Arman’s Blog

What idea did you have about Armenia that changed the most as a result of the trip?
My idea prior to going on this trip was that 30 teens/young adults would be boarding a plane and going to a big party. But post-C.Y.M.A. I can honestly and truthfully say that I came back as a stronger Christian, and a person in general. Not having my parents their to tell me what to do and me making all the decisions on my own helped me become more independt then I was. It truly was an eye-opening, and life changing experience. Not to mention the stories you come back with and annoy all your friends and family.

Of all the places that you visited what is your favorite Church, Cultural Landmark, and Natural site and why?
My favorite church would have to be the church in Shushi, and forgive me for forgetting the name but it was the church where the Azerbejani’s stored their ammo during the war. I’d say it was my favorite just because of the story behind it…also when I get married I’m getting married in that church because the entire church just gave me an unbelievable vibe that I don’t think I can express in words on paper.

My favorite site in general was the kids at Vanadzor and Gharapagh. Mihran.

What was the main lesson that you learned in Armenia that you plan on applying to your everyday life?
The biggest/main lesson I learned in Armenia was that not everything that is bigger and better is the best. Simple things in life can often mean so much more then everything in the world. I learned this lesson from a 12 year old boy in Gharapagh who didn’t even have shoes. Yet he had enough respect for me to bring me a blessed cross. I don’t think there was a more intense feeling that I’ve ever experienced then when he yelled my name and ran over to me to give me a cross.

What is one experience that you had which affected your faith and why?
Seeing the Badarak in Gharapagh would have to be the biggest affect on my faith. Just seeing all those people walk to church and STAND, not sit in pews, and pray was the biggest thing that did it for me.

What’s your favorite memory from the trip? Favorite Quote?
Favorite memory? Our infamous apartment…and I’ll leave it at that. Favorite quote? “You know its good that they are hiring security guards but they really should consider hiring less creepy ones.” Mr. Matt Ash

Any further reflections?
Despite all the ups and downs we experienced in Yerevan, all the bad’s that we saw all the good’s overcame them. All the negative’s the positives still overcame. And thanks to our awesome group/leaders this memorable experience can’t be topped. This trip will always have a special place in my heart and so will the people. Thank you to everybody who made this trip possible.