Good morning, good afternoon and good evening readers,

Today started just as yesterday did. I felt slightly overwhelmed and tired. In a new city there is so much to do, that at times it almost seems that there is nothing to do. I’ve been feeling quite frustrated with the language barrier. I feel so competent in my day to day life in the UK and the language barrier is making the simplest task quite difficult. However, just as with yesterday, the day got much better.

Amy and I went up the Cascade again. The view was just as incredible as on Monday and it was nice to sit in silence for a few minutes to take it all in again. We then went to the History of Armenia museum and let me tell you… Armenia is OLD, like REALLY OLD. I used to brag about being from Britain’s oldest recorded town, but compared to Armenia, Colchester is but a mere infant. There was the world’s oldest shoe there which had shoe laces. Mind. Blown. We also learnt about some more serious stuff, such as the Armenian Genocide. I was really shocked at how the Armenian’s were treated and find it baffling that we do not learn more about it. The lack of humanity shown in some events around the world saddens me. However, the strength it has given the Armenians is undeniable.

After the museum, we met with the other young volunteers. They had A LOT of questions about us and England. I am still adjusting to their love for England. It is so alien to receive this much attention because of my home country. I have realised however, that I need to feel more gratitude for where I am from, we are very fortunate in many ways. After the meeting, we went up the Cascade AGAIN. We just cannot get enough of that place. This time it was dark so the view took on a whole other dimension. From the top you can see the lights on the mountain which show the Turkish border. That was pretty surreal. I had some amazing conversations that evening. One man told me that in Syria once you have joined the army, you cannot leave until the war is over. Also, Armenian men at the age of eighteen have to do two years’ service in the military. This man was so kind and gentle. Someone dropped a note on the floor and he ran down the road after them to give it back. What a wonderful human being.

The other conversation involved a preacher and he said one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard…

It doesn’t matter where or how you believe in God. Most believe in one book and one God, so our differences do not matter. There is no address of Christ.

I’ll leave you with that.

In kindness,
C X