Experiencing Armenia - Oct 12, 2008

We made it to Armenia! We got in about 4:45 a.m. and it was good to see that every bag we sent made it. That's a miracle because we checked about 24 bags! We each had our own bag, plus an extra one with things for our missionaries here. We promptly went to the guest house and went to bed for about 3 hours. We could have all slept longer, but we knew that we needed to get up and going so we could sleep again. We almost feel a little guilty about where we are staying. It's at the Guest House. When you drive up, you think, "Wow--I'm in Bosnia and they've bombed the place!" It's gray concrete on the outside. But when we walked inside, we felt like we were in a four star hotel. Courtney and I are sharing a room with two ladies from our team that are senior adults. That means we got the top bunks. But...the beds are great and we have our own bathroom that is literally nicer than my master bathroom at home. We have a small kitchen and a washing machine. No dryers--people in Armenia have clothes lines everywhere!

Yesterday we did some orientation about the country and saw the small embroidery business that they have started to help women make incomes. Aunt Shirley would be very proud. She should come and give them all lessons.

In the afternoon we went to the young adult worship service they have on Saturday night. The music was incredible, although we understand nothing!! Courtney gave her testimony during the service and did a great job. We were all really proud of her because she was the first one from our team to get in front of everyone! She was really nervous, but all of you would have been so proud of her. Funny how another 14-year-old MK made sure after the service to come up and introduce himself! He even went to eat pizza with us!

This morning we went to an outside market. Aunt Nell and mom would have had a BLAST!!! There was even a section that Grandpa Skip would have wandered over to with old tools, etc. We stayed more on the "craft" side and found some Armenian souvenirs. It will probably be the only shopping we do on the trip.

Church was this afternoon. Church in Armenia is much longer than American church, but still very moving. Dann got to preach a little and I got to share a small amount at the end about the women's conference we are having this weekend.

We have heard that OU lost and amazed that OSU won. We're all in shock!!

Oh, by the way, the toilets vary from place to place. Where we are staying, they are good. At the church, not so good. Squatty potties are worse than outhouses in America. I won't give any details.

Tomorrow we will be going into the villages. Expecting bad toilets there too. I'm thinking it will be like my camp experiences at Camp Dakani. I probably won't drink a lot so I can go hours without the urge!! I'll have toilet paper just in case!!

We're going out to eat soon and my internet time is about out! Love to you all. By the way...I doubt that I will be able to send any photos since I have to use their computers and can't bring my laptop to download a photo. Will have plenty to share later.