Back in the Diaspora

This year, I was fortunate enough to return to Armenia for the third year in a row, as the coordinator for the 6th annual Christian Youth Mission to Armenia. Prior to embarking on the trip, I really did not have any reservations about how this year was going to turn out—my expectations were set by my experiences in the previous years. However, this year was unlike any other. The feelings and sentiments that rushed my body and mind on a daily basis were indescribable.

I will never forget the 2009 CYMA trip. Few historians ever get the opportunity to see, firsthand, the oldest Christian country in the world. I had so many rare learning experiences that I will be able to share with students in my church history courses for years to come:

· Worshipping God in a church built in the year 430;

· Hearing angelic, glorious acapella liturgies which hearken back to the first centuries of the Christian faith;

CYMA provided me with an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine: to travel to my motherland, Armenia. The trip began at LAX airport where the CYMA group came together to achieve the collective goal of exploring our country’s culture and history. Upon landing in Armenia, I instantly felt immersed in the Armenian culture; everywhere I looked I saw Armenian people, everything I read or heard was in Armenian. A smile crept across my mouth for I knew I was truly in Armenia.

If you love CYMA and you love Armenia, then you won't want to miss the 5 year CYMA Reunion! This event is for all pilgrims and interns whom have traveled to Armenia with CYMA since its inception in 2004. We will also welcome back our 2008 class of CYMA pilgrims and give them a closing event to remember!

Join us a for CYMA Reunion and 2008 closing event in Highland Park. September 27, 2008 Highland Park, CA at the coolest house in Los Angeles (Matt, Will, Eddie and Yazo's place.)

CYMA 2008 - Don't forget your photos!!!