CYMA 2010 DEPARTURE JUST ONE DAY AWAY

After a successful final orientation at the Diocese, all participants are prepared to depart on the trip tomorrow. They will be meeting at Tom Bradley International Airport at 4:45 PM. This year's trip builds off of last year's mission but distinguishes itself in very unique ways.

We are very excited about launching the Community Engagement Program. Every participant has been placed at a center and is scheduled to go work there several times during the week throughout the month. These work days are scheduled between travel days. The placements have been made based on the intellectual and spiritual interests of each person. While some will be at hospitals, others will be at engineering firms and children's youth centers. The point is to incorporate every CYMA participant's talents and passions with Armenian society.

The details of the Gyumri trip have been finalized, with the help of Father Avedis Abovian. Coordinating with the youth group of their local diocese, CYMA participants will be reconstructing the youth center at the local parish. They will also be participating in a project where they repair ancient churches. This project has been propelled by the youth of Gyumri and we are excited to join in on the action.

To prepare each participant, David Yaldezian has put together a handbook. This handbook contains travel tips along with a journal section designated for each day trip and monument visited. This will allow participants to document their thoughts and ideas on the bus rides instantly instead of having to remember things later while blogging.

Keep checking this site for continuous updates on the whereabouts of the pilgrims. We will be posting a finalized calendar soon.

CYMA 2010: The Best thing Since CYMA 2009!