Today we were in Javakhk. Javakhk has the types of majestic mountains I always fantasize about when I think of my dream place. It felt like a calm environment where the stresses back in LA felt far away-almost forgettable- and there were no deadlines to abide by. This is the type of place I would lay down and look up to the sky-its cathartic feeling as I am part of the earth.

While driving by Parvana Lake, our van felt like it was going to tilt into the lake. The guys had no problem scaring us by shaking the van towards the water- a scary, but hilarious experience. Our van eventually did get stuck in the lake and we had to do an emergency evacuation through the window. Simple moments like this left me with valuable and hilarious memories.

At our Jampar in Gyumri, as I was pouring juice to serve to the kids during lunch, I realized how far I have come away from my usual mundane, dull tasks. If you had asked me several months ago what I would be doing during summer, I probably would have thought of school, work, travel with family, or my usual hang out spots. I knew I was interested in Youth Corps and its purpose, but for some reason I didn’t think of the types of interactions I would have with the kids.

Later, that feeling hit me again when I was standing in front of my entire group instructing them during song practice in class. I knew that I would be instructing a class, but I never really imagined the setting. At times when all ears were on me, I felt responsible over the kids and their success. I have no desire to become a teacher, but I do have a passion to one day be a reliable leader my peers and future generations can look up to.

From Gyumri,
Angela Kechukyan

Our quick weekend spent in Javakhk was without a doubt one to remember. From waking up cramped in a small room with 12 people and getting ready in 10 minutes, I was anxious to see how this day would go. As we sat around in the car for over an hour, everyone would agree that we were all agitated. However, once we started driving through Javakhk everyones mood completely changed. I was truly amazed by the places we went today. The scenery was breathtaking.

Our first stop was at an old fort which also consisted of a suspension bridge over the river. Never in my life have I been so amused then when I watched Ani try to to cross the bridge while begging Levon to stop shaking it. After a couple other stops we went by a stream to barbecue and relax. While there, we noticed a building in the distance and were curious of what it was. As a few of us walked closer, we noticed it was an old church. We went up the stairs that led to the doors of the church and were all amazed on how incredible the view was.

When we returned the agoump in Javakhk , we were greeted by AYF members from Canada and the East Coast. We all gathered around the table and talked about different issues the Armenians in Javakhk and all around the world are facing. As our discussion came to an end, Unger Naiyri said to us, “Even though we all come from different places around the world, the one thing that connects us all is that we are all Armenian; our Armenian spirit.” Now, more then ever, I feel as though I can truly understand what Unger Naiyri said to us. Within these past two weeks I’ve spent in Armenia, I’ve seen so many different places and met several young Armenians I would have never had the opportunity to meet if it wasn’t for AYF Youth Corps.

From Javakhk,
Taleen Yepremian

Today was an interesting day. First, waking up to the breathtaking mornings of Gyumri’s clear skies and to the soft chirping of the birds flying. Opening my eyes to something like this was more like a dream. I truly appreciate every minute of my trip here, especially when my dream has always been to be in Armenia. Moreover, being in Armenia to do this very program fulfills a dream I’ve had for years.

The walk to the Jampar was a relaxing and funny start to my morning. The funny parts consist of the conversations shared amongst the “team” and the bond being built. Arriving to the Jampar was good as usual, seeing the kids waiting there for the start of a new day. First, we took the kids to the gym and sang our national anthem with their young, strong voices, and then back to the classes for breakfast. After eating, as energetic and happy as they were, we started our English lessons. I felt really good teaching them English, because after each word I mentioned, they repeated it multiple times and mastered it. Confident in themselves, they learn fast and help each other when need be.

The kids know their Armenian songs very well and sing in a great projected voice, competing with their friends in the other groups. They also enjoy playing soccer and are actually really good at it. I was surprised to see the ball disappear from my feet in a matter of seconds as it gets stolen by the kids. After the tiring play, we split up into our colors and had an educational to teach them the general aspects of everyday life. They enjoyed the lesson and were anxious to learn more. However, with a tight schedule, we jumped right into the singing. Throughout the whole time, I was shocked to see how well they taught each other and how their strong voices rocked our classrooms. After the singing was over, we lined up the kids in their colors and had them sing Mshag Panvor in front of their anxious parents. And that concluded the fourth day of camp.

I can’t wait for tomorrow.

AYF Youth Corps 2013,
Asbed Levon Sarkissian

After being with the kids for 7 hours, I am now sitting out on the balcony, surrounded by beautiful greenery. This day feels surreal. To be honest, this entire trip feels surreal. Never having had a roommate, and now being with 11 other people in a confined space, has placed me in unfamiliar territory. However, living with these 11 people I didn’t really know before this trip, in our homeland, has created a special bond between us that keeps growing every day. This bond is already helping create memories to last a lifetime. As Ani would say: “This isn’t real life, we’re in a delusional world.”

Having been to Armenia more than seven times, and visiting rural areas in other countries, I pretty much knew the conditions under which these kids in the villages were living in. However, I never really had the opportunity to communicate or spend time with them. When traveling to Armenia with my family, I always found myself living in conditions I was used to in America. Living with a host family during the Youth Corps program has opened my eyes to the real lifestyle people have in Armenia. I feel i’m truly experiencing the life of a Gyumri citizen.

The camp for the kids is also extremely eye-opening. Talking with them and sharing stories has allowed us to bond and build a close relationship with each other, where we’ll ultimately become friends. It’s funny how much the kids want to make us, the Youth Corps participants, proud. They’re inspired by us. But in reality, I’m inspired by them. The will, passion, and determination they possess, living in a recovering, broken-down city that doesn’t offer many innovative utilities and opportunities is amazing; their optimistic outlook and desire to learn English when they can otherwise be at home playing, is definitely a trait to applaud. Though not always angels, because trust me, they can be a handful (three campers in my group peed themselves today), you can’t help loving to be around them. We’ve already learned how to manage them though. To calm them down, we threaten to not allow them to play soccer. Their facial expressions when soccer is mentioned is hilarious, and they argue over which is the best team, Real Madrid or F. C. Barcelona, on a daily basis.

It hasn’t been long that we’ve been here and I’m looking forward to the weeks that are to come. Knowing that I was able to make a difference in a camper’s life, even if its a minuscule one, is incredible. So far, this trip is unique compared to all other trips I’ve taken before. Every day I’m reminded of how extremely grateful I should be for the lifestyle I have back home, and the opportunities that I’ve been given on a silver platter. Until now, I hadn’t been able to understand the true value of it all.

I can’t wait to see what Armenia has in store for us next.

Christine