Rose’s Blog
What idea did you have about Armenia that changed the most as a result of the trip?
My answer is more about Armenia’s environment. Before going, I had this mental picture of desolate flatlands with desert terrain. Apparently, I hadn’t seen too many photographs of Armenia before the trip besides pictures of Mount Ararat. After seeing the pretty landscapes and green mountainous areas around the country sprinkled with Churches, my image of Armenia has completely changed. It is the most beautiful land I have ever seen. It’s no wonder why our ancestors struggled to keep it.
Of all the places that you visited what is your favorite Church, Cultural Landmark, and Natural site and why?
Although all of the Churches are special in their own way, my favorite was Etchmiadzin. Maybe I loved it so much because we attended service there and heard the sweet sounds of the choir. Everything about it was magnificent, from the paintings to the architecture of the Church. The memorial landmark was amazing! I have seen pictures of the eternal fire, but you do not get the full effect until you’re there. My favorite natural site was Armenia’s Stonehenge…who knew we had one?
What was the main lesson that you learned in Armenia that you plan on applying to your everyday life?
There were many lessons that I learned, but one is…never get lost in a foreign country! Always stay with the group and make sure your group is altogether. It’s kind of a long story, but I stayed behind by accident while the rest of the pilgrims were walking to a museum. I had no idea what the name of the museum was, but because of the generosity of some Armenians, I was luckily led to the right museum and met up with the CYMA group. What a day that was!
What is one experience that you had which affected your faith and why?
Although I have heard of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s story in the “Deep Dungeon” of Khor Virap, you do not truely grasp the horror of the story until you actually go in the dungeon. To go inside the pit for 14 minutes where St. Gregory suffered for 14 years was an amazing experience. What one man did to preserve his faith in Christianity is astounding, and it really makes you feel how lucky we are for Armenia to be a Christian nation.
What’s your favorite memory from the trip? Favorite Quote?
My favorite part of the trip would have to be going to the children’s camp by the diocese at Vanadzor. Seeing the Armenian kids’ smiling faces as we entered the mess hall, receiving flowers from the little boys and girls, and then dancing with them at nighttime was definitely a memory I will keep for my lifetime. As for my favorite quote, it will have to be from the popular Armenian song: “Lily Lililily…”
Any further reflections?
Thank you, CYMA and the people who put it together!!! It was the trip of a lifetime…and I had the time of my life.
July 24th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
[…] After almost six full weeks since the start of CYMA 2007, the CYMA pilgrims have returned from their spiritual journey with a fresh and new perspective. Their pictures and blogs show the abundance of their journey and highlight all of the amazing heartfelt experiences they have been witness too. Check out some of their blogs: Arman’s Blog, Rose’s Blog, Armine’s Blog, Artsakh, and Armenia Through the Eyes of a Pilgrim. […]