Dear Darlings,
Right now I am feeling settled. I just got back from a small village called Gumri. It holds one of the world's oldest pagan temples. There was a rainbow that arched through the sky touching the mountains and my face. So i feel good right now to say the least. When G-d touches me i get kinda quiet and i like that . So beautifulness is occuring as always.
Much to say.
My mind is filled with the images of everyday living. The questions I held between suffering of the Soul vs. suffering of the body is facing me head on. Evaluating, re-evaluating all that i have come to learn. My being is put out to question, therefore my mind is occupied. My days, my nights and my dreams.
Putting these reasons I'm here aside, you deserve to know some basics. Where I live, am I eating. etc.
Yes.
They moved me in with a new family.If I had one word to describe it woul be "ideal". Exactly what i hoped for. I live with a family--father, mother in their mid 50s probably and their 2 children, son and daughter in late 20's. They are the essense of Armenian family. Generous, hospitable and hard working. They include me in their life and consider me part of the family. The father refers to me as his daughter, and the brother bullies me like I am his sister. The mother gives me buttons to sew onto my shirt and the sister keeps me up at night talking. The question of can i use the stove or not does not come into question because they graciously cook meals and hope and expect I eat with them.
I live in the center of town close to everything. From my window you can see a ferris wheel and a statue of a woman, the monument of Armenia.
I have 2 jobs, but might have 4.
1) I work on a team of social workers researching the rise pf HIV and AIDS and the other STDs amongst prostitutes in Yerevan, the capital (where I live). As of now, I don't do much hands on considering my limited Armenian, but soon I will go on the streets with the other social workers to talk with women and help the intervention classes about awareness education.
My other job is with an organization that works with the most needy families in Yerevan. I and another social worker visit different families' houses to listen to them and asses their needs. Then our center provies a number of services such as different classes an activitied for children and there parents. Drawing, theatre... also a psychiatrist visits with the family as well as an Armenian priest to give classes to restore spirituality in people's lives.
Peoples ancient faith has withered over the years and many ar left numb to Spirit. Collectively people are adopting a capatilist mentity and that is what is killing this nation.
What else to say for now?
I am doing well.
I am still a bit overwhelmed.
I am feeling frusterated at myself for how little I know Armenian. My Russian is a huge blockade. And what is worse, is that I keep saying that to myself.
I met a guy, he's nice.
I'll show pictures when I find a cord.
Not gonna say to much on the subject now, :) most you know how I am with suspense.
No, truth of the matter is the culture here is soooooooooooo different. I dont know the fist way to go about hanging out with a guy. When Guys and Girls hold hands that usually means they are gonna get married. So yeah, more later I'm sure.
Dear loves, I love you.
Know you can still email me.
okay.
~
