Home of Hope Orphans Tour AUB Medical Center

Scenes from Jingle Jingle

On December 17, a large group of orphans in Lebanon made a Christmas visit to the AUB Medical Center (AUBMC), accompanied by representatives of the Home of Hope Foundation of San Antonio, Texas-an organization principally dedicated to benefit orphans in China. As the first Pediatric Magnet event held by the center, the activity highlighted the hospital's initiative to increase its recognition for excellence in nursing and reaffirm the University's concern for the needs of Lebanon's orphans.

"Jingle Jingle," as the Christmas event was titled, was intended to bring holiday cheer into the lives of the unfortunate children. Supervised by nurses, the orphans spent the morning visiting and learning about the different units in the hospital. They watched an educational film about issues of general hygiene and self-maintenance and also were escorted throughout designated areas of the hospital, where each unit's professionals explained the different fields in medicine and health care.

After the tour, everyone gathered at the hospital cafeteria in time for lunch and the visit of Pappa Noel. It was clear that everyone was having a great time, including the nurses, the doctors, and the hospital staff, who were all extremely pleased to see the smiles on the children's faces. Then, a large man dressed in a red suit appeared, carrying two crates piled high with gifts. Stunned at the number of presents, the children cheered in excitement and anticipation, as each received his or her gift from Santa.