Gossiper > Newspapers

Gossiper (Special Issue: Volunteers)

• “Jason Demirdjyan, Chairman of AVC”
• “Tamar Haytayan”
• “Nicol Vardanyan”
• “Becky Baghdasaryan”
• “Leila Grigor”
• “Hrach Dilanchyan”
• “Mourad and Knarik Meneshyans”
• “Kerry Khachatryan”
• “Sara Lyoudwig”
• “Antuan Stepan Terjanyan”
• “Shila Terjanyan”

“Jason Demirdjyan, Chairman of AVC”

Q: When was AVC founded?

J: The Armenian Volunteer corps was founded in 2001.

Q: How many volunteers have you had since then?

J: Nineteen all in all: 13 this year and 6 last year.

Q: How do you enroll volunteers and from which countries?

J: The main and the cheapest source is the Internet. We have volunteers from all over the world.

Q: How do volunteers learn about AVC?

J: I was in America for two months recently and informed people about our corps in all possible ways: I used newspapers to place announcements; I talked about the AVC in universities, churches and the Armenian community. We are also thinking about shooting a15 minute film about the corps. Besides, our volunteers go back and tell others about us.

Q: What do volunteers do in Armenia?

J: One works in a documentary film studio, helping with marketing. We have volunteers teaching English. Some do translations, or help to establish Internet connection in Armenian marzes. We have an artist working in Spitak. In a word, people do different kinds of things here. Volunteers have two types work to do: the first is related to their specialization, the second to their interests. For example, we have volunteers who help people sell their honey or art works.

Q: Have you had cases of volunteers giving up their work or vice versa?

J: We haven’t had cases of leaving the work half finished. It was difficult in the winter here, but then they got used to it. There are volunteers who want to stay longer. Seven of thirteen volunteers want to continue working in their motherland. We have a person who is going to work in Vanadzor after volunteering a year in Yerevan.

Q: What do you think makes youth leave civilized countries for Armenia?

J: First of all, I would like to mention that not only youth turn to us. We have a volunteer who is 50 years old.
Different things bring volunteers to Armenia: like patriotism or the feeling to try something new, to be useful. Some people find Armenia interesting. They come for two-three weeks and then decide to stay longer.

Q: What are your future plans?

J: We hope to enlarge the scope of our activities, to invite more members of the Armenian Diaspora.

Q: What does one need to become a volunteer?

J: A volunteer needs a ticket, a visa, a hospitable family, ability to cover one’s daily expenses and house rent, plus medical insurance. The most important thing that one needs to become a volunteer is the great willingness to work.

Q: Jason, we know you are an American. How long have you been in Armenia? What makes you stay here? Have you ever thought of leaving for America?

J: It has been four and a half years that I have been in Armenia. I cannot say that something makes me stay here. Just that I don’t want to leave. Armenia is a free country now. It has a long way to go, it needs a lot and I want to do what I can to help it develop.

Q: When was AVC founded?

J: The Armenian Volunteer corps was founded in 2001.

Q: How many volunteers have you had since then?

J: Nineteen all in all: 13 this year and 6 last year.

Q: How do you enroll volunteers and from which countries?

J: The main and the cheapest source is the Internet. We have volunteers from all over the world.

Q: How do volunteers learn about AVC?

J: I was in America for two months recently and informed people about our corps in all possible ways: I used newspapers to place announcements; I talked about the AVC in universities, churches and the Armenian community. We are also thinking about shooting a15 minute film about the corps. Besides, our volunteers go back and tell others about us.

Q: What do volunteers do in Armenia?

J: One works in a documentary film studio, helping with marketing. We have volunteers teaching English. Some do translations, or help to establish Internet connection in Armenian marzes. We have an artist working in Spitak. In a word, people do different kinds of things here. Volunteers have two types work to do: the first is related to their specialization, the second to their interests. For example, we have volunteers who help people sell their honey or art works.

Q: Have you had cases of volunteers giving up their work or vice versa?

