and family, dancing, planning parties, cooking and baking, and listening to music and going to concerts (especially rock and roll). I also have some nerdy habits like reading about political history, history of secret societies, history of the world, world cultures, and psychological topics. I am a very talkative, friendly person who loves to laugh. I am also very sentimental, especially about family and my heritage! I am excited to share this experience with all of you.

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 2:22 AM EDT

Ahlan ! My name is Serge Haddad. I’m 24 years old and I live in Canada. My family left our homeland 23 years ago, when I was 1 year of age. We’ve been living in Montreal since, but it seems that my parents forgot my heart in Beirut! 

I’m currently in my last year of Law School after completing my first degree in International Relations, both here in Montreal. With that, I plan on serving my Country and my community in any way that I can, from anywhere that I may be in the world, in order to help bring back that Sacred Peace to Lebanon and the Lebanese people who have been longing for it for much too long now. Will there be peace in the Middle East, you wonder? “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10) 

IF WE BELIEVE WE CAN ACHIEVE !

LONG LIVE BEIRUT & ONE LOVE FOR LEBANON ! بحبك يا لبنان !

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 12:09 PM EDT

My name is Miriam. I am 28 years old and turning 29 in August. I live in Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt. I was born and I still live here in Egypt, despite all what you all have been hearing about Egypt. I was graduated from Ain Shams university, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine in the year 2006. I have been working since then as a Dentist. I have been a general practitioner in the dental field until 2010, when I started doing my postgraduates. I had my Higher Diploma Degree in Endodontics in 2011. I chose this branch of study because I know how much pain it brings to someone when their tooth is aching so much and they want to keep it instead of having it removed!! Since I had my diploma, my cases of extraction decreased a lot. This is because I started walking in the route of conserving, protecting and treating the tooth instead of removing it. It sounds fun to me. I love my career and I am kind of dedicated to it. I am not a poet, but I love writing. I do it often. I am fond of travelling. I have been doing it since I was 12. I visited France, the United States, Australia and finally my amazing trip to Lebanon (the piece of heaven on earth) in 2010. I’m excited about meeting all of you ! :)

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 3:26 PM EDT

Hi my name is Mia Rowan, I am from Boston Massachusetts. Im 18 years old, I'm a senior at my high school,and on the swim team, lacrosse team and on a dance team for hip hop.I also snowboard and surf. I understand Arabic but cant write yet;/ I'm learning. Honestly I'm crazy and if your looking to have a good time I'm your girl!

Im so excited to meet all of you in Lebanon!:)

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 3:33 PM EDT

I thought mine wasn't long enough so I'm adding to it lol. I am also obsessed with family time.. I eat so much Lebanese food its crazy, I may have a problem. I  cook with my teta so much, I love learning things about Lebanon also. Lebanon will be so fun !!! cant wait!!

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 3:50 PM EDT

Hello! My name is Marie Ellias and I am twenty four years old. I'm from Brooklyn, New York and I work in corporate for a restaurant and nightclub company on the west side in Manhattan. My favorite thing to do when I'm not working is traveling- nothing makes me happier than seeing the world and sampling all the food along the way! I have always dreamed of traveling to Lebanon one day to see where my family came from, and grow closer to my roots. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to take this journey with a wonderful group of people who share my dream. I haven't quite decided what I would like my career to be in the long term, so I hope my travels will give me the insight and inspiration to make the right decision!

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 5:43 PM EDT

Marhaba!My name is Nicolás Alfredo Abraham, I´m 28 years old. I was born in Mendoza, a city located in the West of Argentina, near the mountains. My great grandparents came from Lebanon when the 20th century was starting. He was from Mar Moussa and she from Kornet et Hamra.

I´m a lawyer. I graduated in 2011. I work since 10 years ago in the same Law Firma. I speak Spanish, English and I´m learning German. I like to travel, going to the mountains, listen music, meeting with my friends and family. I like so much to read and learn about history, religion and others cultures. I love to do sports: cycling, running, skiing and playing football of course. I´m fan of Boca Juniors!!

I´m Catholic and Maronite and very proud of that. I sing in our parrish´s chorus and I like to work in my Church. I think it´s my second home. I´m also a Saint Charbel´s devotee. And I think he has helped me a lot in this experience.

I´m very happy and exciting with this opportunity! I´m sure we will have a trip that we´ll never forget!

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 6:45 PM EDT

Hi everybody! I am Belén Morales Azar, I`m from Mendoza, Argentina.

I´m so glad to belong this group!! I´m 27 years old. I am degree in Psychology  and I´m working in two clinics seeing patients, I love my job!

 I`m descendant of Lebanese by mother.

I´m so happy to have this opportunity to learn more about my roots, my religion and to travel to Lebanon. I really think this is a great way to meet and approach us to our ancestors.

I am very anxious to meet you!!!

Saturday, 18 May 2013 - 7:06 PM EDT

Hello! My name is Sandra Aoun and I’m 24 years old. I was born and raised in Gatineau (Québec), Canada. I have a bachelor degree in accounting and I’m currently working at CBC/Radio-Canada. Despite the fact that I was born in Canada, I have an indescribable love for my homeland; Lebanon. In fact, I am currently working on finding a job over there to be able to build my future in this country that means everything to me. I am really excited about this experience and I hope it will help me achieve my dream/goal.

