[FAR’s Intern(s) in Armenia – Samantha]: Farewell.

By Samantha McQueen

The cliché must be true… my travels truly have changed me and Armenia will always be a part of my life. At the same time I think I left a chunk of myself there, too. Not only in the sense that my sleeping patterns are still stuck in Yerevan time, but I don’t think I could feel complete without returning again.

I finally see what the Diaspora has been fighting for. Armenians love their land and they are a crucial part of it. Through the wars and genocide, they have fought for the right to remain Armenian while holding onto the values of hard work and family. Farmers climb uphill for four hours to find fresh grass for their cows. Suddenly the nine to five job doesn’t seem so bad. And they still manage to take a stroll with their neighbors every night. We have a hard time balancing work with our social lives in America. If nothing else, I’ve learned to take time out of my day for family and friends.

Credit: Samantha McQueen

Armenians are also some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever encountered. They are willing to spend their last penny on a dinner guest, no matter who is the wealthier in the situation. We could use a little of that generosity here. It brings a feeling of unity to the nation, especially with the struggles of the last century.

After a few tearful goodbyes, I realized that nine former strangers are going through the same feelings. We all felt that warmth and empathy for the people and their land. I guess that’s why it’s a cliché. They work so hard for what they have and value the things that really matter in life. If it wasn’t clear to me before, the saying “money doesn’t buy happiness” now makes sense. It’s almost impossible to leave Armenia without feeling like you belong to a culture that welcomes you into their lives with open arms.

Credit: FAR Staff

[Hayastani Kidak Society]: The Stepanavan District in Armenia Introduces New Travel Guide.

The Stepanavan District in Armenia introduces its new Travel Guide to develop tourism in this area. The project has been made possible through a International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) grant. The purpose of creating this travel guide is to attract more tourists and visitors and new investors to this district, bring government attention to a former tourism center of Armenia and help to improve the economy of the region.

You can download it here.

Credit: Stepanavan District

[ACYOA Dispatches]: Lake Sevan.

By Arman Ayrapetyan

Nothing on this three-week trip has topped the excitement of climbing the mountains around Lake Sevan. Together our group scaled the steep mountainside along with Tigran, our tour guide. It felt as though we would never make it to the top, and I had some thoughts of calling it quits, but I forced myself to finish the climb. As we got higher, it started getting colder, our ears started to pop, and for me, it became increasingly harder to breathe.

At the top of the tallest mountain we climbed, sat what we thought was a lightning rod, surrounded by a wide field. Lake Sevan was a great view from the top, and our hotel was as small as a fingernail.

Credit: Arman Ayrapetyan

To our surprise we heard thunder, and not too long after, it started to drizzle. After taking our pictures, we started working our way back down. The mountain became increasingly slippery and I found myself falling on sharp plants. Due to the poor traction of my sneakers, I was the last one to make it to the bottom. We then bypassed an angry dog and finished the climb with a victory picture.

Credit: Arman Ayrapetyan

[ACYOA Dispatches]: Visit to Khor Virab.

By Paul Derderian

On July 18, we visited Khor Virab, the pit where St. Gregory resided for 13 years before healing King Drtad through prayer.  Khor Virab truly surpassed our expectations.  Mt. Ararat was the first thing we saw as we pulled up to the parking lot.  It was the closest view of the mountain we had seen yet.  I was instantly in awe of the beautiful sight — our motherland.

Credit: Paul Derderian

After we climbed the stone steps leading  to the church at Khor Virab, we participated in Badarak.  The Divine Liturgy was held in a church across from St. Gregory’s chapel, which contains an entranceway to the infamous pit.  The liturgy was beautiful; the choir had a full angelic sound, providing bass, alto, and soprano sounds for each hymn. A Der Hayr said the confession during the singing of the “Der Voghormya,” instead of after the hymn like we are used to.  This had such a powerful effect on all of us, as it emphasized the fact that we were asking the Lord for mercy and forgiveness of our sins.

Credit: Paul Derderian

Following Badarak, we descended into the actual pit that St. Gregory was thrown into.  As we went down the ladder, the feeling of his prayers and faith overwhelmed each of us.  It made us reflect on how strong one’s faith must be in order to stay sane in a place like that for a couple of days, let alone  years.  In that pit, we realized how necessary a strong faith is in life.  St. Gregory proved that with strong faith in God, anything is possible.  The trip to Khor Virab inspired all of us to keep our faith, traditions, and culture alive.

Credit: Paul Derderian

[FAR’s Intern(s) in Armenia – Samantha]: Nagorno Karabakh.

By Samantha McQueen

I’m back in Yerevan for the final time before flying back home to America. It’s bittersweet to return for a third time, as this city is starting to feel like a home base for me, however short lived. The seven hour trip from Karabakh was a little painful but knowing I have one full day left doesn’t allow much time for laziness. I need to be in full tourist mode.

Karabakh was definitely a change from other areas we have visited. The people drive flashier cars and show extreme desire for independence of their land while struggling with international recognition as an individual state. It’s a blossoming territory; with modern sculptures along the central square of Stepanakert and construction of new malls in Shushi, it’s on its way to becoming a modern tourist spot. And the locals were definitely excited to see some visitors. Our group was immediately interviewed for the nightly news at the customs office… we were like celebrities. My fellow FAR blogger, Erin, was featured and she did a fantastic job representing the group. It was obvious the citizens were proud of their region and truly wanted to share their land with travelers.

I’m heading back to America tomorrow with great friends, fond memories, and a feeling of camaraderie with my fellow Armenians. They have been hospitable hosts (they never allow guests to work or pay for anything) and were more than excited to help me understand what it means to be an Armenian. There is more growth to be done when I return. A personal analysis of my transforming Armenian-American identity is just beginning.

