First Time in Javakhk

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