An Unexpected Opportunity

by Alexander Azizian

(USA)

Volunteering has always been a long time idea I wanted to look into. But I thought I knew nothing, I had no solid education, and I was just 21. What could I do for someone? Then one day I completely overlooked what I do know; that I did not think was important, sports.

I have been fencing for some time and although I am no grand master or anything, I can still teach the basics. Alas through Armenian Volunteer Corps and Birthright Armenia I was able to get into a Fencing School in Armenia to teach fencing to the small children here. The children are so fun and energetic; they really burrow into your heart when you work with them. The teachers here are great, but the Western ideas and tactics are not taught here and with me here teaching it, it does nothing but benefit everyone. This is truly a dream, not only do I get to work with the small children; I can also train with the National Team! They are also sharing their wisdom and teaching me some new tips and tricks I never heard of before.

Every detail of what I have or know goes a long way here down to the exercises, stretches, and mentality of it all. Although Armenians are sometimes stubborn when it comes to learning things they think they know, I have been creative and found ways to subtlety creep in. The language barrier is not that strong here in sports too, despite my lack of full knowledge for the language. Sports are a mere “monkey see, monkey do” game, it is no different in my situation.

The most rewarding moments happen to take place every day. One of the national team members was heading into competition, and they were missing an important part for their weapon. I just so happen to have an extra piece! One of the students couldn't take classes with the key coaches because of the time schedule; I was able to help this student out due to my time flexibility.

In conclusion, I would say that the kids are so well disciplined; they respect you the way they talk and listen to you. The expressions, the words they use, and the gratitude you receive, are all extremely inspiring.

Tatjana on Nathan’s Archeological Dig Site

Tatjana Crossley
USA (Florida)

I was given the opportunity to visit Nathan’s work’s dig site. My first visit to an archeological dig! It is a site that is 5000 years old and has remains from a temple and houses. Apparently the archeologists had found 7 sacrificial wolves at the site that are now at a museum.

The dig wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but then again I imagined we’d be dusting off ancient artifacts and going down into enclosed chambers- I guess I pictured a dig more similar to what one might see in Indiana Jones or the Mummy- very unrealistic, I know.

So we spent our time digging up dirt, moving dirt in buckets and moving rocks to a rock pile… when I started moving the rocks, I was told by a few of the men that I shouldn’t move rocks, I should move the buckets of dirt… so I did. But when I started carrying the bucket in front of me as apposed to holding the handle I was told to not do that- I must carry the bucket by the handle because it is not good for my health… and by my health I think they meant the health of my ovaries since as the man was telling me it was bad he kept motioning to his belly, or maybe they meant for the health of my back, I’m not really sure- which I found amusing but slightly annoying since they wouldn’t let me carry rocks and now they were telling me how to hold a bucket.

But it was interesting, and the scenery was lovely. We found lots of ceramic pieces and animal bones and the head archeologist found a little piece of what used to be a bracelet someone wore centuries ago!

This entry originally appeared on Tatjana's blogsite: http://tatjanacrossley.wordpress.com/

Sunday Recap with SunChild Rebecca

Rebecca Kandilian
USA

Blog 8 already…only one more left. I don’t know how I feel about that so we’ll leave it at that.

Change of pace… Here is a list of 5 things I did this week to avoid getting lost in the little details and to focus on the ‘major’ events.

1. The beginning of the week…Off of the Green Bus
-Catch up on sleep and laundry
-Re-fill the bus with gifts, calendars, and supplies for the next trip

2. Meet with potential Sponsor for the Debetavan project
- A fairly positive meeting

3. Lots of text editing in between things…
- Getting pretty good/fast at this

4. Seminar on ‘Networking’ intended for the staff of Ministry of Nature Protection with a rep from Environmental Protection NGOs (i.e. me)
- Communication 101 all over again…
- Met lots of folks from the ministry of Nature Protection
- Got invited to their weekend Getaway out in nature as a NGO rep again

4.5. The Green Bus is being worked on and we cannot leave until next week so I can accept the invitation…

5. Off to Zigitar National Forest with the Ministry
- Surrounded by like minded and highly educated folks, the whole weekend was spent out in the woods, talking about wide array of things including what they each do in the ministry and answering their on-point questions
- Besides the billion mosquito bites, I would say this weekend will go down as one of the more memorable and interesting ones.