J: We haven’t had cases of leaving the work half finished. It was difficult in the winter here, but then they got used to it. There are volunteers who want to stay longer. Seven of thirteen volunteers want to continue working in their motherland. We have a person who is going to work in Vanadzor after volunteering a year in Yerevan.

Q: What do you think makes youth leave civilized countries for Armenia?

J: First of all, I would like to mention that not only youth turn to us. We have a volunteer who is 50 years old.
Different things bring volunteers to Armenia: like patriotism or the feeling to try something new, to be useful. Some people find Armenia interesting. They come for two-three weeks and then decide to stay longer.

Q: What are your future plans?

J: We hope to enlarge the scope of our activities, to invite more members of the Armenian Diaspora.

Q: What does one need to become a volunteer?

J: A volunteer needs a ticket, a visa, a hospitable family, ability to cover one’s daily expenses and house rent, plus medical insurance. The most important thing that one needs to become a volunteer is the great willingness to work.

Q: Jason, we know you are an American. How long have you been in Armenia? What makes you stay here? Have you ever thought of leaving for America?

J: It has been four and a half years that I have been in Armenia. I cannot say that something makes me stay here. Just that I don’t want to leave. Armenia is a free country now. It has a long way to go, it needs a lot and I want to do what I can to help it develop.

“Tamar Haytayan”

I came to Armenia last year in August to start work with the Armenian Volunteer Corps. My expectations were none. I was happy and excited to be in my homeland but did not envisage what I have experienced in the last 8 months that I have been here. I was assigned two work placemants, one of them being the Manana Youth Centre. At first, I really didn’t understand what the centre stood for and what Rouzanne and the extremely dedicated parents were so excited about. But with time, I understood and I have come to love the centre, especially the people within it who are so giving and so willing to help, through thick and thin.
Manana is a great place for children, for them to explore their personalities through journalism, filmmaking,web design and the like, and for them to discover who they are and the limit that their minds can go to in oder to form their own opinions. It is very important for today’s children to be given such a forum, because they are the future, OUR future. If today, Armenia is given the opportunity to educated children by allowing them to express their opinions and to form their own minds, then this will be a big plus for the country, especially as these kids will be future leaders. Also, through working with Rouzanne, I have learnt what dedication and strength is. She is a woman who pushes and pushes, when I would have given up a long time ago, and she is not afraid to express herself. I have become very fond of her and will not break ties with the organisation so easily, and might not even do so at all for that matter!
Life is not about having it easy, especially for Manana. The organization has gone through many disappointments but also there have been many successes to date. We have won films, we always enter competitions. The children continue producing imaginative and energetic stories and films, but not by themselves. They are guided and taught by the wonderful individuals working for Manana.
For me, Manana is a family within a family. I consider Armenia like my big family, and Manana is one of my small families found within. I would like to thanks AVC (Jason, Anna, Armine and Arshak) for allowing me to live and work in Armenia. I will repeat again and again that my best decision so far has been applying to AVC and coming to Armenia. I would advise anyone to do so.
Apres, and all the best for the future of MY country, Armenia!

