thanks
Hello again,
I just wanted to point out how much I appreciate the behind the scenes work that has been done on this trip. We have had a few hiccups here and there, but overall I would like to say the coordinators have done a great job. My hat is off to you guys, you took 24 kids to the homeland and you have shown them their roots, nothing can replace that.
We have experienced everything, and in different ways we have all taken something unique from the trip. I have bonded with many of my fellow CYMA pilgrims and I will continue to keep in touch with them. I especially want to thank the people who are here with us. Mugrdich has befriended many of the kids and he has kept a watchful eye over all of us to make sure we all have remained respectful. He has found the balance between friend and Director and he does both very well.
I also would like to mention Der Vartan. He baptized me and has watched me grow up and now he has accompanied me on the most important trip I have had in my life. He is a dear friend and a spectacular priest, Yettem is proud to have him. Der Vartan is also extremely open and he tells things how they are, I feel so close to him it is like I am talking to a family member.
Also, Sarah our main coordinator has done astonishing work. She has been great! She gives us the extra push we need to connect with what we are doing. I don’t think she realizes what a marvelous job she has done. I have a few things that stick out in my mind, one of them being that she always makes it a point when we travel to give us any historical or theological facts she knows about the places we are visiting. This is of great importance for those who have a more scholarly approach to the trip. I feel like I can’t learn enough lore about all these places. The second instance I can think of is when 2 girls fell ill she stayed behind to help them get better while the rest of the group went to Karabagh. Sarah was able to get the girls back to health while she made calls to the proper people in Karabagh, making the side trip run very smoothly even though she couldn’t be with us.
David has also done well, I just wish he could be in Armenia with us. Thank you for all the behind the scenes work you have done. In closing I would like to say despite the bumps in the road the journey has gone extremely well, and every single one of us (including our parents) should be grateful for the job CYMA has done.
From Armenia with love, Kevin Kalfayan
July 17th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Kev, Your Dad and I are both reading this with tears running down our faces. I read this to him over the cell phone he is in the airport (delay TO Vegas). WE can’t wait to see you. You will take this trip and all it holds with you forever along with life time friendships. Hugs and Kisses, Mom
July 18th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Kev,
Again, another great blog!
You’re making everyone teary eyed over here in the states.
It makes me so very happy to know that you have thoroughly enjoyed yourself on this trip because I know how hard you worked just to be able to go. You deserve it!
Love,
Allie Dee