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Ayroum: It gets better with the days. I chilled in the garden all
morning. Then I took the best shower of my life - I stood under
pipe that poured water with such strength and intensity that seemed
to purify Shirly, Sevag and I. I think the best part was that the
first time I got under the water, Sevan, a local Armenian, just
kept repeating "ourakh yeghir" (be happy). Really, that's
all I've been hearing since I got here. Everyone, the LCO staff,
family friends, Yerevan volunteers on the trip as well as the villagers
themselves have wanted only to welcome us, help us, make us happy
and make us laugh. That widespread attitude says something of the
culture - it's good that I came to my homeland for the first time
to share that special feeling.
NOTE: the roosters wake me up before my alarm clock…
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Karina Totah,
New York, USA |
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Ayroum: My thoughts of Armenia prior to my visit were of a land
of poverty and struggle. I can now happily say that Armenia is a
beautiful country that is growing by the minute.
From our first moment in Ayroum, we were greeted by the enthusiastic
villagers and their kindness shined through their smiles. By helping
them with the solar fruit dryer, we are giving them more than a
means for income… we are giving them HOPE.
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Shirley Oghamian,
California, USA |
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Ayroum: First night in Ayroum. Didn't expect the hallucination
of my cell phone ring. But withdrawal isn't as bad as I thought
it'd be. I am actually excited as opposed to my first instinct of
apprehension. I'm starting to get just the slightest taste of the
feeling in the village - appreciation, but the marks of a very hard
life. I don't think I know just how hard this work is going to be,
but it'll be ok… it always is. I think the situation will do
it's magic. I like this. There is a great feeling in the air. A
willingness of volunteerism, a bond of ethnicity and a sense of
purpose. I see so much modernity, culturedness and beauty. A people
who want to live and enjoy living but who recognize the uniqueness
of Armenia.
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Karina Totah,
New York, USA |
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The new group arrived last night. I have been a regular at the
Zvartnots Airport since the night before that I had said goodbye
to the July group. I miss them so much. They were a very wild bunch
and kept me on my toes. I don't believe how many new friends I have
made over this summer. This group is mostly from France. They seem
like a cool bunch. There are 20 of them. I am sure to enjoy this
month.
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Raffi Niziblian,
Yerevan |
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“I’ve been in Ayroum for four days now and the party
has definitely started. At first things did not look so bright.
Our house had not been prepared for us (as planned) and we were
missing some crucial amenities, most importantly running water.
In the midst of our frustration though, we trusted that our site
leader would rectify the situation. Three days later we’re
living like Kings & Queens and are ready to tackle anything
that gets thrown our way.”
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Christopher Ara
Katranjian, USA. |
| Aujourd’hui on a bien travaillé la
boue jusqu’au cou mais on aime cela! Ce soir on fête l’
anniversaire d’Agop mais il ne le sait pas!
Stephane Oulik, France – (chad batchik)
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It was with great excitement that I met the new volunteers at the
airport. Within a few days these people were like old friends. I
was on the bus with the group that went to Shushi. They reminded
me a few years back when I was admiring the beautiful mountains.
I was looking at their faces to engrave that expression in my mind.
It was a very special moment for these people and I was lucky to
be sharing this with them. On the way we stopped at Baruyr Sevag’s
Museum and had toniri khorovadz in Vayk.
By the way, I am the campaign coordinator as well as the International
Union of LCO Projects’ Coordinator. I have moved to Armenia
with my family.
Raffi Niziblian
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