Sirov, Tamar

I came to Armenia last year in August to start work with the Armenian Volunteer Corps. My expectations were none. I was happy and excited to be in my homeland but did not envisage what I have experienced in the last 8 months that I have been here. I was assigned two work placemants, one of them being the Manana Youth Centre. At first, I really didn’t understand what the centre stood for and what Rouzanne and the extremely dedicated parents were so excited about. But with time, I understood and I have come to love the centre, especially the people within it who are so giving and so willing to help, through thick and thin.
Manana is a great place for children, for them to explore their personalities through journalism, filmmaking,web design and the like, and for them to discover who they are and the limit that their minds can go to in oder to form their own opinions. It is very important for today’s children to be given such a forum, because they are the future, OUR future. If today, Armenia is given the opportunity to educated children by allowing them to express their opinions and to form their own minds, then this will be a big plus for the country, especially as these kids will be future leaders. Also, through working with Rouzanne, I have learnt what dedication and strength is. She is a woman who pushes and pushes, when I would have given up a long time ago, and she is not afraid to express herself. I have become very fond of her and will not break ties with the organisation so easily, and might not even do so at all for that matter!
Life is not about having it easy, especially for Manana. The organization has gone through many disappointments but also there have been many successes to date. We have won films, we always enter competitions. The children continue producing imaginative and energetic stories and films, but not by themselves. They are guided and taught by the wonderful individuals working for Manana.
For me, Manana is a family within a family. I consider Armenia like my big family, and Manana is one of my small families found within. I would like to thanks AVC (Jason, Anna, Armine and Arshak) for allowing me to live and work in Armenia. I will repeat again and again that my best decision so far has been applying to AVC and coming to Armenia. I would advise anyone to do so.
Apres, and all the best for the future of MY country, Armenia!

Sirov, Tamar

“Nicol Vardanyan”

-I came to Armenia by the Fulbright program and I'm teaching Civic education. Armenian history is full of episodes with which we must be proud. I think these episodes will be again. It was a discovery for me to find warmth and friendship in Armenia. Though I am far from my family, I feel I am a member in a new family. It was interesting to meet Armenians in Armenia... I love Charents and also all Armenian writers who write in Armenian but do not live here. For example, Peter Balakian, Berberian. I love the Armenian nature; there are many birds here - eagles, artujts. I love to climb mountains... I especially love the forests of Dilijan.

I love to walk in the streets of Armenia very much, where I hear conversations in Armenian. I love to go shopping, to buy food, wine, jewelry. I love to be in the Armenian atmosphere. Most of all I love Saryan street, as I live there. That street became my home. I also love Mashtots avenue and Abovian street. I love the Parajanov's museum. I love to be in Tsitsernakaberd, first because it's a very symbolic place and second because the scenary is beautiful. One of my favorite places is Vernisage. And of course, Manana.

When we were in Gyoumri, we visited a church, where my mother and granny prayed during the massacre. It was interesting that I was standing besides a painting where my granny stood 90 years ago. When I first saw Yerevan I understood that my life would change after the visit.

-I came to Armenia by the Fulbright program and I'm teaching Civic education. Armenian history is full of episodes with which we must be proud. I think these episodes will be again. It was a discovery for me to find warmth and friendship in Armenia. Though I am far from my family, I feel I am a member in a new family. It was interesting to meet Armenians in Armenia... I love Charents and also all Armenian writers who write in Armenian but do not live here. For example, Peter Balakian, Berberian. I love the Armenian nature; there are many birds here - eagles, artujts. I love to climb mountains... I especially love the forests of Dilijan.

I love to walk in the streets of Armenia very much, where I hear conversations in Armenian. I love to go shopping, to buy food, wine, jewelry. I love to be in the Armenian atmosphere. Most of all I love Saryan street, as I live there. That street became my home. I also love Mashtots avenue and Abovian street. I love the Parajanov's museum. I love to be in Tsitsernakaberd, first because it's a very symbolic place and second because the scenary is beautiful. One of my favorite places is Vernisage. And of course, Manana.

When we were in Gyoumri, we visited a church, where my mother and granny prayed during the massacre. It was interesting that I was standing besides a painting where my granny stood 90 years ago. When I first saw Yerevan I understood that my life would change after the visit.

“Becky Baghdasaryan”

I am 36 years old. I am staying in Armenia for a year this time. This is my third visit to this country. I have managed to fall in love with it and its people.

When I was in Washington, I got acquainted with some Armenians. I liked them a lot and decided to visit Armenia.

My work in Washington is connected with computers, besides I am a member of a huge Armenian community. Being a volunteer enables me to be in different places and meet many people. I have already done similar kinds of community work before in the US. In America people do a lot of volunteer work; it's a part of their culture. By doing volunteer work, we help ourselves, too. This is a new phenomenon in Armenia.

