Another one bites the dust....

My phone rings at 6:30 this morning and Jeff and I wake up startled. My sister's voice comes on the other end - "Rania," she says. "Yeah - what do you want?" comes the reply. "It is 6:30 in the morning and you have woken me up. Is everything okay?" Of course, with everything that is going on in Lebanon these days and with the rarity of her calls in mind, only something serious would prompt her to call me without considering what time it is on the other end of the earth. "I am getting my visa," she explodes!!! YAY!! So, she got accepted at a university in Melborne and her visa application has been equally accepted and is in the final stages of processing. With only the physical exam still needing completion before it all becomes official, it looks like "another one (Lebanese, daughter, sister, wife, Al-Abiad) bites the dust" end of February or early March. I am happy that this has happened for her, but sad that yes "another one" is biting the dust. They are all leaving, going, giving up on Lebanon. I wish it was different.... But thrilled that now Mom and Dad can be peaceful about their children and can start planning their own transition out of Lebanon and into a more relaxed, secure and peaceful place.