(November 16th – November 21st)
Wednesday, I really went out on a limb and decided to try making spaghetti sauce. I tried a different butcher and watched him as he cut off a hunk of beef and then put it in the grinder to create some hamburger. I had some other ingredients I wanted to use so they wouldn’t go to waste. There were some smallish sticks of celery (less than 3/8” thick, a bunch of tomatoes and a little cilantro). I was able to find a can of mushrooms and some tomato paste, borrowed a bay leaf and cayenne pepper from the elders, bought some green peppers and onions, and voila! It was really quite tasty in spite of missing ingredients I would have used if I were home.
Rog was also able to go with one of the missionaries, and a member from the branch to meet a fellow from the gold mill. They actually were able to communicate some and it looks like there might be an opportunity to meet a different circle of people than missionaries normally meet in Ararat. Isn’t that just like Rog…always thinking of angles to get a little work, work done, too.
The missionaries actually challenged us to pray in Armenian and I tried a little this morning…more English than Armenian, but I am trying. I just don’t have enough vocabulary to have a very long conversation, but then God might be relieved as he has a lot to do these days.
Thursday, we visited with more members. We went to a village called Zod. It seemed like all those we visited lived on the top floors and there are no elevators, so it was a bit of a hike up to their apartments. Mind you, I’m not complaining, just stating what is. The plight is similar to others we have visited…no jobs, not much in the way of heat to keep warm in winter and just general discouragement. They were all women, who were either single, divorced or widowed. Some of them I’m sure are wondering if freedom is worth it. At least with the Russians, they had jobs, heat and food. Is there a humanitarian project out there that might provide skills/jobs, etc.? Any ideas? I think they are willing to work, but have never had to get out there and get a job. I think all the men we see standing around could be busy filling the potholes and making better sidewalks if there were resources to pay them. We also met a couple that were former investigators. He has very bad vision and can’t get around and lost his job because of his loss of sight. She works every day and so, because of their circumstances, can’t qualify to be taught the gospel because they can’t come to church.
We had another new food experience while we were visiting with a member on Saturday. They (her family) brought in a whole bunch of different things to eat, one of which was something that looked like shredded beef and potatoes. I should have noticed that the elders didn’t take any, but I was trying to be hospitable and try a little of everything. I put the meat substance and a potato on a piece of lavash and ate it all. It wasn’t bad tasting, just a little unusual. Well, its previous existence had been as long grass that was braided and dried. I think it is then reconstituted with water (I’m assuming). Apparently, it is a medicinal plant for diarrhea. Maybe it was good to eat it to counteract any of the other questionable things we consumed.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Armenia Week Four
November 15-16, 2009
Hard to believe that another week has gone by and can’t figure out where the time went. I tried to make a deep dish apple pie and found that I could do it with some help from the elders who had a little nutmeg. One of the ingredients I needed was Crisco. Well, the Elder thought that a product called Reddy was similar and would work. It was sort of a shock when I opened the container and found a product that was very yellow in color and in a semi-solid state. It did work, however. Rolling out the dough was a little more complicated, mainly because the kitchen isn’t stocked with a lot of things. I had to use the counter top, sprinkled a little flour on it, and rolled out the dough. My rolling pin was a bottle of vinegar. I may try and get a little more equipment if I make the recipe again. It turned out pretty tasty and all eaters seemed to enjoy it.
Another thing we observed this week was what occurs when someone dies. Someone in our apartment building passed away. The missionaries mentioned this to us and I asked how they knew. Apparently, when someone dies, the top cover of the casket is placed outside the entrance to the building. People come to call and lots of flower arrangements, mostly on stands, appear at the entrance and in the stairwell of the building. The door to the dwelling of the deceased is open and a long wooden bench is put by the door for visitors to sit on while they wait to pay their respects and condolences. There were also lots of cars and people milling around outside in front of the building…mostly men. I don’t recall seeing any women. This may go on for a week or longer. I noticed that when our taxi driver brought us home on Sunday evening, that he didn’t pull up to the door but let us off a ways away so he would disturb those paying their respects.
We also had the experience driving to visit some members (Albert, Tovinar and their son) who live on the border with Azerbaijan. I would like to do that sometime in the daylight. We could still see all the fish ponds on the side of the road with their fish nets at ready for any customer who came along wanting to buy a fish. The elders told us to wear our coats, and we were glad we did. Even though it wasn’t that cold outside, inside with cement floor, ceiling and walls, it was quite chilly. They don’t have much but did manage to cut up an apple which she offered to us. We felt encouraged that they might all come to church next week. Elder Pulsipher offered some comments regarding repentance using a Rubix (sp) cube (help me out here, someone?). If you start with a completed cube and make one twist, getting back to the beginning isn’t too hard, it’s even easy. But if you make several turns (i.e. not doing what is right), it’s a lot more work to get back to where you started. So, if you make a mistake or do something wrong, quickly repent and get back to good ways. It’s a lot easier than doing several things wrong and then trying to repent and get back to the correct way of life.