Here in Armenia, I am teaching computer skills and English, as well as representing the American culture and its traditions.

When I arrived here for the third time, I started paying more attention to the relations between people. People are very hospitable and caring here. Nearly everyone knows one another, which is amazing. The life of the Armenians is full of all kinds of events, leaving no time for boredom. Whatever is done is done heartily. We lack this in America.

One thing I do not like about Armenia is the way people drive cars… madness.

In my mind, the Armenians are very beautiful. The Armenian cuisine is very tasty; I especially like to eat lahmajo, a kind of thin slice of bread with spicy fried meat on it. Armenian fruit and vegetables taste quite differently.

Staying here gave me an opportunity to better know the Armenian culture and to discover new things. I knew very little Armenian history because I have attended an American school. I only know about the genocide…

I am 36 years old. I am staying in Armenia for a year this time. This is my third visit to this country. I have managed to fall in love with it and its people.

When I was in Washington, I got acquainted with some Armenians. I liked them a lot and decided to visit Armenia.

My work in Washington is connected with computers, besides I am a member of a huge Armenian community. Being a volunteer enables me to be in different places and meet many people. I have already done similar kinds of community work before in the US. In America people do a lot of volunteer work; it's a part of their culture. By doing volunteer work, we help ourselves, too. This is a new phenomenon in Armenia.

Here in Armenia, I am teaching computer skills and English, as well as representing the American culture and its traditions.

When I arrived here for the third time, I started paying more attention to the relations between people. People are very hospitable and caring here. Nearly everyone knows one another, which is amazing. The life of the Armenians is full of all kinds of events, leaving no time for boredom. Whatever is done is done heartily. We lack this in America.

One thing I do not like about Armenia is the way people drive cars… madness.

In my mind, the Armenians are very beautiful. The Armenian cuisine is very tasty; I especially like to eat lahmajo, a kind of thin slice of bread with spicy fried meat on it. Armenian fruit and vegetables taste quite differently.

Staying here gave me an opportunity to better know the Armenian culture and to discover new things. I knew very little Armenian history because I have attended an American school. I only know about the genocide…

“Leila Grigor”

Leila has found her little dog from one of the streets of Yerevan when the poor animal had recoiled in cold and hunger in a lonely corner. What would become of the dog without Leila's love and care? The animal is to leave for the US soon. Lucky, isn't it?

Leila has found her little dog from one of the streets of Yerevan when the poor animal had recoiled in cold and hunger in a lonely corner. What would become of the dog without Leila's love and care? The animal is to leave for the US soon. Lucky, isn't it?

“Hrach Dilanchyan”

I was born in 1939, in Gargoun village of Peria region, Iran. I am an Armenian no matter where I come from.

I received my education in an Armenian school in Calcutta, India. The school has a history of 200 years. It was built long ago, when the Armenian traders used to sell silk on the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The school is still open and has more than 40 pupils. My next destination after leaving school was Beirut Haykazyan University. Then I moved to England. I was unable to find a job there, being a citizen of Iran. Unemployment waved me to Australia .

In 1947, I first visited Armenia with pink colored eye glasses on. Armenia was a kind of a Paradise where everything was perfect. I had dreamt so long of coming here! I don't have many details left from that visit.

Years passed and I came to realize that Armenia was not a Paradise at all, but that there was a lot of poverty there. Despite this, I love Armenia, it is my country and nothing or no one can take it away from me.

I came to Armenia as if I came to my mother. For many years I had been far from my country and my visit here was a tribute of a lost son to his mother.

I was born in 1939, in Gargoun village of Peria region, Iran. I am an Armenian no matter where I come from.

I received my education in an Armenian school in Calcutta, India. The school has a history of 200 years. It was built long ago, when the Armenian traders used to sell silk on the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The school is still open and has more than 40 pupils. My next destination after leaving school was Beirut Haykazyan University. Then I moved to England. I was unable to find a job there, being a citizen of Iran. Unemployment waved me to Australia .