Contact information: sandra-aoun@hotmail.com

Mobile: 1-819-665-8724

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 11:58 AM EDT

Hi All!

I am Christina Thomas and I am 24 years young. I currently live in Naples, Florida. I am full Lebanese and a first generation on my Mothers side. I recently graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management and Marketing.  I am the most intrigued by places I have never been and with people I have never met. 

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 12:31 PM EDT

Hi all ;)

My name is Victor Moussallem. I am 26 years old. I was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1987 & still live there since then. I am a Lebanese descendent from my father's side; his grandfather immigrated from Bikkfaya, Lebanon to Mansoura, Egypt several decades ago. I am a pharmacist; class 2009 graduate. I am working as a Quality Assurance officer in an Egyptian Pharmaceutical company called Marcyrl. I love swimming, reading & travelling. I have been to Lebanon once in 2010.

I am excited to see you all this summer =)

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 12:34 PM EDT

Contact Info.:

E-mail: ph_victorfouad@hotmail.com

Facebook: Victor Moussallem

Cell Phone: +20122-1456-522

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 1:39 PM EDT

As the notation above indicates, I am Thomas Shiver.  I am 24yrs. old and live in Hillsborough North Carolina.  I was born and raised here, so NC has always been my home.  I graduated in December from Appalachian State University with a degree in Business Management, concentrating in Human Resources.  Right now I'm working part-time with a non-profit organization near home, as I go on the ominous job hunt.  I'm an avid conversationalist, and big fan of hobbies in general, having my deep rooted interests in movies and (most especially) music.  If there's ever more you want to know about me, just feel free to ask.

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 4:20 PM EDT

Marhaba! My name is Layla Yazbeck and I am 25 years old born, raised, and currently living in Norwood, Massachusetts. I graduated with a degree in pharmaceutical science, I currently work in a cancer hospital as a pharmacy technician, and I absolutely love my job! Both of my parents were born and raised in Lebanon and immigrated to Massachusetts during the war in the 1980’s. Music, traveling, and the Boston Celtics are just a few of my favorite pastimes. In my free time I like to give back to the community by being a mentor to inner city children and teaching religious education to second graders at my parish.  Although I have lived in the United States my whole life and visited Lebanon several times, I feel that my heart belongs to Lebanon.  I am proud to call myself a Lebanese Maronite and am very grateful for this unique opportunity to visit Lebanon. God Bless.   

Contact Info.

email: Layla.yazbeck@gmail.com

phone: 781-913-5799 

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 5:07 PM EDT

Hello everyone! My name is Angela Maron, I am 18 years old and from San Diego, California after moving from Bakersfield, California in 2004. I have lived in California all of my life. I am currently attending UC Irvine with a major in Biological Sciences. I love being active and doing sports such as running, swimming, surfing, kayaking, tennis, and basically everything else. I am so excited to get to know all of you as we travel back to our routes together!

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 5:59 PM EDT

My Name is Kasey El-Chayeb. I am 23 years old and I live in North Carolina state in the United States. I have lived in the US all my life. I studied journalism/public relations and political science at UNC and now work in public relations and in hospitality. In August, I will begin a master's program for government relations and public administration. My father is from Lebanon and my mother is from Cuba. And, i'm excited to see Lebanon!

Sunday, 19 May 2013 - 8:39 PM EDT

Hi! I'm Courtney Beasley, a 21-year old female who is studying Marketing and Communication at Virginia Tech. I am from the United States and have lived in this country my whole life, which has lead me to wonder about my Lebanese heritage. Ever since I was younger, I have always been fascinated with Lebanon, and have loved learning about the country. Since it's a part of my background, it's a big part of who I am as a person as well. Living in the United States is wonderful, but because I have been here my whole life I have big aspirations to travel all over the world.

Monday, 20 May 2013 - 1:12 AM EDT

My name is Fernando Cabello Schekaiban. I was born in January 7th of 1985.

I studied Public Relations at the Universidad del Valle de México. Currently, I study a Bachelor in Administration.

I really believe that the education is the key for selfimprovement, so I dedicated a great part of my time to take many courses: “Tales workshop” by Master Alberto Chimal; “Short tales workshop” by Master Iván Farías; “Essay” by Master Marco Lagunas; “Creative writing I, II and III” by Master Saúl Castro; “Superior Syntax” by Master Roberto Collis; “Novel workshop” by Master Martín Solares; “Plot and Conversation” by Master David Ortiz-Celestino; “Documental video, interview, camera techniques and sound” by Master Peter Zorn; “Contemporary drama” by Master Luis Santillán.

I work in the non-profit organization “Trayectoria de Éxito”; I was the organizer of the first and second “Creative Writing workshop ALTALLER UASLP”, the only workshop in the State that actually print a book with all the work done; I represented my State in the “Regional Encounter of Writers La Vía Letra” in Aguascalientes; I was Master of ceremonies in many events; and I worked as presenter in the radio program “Poder Joven Radio”.

