Last Day in Armenia

Today was our last day in Armenia and our last day of work with the Fuller Center for Housing. We finished cementing the floor yesterday, so today we formed another bucket line and we used dirt and rocks to make the ground on the side of the house level. From what I understood about our instructions I interpreted that by leveling the ground around the house and by having the ground slope down we were preventing water/moisture from seeping into the house. One of the most amazing things about the Fuller Center is that they using so few resources. The most high-tech tool on either site we worked on was a cement mixer.

When we weren't working we were playing with two of the family's sons - Sampson and Vahan. They are such sweet boys - Sampson even gave a bouquet of flowers to every member of the group and Vahan loved chasing anyone who happened to be taking a break. Both boys helped out wherever they could often joined the bucket line or fetching tools for our project manager Jivan.

We ate two big meals today at lunch and at dinner. Dinner was a big feast where everyone took a turn toasting Armenia and the people we met here. After dinner we were invited to an engagement party taking place in the next room over. We danced with the future bride and groom and their closest family and friends. They were so genuinely happy to meet us and take pictures with our group. This is just one of a hundred examples I could mention about the friendliness and hospitality of the Armenian people.

So as my adventure in Armenia comes to a close I find myself a little sad to leave, but excited to see what lies ahead in Georgia. Until nect time,

Ryan Dickinson