Armine’s Blog
What idea did you have about Armenia that changed the most as a result of the trip?
Hmm…Prior to the trip I thought it was going to be a whole lot of fun and games, with of course a lot of site seeing. Coming back home, I realized that I have gained so much. I made tons of new friends who are awesome, and came back connected to my faith more. I mean ya, I went to church every Sunday and what not, but this trip has connected me to the church and to Christianity more then anything else has.
Of all the places that you visited what is your favorite Church, Cultural Landmark, and Natural site and why?
My favorite Church has to be Tatev and Ambert. Both Churches had such amazing views. I had never been to either one of those Churches on my previous visit to Armenia, so it made it ten times more fun. But…I do indeed have to pick Tatev since thats where I fell on my bum.
Cultural Landmark: Genocide Memorial and Mother Armenia? I think if thats considered one.
The view from both places has got to be amazing. If I get to see Mt. Ararat, then thats a place defiantly on my list.
What was the main lesson that you learned in Armenia that you plan on applying to your everyday life?
Not to take things for granted. We, as citizens living in America, have many things easy for us. We have running water and electricity twenty four hours a day. Also, a simple smile can change one persons feeling inside.
This might not be a very big lesson, but to always help your mom. I went to Etchmeadzin to visit some of my family, and my uncles daughter who is about two years old (if that), was already helping her mom out and set the desert table. She even put the utensils on the correct side of the plate. It amazed me how a little two year old was voluntarily helping out their mom, when some of us usually don’t want to help but still do anyway.
What is one experience that you had which affected your faith and why?
Man o man, the kids doing their nightly march and song singing at the camp at Vanadzor. Standing there seeing these kids sing their hearts out definatly brought a few tears to my eyes. Spending time with those kids was a memory that will stick to me forever.
What’s your favorite memory from the trip? Favorite Quote?
Favorite memory must be the infamous apartments. We had some weird security people, this one in particular. Arman and I went on a cucumber and tomato hunt to have for a little snack, we couldn’t find any so we decided to check out our apartments lounge/snack area. We got into the gates of our apartment, and I noticed that some guy came in with us. First instinct…hes following us…so automatically I got closer to Arman. We walk into the lounge and there wasn’t anything we were looking for, so we walked out. As we walked out, i guess this guy was waiting for us but saw that we noticed him, and just jumped the stairs and took off running. The most interesting memory by far.
Favorite Quote: “So what are we doing tonight? CHEERS!!!”
Any further reflections?
I wasn’t expecting to have this much fun on this trip. I thought I was going to get homesick and miss everyone back at home, but surprisingly I didn’t. I have made so many new friends that have a special place in my heart. Our leaders were amazing and this trip will always have a special place in my heart.
July 24th, 2007 at 8:03 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. […]