Erin, during her interview for the Nightly News

Credit: iPhone & Samantha McQueen

[Web Wrap]: Tatev Aerial Tramway, Breakthrough in Area Tourism, Set for October Opening.

By Paul Chaderjian via Armenian Reporter

TATEV, ARMENIA – Hundreds of visionaries, philanthropists, government and church officials, and community leaders will gather at the ancient Tatev Monastery in southern Armenia on Saturday, October 16, 2010, for the launch of the innovative and forward-thinking Tatev Revival Project.

“Tatev is one of our historic landmarks. It’s a crown jewel in our cultural heritage and was for centuries a major focal point and religious center for our people. It was also where we studied theology, humanities, the sciences, and created art and literature,” said Zarmine Zeitountsian, Fundraising Coordinator of the Tatev Revival Project. “Tatev is a 9th century landmark that, due to natural causes and centuries of neglect, is now in serious need of conservation and restoration.”

The Tatev monastic complex underwent a flawed and unfinished renovation attempt in the 1980s under Soviet rule. Rain and snow continue to threaten the stability of the ancient structures and seep through to interiors causing more damage.

Please continue reading here.

Tatev Monastery

Credit: Armenian Reporter

[FAR’s Intern(s) in Armenia – Samantha]: En Route to Karabakh.

By Samantha McQueen

We left Yerevan to head to the Syunik region down south on our way to Karabakh. The roads were filled with actual Armenian cowboys and donkeys devouring the surprisingly green grass. It was interesting to see the different and naturally-occurring resources in the Armenian hills. The natives use the weeds to make Ourts tea and the valleys are filled with pomegranate, walnut, and hazelnut trees. It was breathtaking. Armenians are a very resourceful community.

And now since we’ve arrived… Tatev is my new favorite tourist destination! Not only did we drive through the world’s most exciting (and notably motion sickness-inducing) roads, but I actually touched a cloud. It’s disappointing that only 20% of Armenia’s tourists visit the spot. It probably (or more likely, obviously) has something to do with the roads. Our driver was a little old man from Goris who had spent 35 years just driving back and forth from Goris to Tatev. I felt more in touch with the locals in the city than I have anywhere else so far.

Ts’tesutyun for now!

En route to Tatev

Credit: iPhone & Samantha McQueen

[FAR’s Intern(s) in Armenia – Samantha]: Holy Etchmiadzin and FAR in Yerevan.

By Samantha McQueen

Today we toured Etchmiadzin and had the opportunity to meet with His Holiness Karekin II. He was casual in his conversation and I think he truly impressed the group with his personality. I was a little nervous to ask about the Church’s involvement with social issues that have become political debates in America, but he was very diplomatic in his response and said that he understood the world is full of different opinions. I didn’t even mean for him to actually discuss the issues, but he was willing to share his thoughts. He seems to understand the concerns of the younger generation.

Later in the day, I met with the FAR staff to work on some accounting projects and I’m glad I had the chance to talk with a few of the employees about some concerns in Armenia. They explained that even with a high level degree, including a master, it’s difficult to find work in the country. Professionals are leaving to find careers abroad. It really puts things into perspective for me, especially coming from women in the workforce.

Ts’tesutyun for now!

Mount Ararat

Credit: iPhone & Samantha McQueen

[FAR’s Intern(s) in Armenia – Samantha]: FAR’s Children Center.

By Samantha McQueen

I’m back in Yerevan just in time to catch up on some sleep after an exhausting (but totally thrilling) first week. The Children’s Center was our final stop before coming back to the hotel and it was honestly one of the most unbelievable experiences I’ve had…I know, cliché, but seeing the faces of children excited to see some fresh visitors was uplifting after a long van ride. The kids loved to play with our cameras and I now have some great shots of legs and walls after they had their chance behind the lens. It was almost cruel to take my camera home with me.

The most touching moment happened after my first step off the bus when I recognized one of the children I have been updating stories for on Facebook. I wrote that he had little to no contact with his biological mother prior to entering the Center but I saw her leaving from a meeting while the boy yelled a final “MA” and she turned around to wave goodbye. I was absolutely elated to see that she’s now visiting. It sounds like a story you’ve heard a million times, but this just pulled on my heart strings in person. I felt a special connection to the Center because of my involvement with FAR. I was disconnected from Armenia on my New York computer, but now I have the chance to see my work in action and it this trip is a more powerful experience for it.

Ts’tesutyun for now!

FAR’s Children Center

Credit: iPhone & Samantha McQueen

[FAR’s Intern(s) in Armenia – Samantha]: Visiting FAR’s Projects.

By Samantha McQueen

I left Gyumri this morning and feel a bit different about my Armenian heritage for it. After visiting FAR’s GTech center, soup kitchen, and Octet School, it seems that there is so much I can do for this Armenian community, even from the Diaspora.

I’ve volunteered at nursing homes in America during my middle school days and was usually greeted with sentences beginning with “When I was your age…” and “Kids these days…” At the soup kitchen, I could barely understand the Armenian but I valued the “merci’s” and with the help of some friendly translators, I found out that the participants were thanking me for visiting them and giving up my time. They truly wanted to see that the younger generations abroad did not forget them and I was glad to show that I haven’t. Their appreciation and endless kisses made it worth the visit. It was also touching to see this community of natives who had faced a tragedy together trying their best on a slow journey to a normal, pre-earthquake life, be it 22 years later.

I’m more than happy to help them on their way.

Ts’tesutyun for now!

A Class Room at FAR’s GTech IT Center

Credit: FAR Staff