In 1947, I first visited Armenia with pink colored eye glasses on. Armenia was a kind of a Paradise where everything was perfect. I had dreamt so long of coming here! I don't have many details left from that visit.

Years passed and I came to realize that Armenia was not a Paradise at all, but that there was a lot of poverty there. Despite this, I love Armenia, it is my country and nothing or no one can take it away from me.

I came to Armenia as if I came to my mother. For many years I had been far from my country and my visit here was a tribute of a lost son to his mother.

“Mourad and Knarik Meneshyans”

Mourad is 66 years old, Knarik is 55 years old. They live in Glenview, Illinois. Mourad is a chemist and Knarik is a teacher. Mourad was born in Iraq from parents who had a narrow escape from the massacre of 1915. Knarik was born in Austria from an Austrian mother and an Armenian father.

Mourad and Knarik have two sons and a daughter: Raffi, Sevan and Hasmik. Hasmik has a daughter- Sevana. Sevana will soon have a sister and we'll become grandpa and grandma for the second time.

We live and volunteer in Gyoumri. We have students ranging in age from 7-40, to whom we teach English and computer skills. We work in school #21, at the Armenian Church Union and at Sister Arousyak's orphanage. We teach with love, especially in Gyoumri, where the population faces very bad conditions. People still live in post-earthquake small cottages. Life is difficult in Gyoumri. You can't compare it with that in Yerevan. Yerevan looks pretty, people open new buildings, shops and places of entertainment nearly every day here.

We wish that Yerevan youth came to Gyoumri in the summer, to try to help their peers, talk to them and understand what their life is like.

We have always dreamt of a visit to Armenia. We have been staying here for a year and are very happy, having realized our dream and having helped our country. We hope other Armenians will also come and do the same. We also believe that people of Armenia will unite to help each other and return Gyoumri its former beauty and sparkle.

Mourad is 66 years old, Knarik is 55 years old. They live in Glenview, Illinois. Mourad is a chemist and Knarik is a teacher. Mourad was born in Iraq from parents who had a narrow escape from the massacre of 1915. Knarik was born in Austria from an Austrian mother and an Armenian father.

Mourad and Knarik have two sons and a daughter: Raffi, Sevan and Hasmik. Hasmik has a daughter- Sevana. Sevana will soon have a sister and we'll become grandpa and grandma for the second time.

We live and volunteer in Gyoumri. We have students ranging in age from 7-40, to whom we teach English and computer skills. We work in school #21, at the Armenian Church Union and at Sister Arousyak's orphanage. We teach with love, especially in Gyoumri, where the population faces very bad conditions. People still live in post-earthquake small cottages. Life is difficult in Gyoumri. You can't compare it with that in Yerevan. Yerevan looks pretty, people open new buildings, shops and places of entertainment nearly every day here.

We wish that Yerevan youth came to Gyoumri in the summer, to try to help their peers, talk to them and understand what their life is like.

We have always dreamt of a visit to Armenia. We have been staying here for a year and are very happy, having realized our dream and having helped our country. We hope other Armenians will also come and do the same. We also believe that people of Armenia will unite to help each other and return Gyoumri its former beauty and sparkle.

“Kerry Khachatryan”

Kerry is 27 years old, and lives in Boston.

My ancestors are from Van, Western Armenia. I first came to Armenia as a tourist and I knew merely nothing about my country. None of my relatives had ever been to Armenia either, which is a reason why I know so little about it.

Armenia was some vague place for me, so I decided to come here to work as a volunteer. I wanted to help people, to help my motherland. I had been working at an Art school in Spitak Italian quarter for eight months. I helped students of the school learn embroidery and helped others find jobs. I had been teaching English in Yerevan.

I work on the Internet and try to help people sell clay art objects outside Armenia, in the US.

I love the Armenian people, culture, traditions, national songs and dances. I don't like it when people are unfair with me.

