[...] Where:       Diocesan Headquarters                       3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.                        Burbank, CA 91504 When:         2:30pm (SHARP) to 4pm on Saturday April 12, 2008 For Who:   Compulsory for all Pilgrimage Applicants and one parent. All family members are encouraged to attend! All CYMA pilgrims and families are strongly encouraged to attend the ACYO “Lighting our Path” youth event and dance in Hollywood that evening! Support your ACYO! Buy Tickets Here [...]

The way you showed us how that experiences were, was really interesting and skillful. While reading your blog I felt that I have been there playing soccer with you...that was really cool... you’re a good soccer player dude...
Thanks for sharing this with us

[...] There is also a humungous disparity between real life in the west, and what life in the west is depicted like in Armenia. The questions and stories I’ve heard make me wonder where all this representation came from. Is it from the tourists flooding the city with their money, spending it as if it has no end? It’s not their fault, they are tourists and tourists are usually tourists because they have a lot of money to burn or they don’t know how to spend it wisely. Coming to the other side of the world is not cheap, and the people who make it just to party usually have enough money to not worry about it running out. Is it our western advertisements? For all of us, it is a given that these advertisements do not reflect reality, but has that concept arrived here yet? America, to most of the people I have met here, especially the youth, is a great big Emerald City. When I tell them about how conditions really are, like prices, the way we work, the way things look, how things are taken care of, it’s usually a look of amazement or disbelief that I receive. It’s not unexpected, I mean I would be shocked to hear someone debunk something I’ve been used to hearing and believing for years and years. As is written in the blog that is being linked at the end of this, just by arguing what the people here think is the norm for us a big step in the right direction, because we both need to understand where each other is coming from. Our answering their questions is a way for them to understand our background, and us coming to live in Armenia for extended periods of time is our way of understanding where they are coming from. If you have not read the latest blog from CYMA, click here to read an example of what I am talking about. [...]

Serop,
it looks like ur having a lot of fun!! i like the blogs so we can all know waht youve been up to . everyone misses u!! talk to u later

Serop,

Iam extremly proud of you,

Dad

You have a way with words my dear...I am so glad that you came, even if it was only for a short 2 weeks...your smiles and laughter brought a much needed breath of fresh air to our apartment!

Seerov,
Sarah Jannn

Vaniges Anoushiges.

You are such a wonderful young man! I've read your blogs to grandma (2), and grandpa. Dad has read them also. We are all in tears and filled with pride over your visit to Charentsevan. How wonderful you were able to reach out to our family, to understand who they are, where they live, how they live, and how we can further help them. This is the family we've never really seen, but now we know them better. Thank you honey for all that you have done. We are gladed that you ventured out, looked for them, and found them. We also enjoyed the pictures you sent of your visit!

Love,
Mom

Wow! That's very tragic, but interesting. Thanks for sharing that with us, Alene.

Remember when:

When Carla was not allowed into the jezzve becasue she was wearing "short shorts"

I miss you and love reading your stories. I can almost imagine your looks. Looks that only define Alene! I miss you and the triple alliance!

Stop being best friends with Rita!!!

I disagree with you Lev, CYMA 2005 is by far the best group!! HAHA! I miss you and I love you! Im jealous and want you to stop having fun and come home to boring LA with me!! You better be able to come next year because mike, car and I have recruited several possible participants from camp for next year... I dont want any excuses about money, work and life!!! Im definatly going and most likely agaisnt the will of Janet!!!

Please give me love to all my friends that you stole to come with you this year to Armenia. Give big kisses to my cousin and Bro (when he arrives). Take pictures of Mary Ann and David going around Republic Square once they get their rings blessed-technically they are already married, post January 2007.

Take lots of pictures and dont forget to photoshop me in!!

Love you all,
Carla

Levon, I completely agree with Ashley. Your ability to communicate your feelings through words is a gift. You have an amazing talent that allows you to share your experiences and ideas in a way that truly touchs those who joyfully read each sentence. I look forward to logging in again and hearing all about your ongoing adventure in Armenia, as I'm sure many others are too. Enjoy!

Sara Jan,
So wonderfully described, didn't want it to end, I wish you could write about your whole stay in Armenia, you're a great writer. Hope you're having a wonderful time, as it sounds like you are. Anthony's leaving on August 4th to Shushi, then around August 14th he's going to Yerevan for 5-6 days, hope you guys can meet up.
Miss u & luv u.
Maria Morkour