Good morning, good afternoon and good evening readers,

Due to the protest in the city centre we have had a quiet few days up here on the ranch. We managed to get the marshutka halfway to the office today and we then hit the blockade of protesters. It was interesting and inspiring to see how the Armenian people have banded together in their current situation. We walked the rest of the way and I thought about the bond that a community share.

After having yet another utterly delicious lunch at the office we made our way to the elderly people. They offered a car to the bus stop however, rather nonchalantly, Amy and I were much like “Che merci guys, but we got this”. And get that marshutka we did. No hiccups. No drama llamas. Wam. Bam. Thankyar Mam!

Going to visit them is always an interesting and rewarding experience. We learn so much about the people that we are visiting, and they are kind enough to welcome us into their homes. This time I felt more at ease in communicating with each person, with the volunteers acting as the translator. One woman was so bright and warm, you could feel her smile pour right through you, straight into the ticker! She asked if I had a boyfriend, to which I replied “No, but if you have any send them my way”. At certain points of the conversation you could see a sadness creep in and slowly wash over her. As if all the sorrow has has ever felt, rested in her eyes. Then as soon we would speak again, the love rose back into their cheeks. For most of us, we could never begin to imagine the pain that these people have experienced and witnessed. Though through it all, they still appreciate the wonderful simplicity of life and get out of bed every single day.

The next person we went to see was a woman and her sister from Iraq. If there were ever a door that I could walk through a thousand times more, it would be that one. They spoke English which obviously made the conversation run a lot more naturally and we were really able to delve into subjects. Their personal stories that they communicated to us were things we could never imagine happening in our own lives. We also discussed the similarities between English and Iraqi disciplines. It was so interesting to hear where our paths crossed at times. In the face of adversity and the struggles of life, they told us how they loved everyone and how we should relate to every human being as simply that, another human being. One sister told us how every day she wakes she appreciates and loves life. She is always thankful. During these incredible talks they also offered us a cup of Iraqi coffee. My oh my was that some easy drinking!

This is yet another breath-taking example of how we as humans can grow so beautifully from the challenges that we encounter on our personal journeys. So much of what I have learnt over the last six months has given me the foundations to fully appreciate each and every friendship that I will encounter in the future. No matter whether these last a second or a life time. For, when we relate to one another as the compassionate human beings that we are, a friendship can be made in an instant.

In kindness,
C x