At first glance, people were kind, joyful and hospitable in Armenia. My opinion has not changed after a year's stay here.

I'll try to stay in Armenia as long as I can. Everything depends on the decision of my family. If I don't succeed in talking them into moving to Armenia, I'll spend half of my life in the US, with my family, and half in Armenia. Now when I am going back to the US, I take with me much knowledge about my native country and my ancestors. I leave my love and my new friends here.

Kerry is 27 years old, and lives in Boston.

My ancestors are from Van, Western Armenia. I first came to Armenia as a tourist and I knew merely nothing about my country. None of my relatives had ever been to Armenia either, which is a reason why I know so little about it.

Armenia was some vague place for me, so I decided to come here to work as a volunteer. I wanted to help people, to help my motherland. I had been working at an Art school in Spitak Italian quarter for eight months. I helped students of the school learn embroidery and helped others find jobs. I had been teaching English in Yerevan.

I work on the Internet and try to help people sell clay art objects outside Armenia, in the US.

I love the Armenian people, culture, traditions, national songs and dances. I don't like it when people are unfair with me.

At first glance, people were kind, joyful and hospitable in Armenia. My opinion has not changed after a year's stay here.

I'll try to stay in Armenia as long as I can. Everything depends on the decision of my family. If I don't succeed in talking them into moving to Armenia, I'll spend half of my life in the US, with my family, and half in Armenia. Now when I am going back to the US, I take with me much knowledge about my native country and my ancestors. I leave my love and my new friends here.

“Sara Lyoudwig”

I am from Buffalo, but work in Washington where I am responsible for public affairs. I like working with different people. I had heard much about Armenia, but had never seen it. They don't teach Armenian history at American schools.

It is very interesting to come to Armenia.

I am teaching English and trying to introduce American culture to the Armenian kids. I take pleasure in working with Armenians. I have learned a lot from them: the language, traditions, and historical facts.

I love my host family very much. I feel at home with them.

I think bright days are still to come for Armenia.

I am from Buffalo, but work in Washington where I am responsible for public affairs. I like working with different people. I had heard much about Armenia, but had never seen it. They don't teach Armenian history at American schools.

It is very interesting to come to Armenia.

I am teaching English and trying to introduce American culture to the Armenian kids. I take pleasure in working with Armenians. I have learned a lot from them: the language, traditions, and historical facts.

I love my host family very much. I feel at home with them.

I think bright days are still to come for Armenia.

“Antuan Stepan Terjanyan”

For the first time in my life, I saw a person who had never been to Armenia but knew nearly everything about it. Mr. Terjanyan was coming to Armenia from Canada for the first time to volunteer, not just to travel. He had been helping his motherland before too, by sending money during the blockade. In short time, Mr. Terjanyan felt that sending out money was not enough and decided to come to Armenia in person.

“I asked a young man where Mount Ararat was. He smiled and I understood that I was not the first person to ask that question.”

“…it was misty outside, but soon I saw Ararat from the taxi window. It was huge, stately, and full of dignity, stretching high above its smaller Ararat.”

These are some of Mr. Terjanyan's first impressions. We were very happy to be given the opportunity to read them. Mount Ararat had really impressed him.

“ Yerevan didn't seem amazing to me. There was a lot of dust everywhere. It was noisy as they were repairing the city streets.”

Yerevan was not the city of Mr. Terjanyan 's dreams, as he confessed. It was difficult for him to live there, but after staying for a period of time he was able to see good things there. Mr. Antuan would prefer living in an Armenian village and eating healthy food. He loves village life a lot. He believes that the Armenian spirit is in the mountains.

Mr. Antuan is volunteering in seven different projects in Armenia . He is working at AVC, encouraging more volunteers come to Armenia , at Arlex law firm, at ARMPRO, to create better transportation between Armenia and neighboring countries. He is also volunteering at Mountain Blossom, a firm that imports honey, at Armenian Forests coalition, “Bjni” mineral water factory and more.