If you want to contact me, you can send a friend request in Facebook: Fer Schekaiban.

Monday, 20 May 2013 - 2:12 AM EDT

Hello everyone! My name is Samantha Maron and I am currently a junior pursing a major in International Studies at the University of California, San Diego. I was born and raised in Bakersfield, California and moved to San Diego when I was twelve. I have a passion for food and travel and I aspire to have a job in the future that involves these two things. I consider myself a social person and I love meeting new people. I would like to thank the Project Roots Foundation for giving me this wonderful opportunity to discover and learn about my heritage and Lebanese history!

Monday, 20 May 2013 - 2:14 AM EDT

Christine Nassr was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and currently lives in Los Angeles.  She moved there after graduating from Boston University, and after having lived in Hawaii for a short period of time.  Christine loves being outdoors, and often finds herself on hikes, bike rides, runs, doing outdoor yoga, and more.  She plays in an intramural softball league, and is also a founding member of a bellydance troupe.  She loves music and dancing, loves to laugh and loves creating her own adventures.  She is proud of her Lebanese-American roots and is very grateful for the Maronite Academy!

Monday, 20 May 2013 - 2:15 AM EDT

My name is Waseem Khourieh. I am 23 years old, and was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. My father was born in Lebanon, and my mother was born in Palestine. I have currently completed my 3^rd year of a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a Petroleum Engineering minor degree. I have been brought up knowing both the Lebanese and Palestinian culture and am extremely proud of my heritage.

Monday, 20 May 2013 - 11:43 AM EDT

Hello Friends, my name is Joelle Abdallah, i am 26 years old. I was born in Lebanon and moved to Montreal _ Canada with my parents and my 2 sisters.
I have graduated in Cinema and Tv Production, i am working in a company for wedding , i do the shooting and the editing, I love my Job but i look forward to be in the film industry very soon " I hope so".

So that s it this is me,  you will find me holding my cam all the time, and you will never get to see a picture of me looll 

Monday, 20 May 2013 - 5:43 PM EDT

Hello!!! My name is Aline Rassi Machado Silva. I'm 28 years old. I'm from Brazil. I was born in Goiânia-GO, but now I'm living in Palmas-TO, Brazil's newest city! I graduated in International Relations and just finished my post graduation in Business Management! I work in my family's business which is Real Estate, nothing related to my college degree. 2 things I like most: reading and traveling. I just love to know new cultures.

To contact me: alinerassim@yahoo.com.br

Monday, 20 May 2013 - 7:20 PM EDT

My name is Joël Hage. I am twenty-two years old and I live in the United States, where I was born and raised.  I currently live in North Carolina and I attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Although I am interested in many things, I am majoring in Global Studies with a minor in Arabic and another minor in Women's and Gender Studies.  Aside from my academic concentrations, I love traveling, the outdoors, meeting new people, trying new foods, and learning new languages.

Wednesday, 22 May 2013 - 3:12 AM EDT

My name is Paul Anthony Yazbeck. I am a 21 year old first generation Lebanese American. I was born and raised in Norwood Massachusetts; both of my parents were born and raised in a small village near jbeil Lebanon. I am a junior at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and I work right across the way at the JFK library and museum as a student archivist. I love photography, music, traveling, meeting new people and trying new foods!

Wednesday, 22 May 2013 - 11:06 PM EDT

Hello, My Name is Alicia Massad, I am 28,  I live in Flint, Michigan; USA.  I am going back to school in the fall to study accounting.  I am working at a grocery store as a cashier; while attending school.  My Father and older brother was born in Lebanon.  My Mother is of Lebanese decent and younger brother was born in the USA.  I on the other hand was born in Oman. We travelled back to the states when is was 2 1/2.

Thursday, 23 May 2013 - 3:10 PM EDT

My name is Christine Yvonne Boumoussa, but most call me by my nickname c bou!  I am a twenty four year old native New Yorker with a passion for conversation and a hunger to learn new things.  I have a degree in Legal Studies, with a minor in English and I am currently a paralegal at a law firm in New York City.  I am pursuing a law degree with hopes of becoming a lawyer in the future.  I’m a talkative, friendly extrovert and pride myself in my sense of humor.  If you laugh at my jokes we will be great friends!  Two special facts about me – I have a secret passion for singing and my birthday is 8-8-88! 

Friday, 31 May 2013 - 8:49 PM EDT

My name is Evonna and I'm 23 years old. I was born in Brooklyn and have lived in New York my whole life; however I currently live in Staten Island. I attended St. John's University on Staten Island and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Management. I'm currently working at Camper in Manhattan. My favorite pastime is reading, which I'm always doing.  I also enjoy the arts very much, especially drawing and photography! 

Wednesday, 13 November 2013 - 8:48 PM EST

My name is Sarah B. and I just turned 22 years old. I live in Lausanne, Switzerland, where I was also born. I am in law school and about to achieve my Master’s degree. I really enjoy my studies: I like the idea of defending people's rights. This is why I also work in this area: I am employed by a Professor at my University. Mostly, I help him in his academic researches. On my free time, I like arts and sports, especially dance.