Pari Janabar CYMA 2007!!!!!!
On Monday, June 18th and Tuesday, June 19th 2007, two groups totaling 29 people, left for their homeland’s capitol city, Yerevan, Armenia. Both groups arrived safely and soundly in Yerevan on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. For most, it was there first time out of the United States, and even more, their first glimpse of Mt. Ararat.
Tomorrow, Friday, June 22, the CYMA Spiritual Pilgrimage will officially began with a visit by the entire CYMA program to Holy Etchmiadzin to meet His Holiness, Karekin II the Catholicos of all Armenians. Over the next 9 days, the CYMA pilgrims will cover hundreds of miles on their way to and from the following Holy and cultural excursions:
Soorp Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots, Haghpat, Sanahin, Vanadzor, Dilijan, Hamberd Fortress, Saghmosavank, Oshagan, Stepanagert, Shushi, Ghandzazar, Khorvirap, Noravank, Datev, Jermuk, Mer Doon, Tzitzernakaberd, Ashtaraki Dzor, Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan and Sevanavank.
On Monday, June 25th, the CYMA Professional Internship Program will officially begin. The 16 CYMA Interns will experience their first day of eight weeks of living and working in Yerevan. The CYMA interns will also be able to travel on the weekends. In addition to some of the sites listed above, the CYMA Interns will also visit the ruins of Ani (from Hayastan), Parz Lake, Gai Village, Gyrumi, Soorp Taline, Byrukan Observatory, the Zadig Orphanage Festival, and many others to be added while in Hayastan.
In addition to working, living and traveling throughout Hayastan, the CYMA Interns also are doubling up as participants in the Birthright Armenia program. This allows them to also take part in BR’s Havaks, Forums, Excursions and Language Program and become enriched with BR’s unique network or friends and colleagues.
For blogs, pictures, stories, and a glimpse into the minds of Armenian youth experiencing Hayastan for a summer stay connected to www.CYMA-WD.org. As the Pilgrims and Interns get sorted in the next few days, stay tuned for updates all the way until the close of the program later this summer.
…And for all of you in Hayastan, we wish you the best as you experience this journey! We are looking forward to your thoughts and pictures… and of course… don’t forget to BRIDGE the GAP!
Pari Janabar CYMA 2007!