Mr. Antuan also helps Armenian art workers sell their products outside of Armenia . These are stone boxes depicting “The Dance of Sasoun people”.

It is shameful, but we knew nothing about this ornament. Mr. Terjanyan told us about it. He also told us the reason the Armenians called their distant relatives, sisters and brothers. Never-ending wars have made the Armenians feel like a huge family united by Mount Ararat .

“It is so beautiful…. You can see the mountain every day. Don't you realize you are happy?”

For the first time in my life, I saw a person who had never been to Armenia but knew nearly everything about it. Mr. Terjanyan was coming to Armenia from Canada for the first time to volunteer, not just to travel. He had been helping his motherland before too, by sending money during the blockade. In short time, Mr. Terjanyan felt that sending out money was not enough and decided to come to Armenia in person.

“I asked a young man where Mount Ararat was. He smiled and I understood that I was not the first person to ask that question.”

“…it was misty outside, but soon I saw Ararat from the taxi window. It was huge, stately, and full of dignity, stretching high above its smaller Ararat.”

These are some of Mr. Terjanyan's first impressions. We were very happy to be given the opportunity to read them. Mount Ararat had really impressed him.

“ Yerevan didn't seem amazing to me. There was a lot of dust everywhere. It was noisy as they were repairing the city streets.”

Yerevan was not the city of Mr. Terjanyan 's dreams, as he confessed. It was difficult for him to live there, but after staying for a period of time he was able to see good things there. Mr. Antuan would prefer living in an Armenian village and eating healthy food. He loves village life a lot. He believes that the Armenian spirit is in the mountains.

Mr. Antuan is volunteering in seven different projects in Armenia . He is working at AVC, encouraging more volunteers come to Armenia , at Arlex law firm, at ARMPRO, to create better transportation between Armenia and neighboring countries. He is also volunteering at Mountain Blossom, a firm that imports honey, at Armenian Forests coalition, “Bjni” mineral water factory and more.

Mr. Antuan also helps Armenian art workers sell their products outside of Armenia . These are stone boxes depicting “The Dance of Sasoun people”.

It is shameful, but we knew nothing about this ornament. Mr. Terjanyan told us about it. He also told us the reason the Armenians called their distant relatives, sisters and brothers. Never-ending wars have made the Armenians feel like a huge family united by Mount Ararat .

“It is so beautiful…. You can see the mountain every day. Don't you realize you are happy?”

“Shila Terjanyan”

I am 56 years old. I am from Ottawa, Canada. I am an economist.

I came to Armenia because I wanted to see Armenia and help the Armenian people. Volunteer work is not new for me because I had been doing this kind of work in Canada.

I thought I would be facing many difficulties in Armenia because people from outside held this view.

I was astonished when I first saw Mount Ararat. I was happy to see this miracle.

I got a nice reception by my host family, the Hovanissyans. I like all the people I have met in Armenia. They are all interesting. I love everything about Armenia: people, sights…

I want to live in Armenia though I am now leaving for the US.

I will come back.

I learned a lot about Armenia during my stay: the language, culture, history.

My host family members are my friends.

I see Armenia lit up with success in the future. I will always be happy to come to my country.

I am 56 years old. I am from Ottawa, Canada. I am an economist.

I came to Armenia because I wanted to see Armenia and help the Armenian people. Volunteer work is not new for me because I had been doing this kind of work in Canada.

I thought I would be facing many difficulties in Armenia because people from outside held this view.

I was astonished when I first saw Mount Ararat. I was happy to see this miracle.

I got a nice reception by my host family, the Hovanissyans. I like all the people I have met in Armenia. They are all interesting. I love everything about Armenia: people, sights…

I want to live in Armenia though I am now leaving for the US.

I will come back.

I learned a lot about Armenia during my stay: the language, culture, history.

My host family members are my friends.

I see Armenia lit up with success in the future. I will always be happy to come to my country.