Hard to believe that another week has gone by and can’t figure out where the time went. I tried to make a deep dish apple pie and found that I could do it with some help from the elders who had a little nutmeg. One of the ingredients I needed was Crisco. Well, the Elder thought that a product called Reddy was similar and would work. It was sort of a shock when I opened the container and found a product that was very yellow in color and in a semi-solid state. It did work, however. Rolling out the dough was a little more complicated, mainly because the kitchen isn’t stocked with a lot of things. I had to use the counter top, sprinkled a little flour on it, and rolled out the dough. My rolling pin was a bottle of vinegar. I may try and get a little more equipment if I make the recipe again. It turned out pretty tasty and all eaters seemed to enjoy it.
Another thing we observed this week was what occurs when someone dies. Someone in our apartment building passed away. The missionaries mentioned this to us and I asked how they knew. Apparently, when someone dies, the top cover of the casket is placed outside the entrance to the building. People come to call and lots of flower arrangements, mostly on stands, appear at the entrance and in the stairwell of the building. The door to the dwelling of the deceased is open and a long wooden bench is put by the door for visitors to sit on while they wait to pay their respects and condolences. There were also lots of cars and people milling around outside in front of the building…mostly men. I don’t recall seeing any women. This may go on for a week or longer. I noticed that when our taxi driver brought us home on Sunday evening, that he didn’t pull up to the door but let us off a ways away so he would disturb those paying their respects.
We also had the experience driving to visit some members (Albert, Tovinar and their son) who live on the border with Azerbaijan. I would like to do that sometime in the daylight. We could still see all the fish ponds on the side of the road with their fish nets at ready for any customer who came along wanting to buy a fish. The elders told us to wear our coats, and we were glad we did. Even though it wasn’t that cold outside, inside with cement floor, ceiling and walls, it was quite chilly. They don’t have much but did manage to cut up an apple which she offered to us. We felt encouraged that they might all come to church next week. Elder Pulsipher offered some comments regarding repentance using a Rubix (sp) cube (help me out here, someone?). If you start with a completed cube and make one twist, getting back to the beginning isn’t too hard, it’s even easy. But if you make several turns (i.e. not doing what is right), it’s a lot more work to get back to where you started. So, if you make a mistake or do something wrong, quickly repent and get back to good ways. It’s a lot easier than doing several things wrong and then trying to repent and get back to the correct way of life.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Pictures
Here is a link to look at our pictures; we haven't been able to upload pictures with the blog. The pictures from today were only from last week and next week I'll try and upload pictures from previous weeks.
http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu188/pattiandrogerpeterson/
http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu188/pattiandrogerpeterson/
Week Three in Armenia
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Monday of this week, we were invited over to Hasmik and Ando’s house for barbecue. The Elders had killed a couple of rabbits in order to make warm mittens for winter. They kept the rabbit meat and we were the beneficiaries of an interesting meal. I’d never eaten rabbit so was an experience. There were a lot of little bones and not a lot of meat. Ando is the first counselor in the Branch Presidency.
Observations today included a bus ride from Ararat to Artashat. I wonder how many places in the world you could go where you’d have to share the road with goats and cows and there would be houses you’d pass by with television antenna and satellite dishes. Probably more do than don’t have such things. So far I’ve seen the herders of animals on foot, bicycle, and horse.
We had a great…and busy day today visiting with members in their homes. They live in such humble circumstances but are so valiant in their desire to serve God and his children. The first one we visited was Marietta. I’ve talked about her previously. She’s such a good woman! Life here is not easy for single women. The Elders were able to help her move her stove inside to get ready for colder days that are coming. I think she heats her house by burning wood. Several of her neighbors in this village heat their homes with cow chips. We could see (and smell) the heaps of dung that were along the roads drying so that later they could be burned.
The next member we visited (had to walk quite a ways, but the exercise was good for us, I’m sure, was Lala. She’s a widow with 7 children. She was commenting some about the fact that they don’t have gas (natural gas to keep warm) and really not enough work available to support her large family. Yet, in spite of their meager circumstances, she served us a wonderful lunch. I just hope the things we ate were cooked enough and clean enough that we won’t have intestinal problems. We had dolma (rice and meat wrapped in grape leaves), mashed potatoes, tomatoes, bread and a green drink. Elder Clark said it was like grass…and right away that didn’t make me any too anxious to sample it, but in order not to be rude, I did take some, and did taste it. Yuck! Not my favorite and I will probably pass up on it the next time. She sent us on our way with a loaf of bread she had just baked, a sackful of tomatoes and half dozen fresh eggs (they were still warm).
We also visited a brother, Rafik, who works a couple of jobs and has a hard time coming to church because he is working so much. His wife’s name is Rosa and she is very nice. They were very friendly and as is the custom in Armenia, when you have guests you always give them something to eat…so we had a little fruit. Normally, I run all our fruit through a bleach wash and a filter rinse, so this is putting my immunities to the test. As we were leaving, I commented about how nice her flowers were…and wouldn’t you know it, she cut me a bunch to take home. Nice centerpiece we now have. I love fresh flowers.
We took a break from visiting to take a bus ride and attend seminary in Artashat for a couple of hours. The Artashat elders taught a lesson and then they did some activities. A few played ping pong and one of the boys brought Monopoly and wanted the elders to teach them to play. It was a Spider Man version and all in English. They had a good time learning to play. Rog commented that he had never had the opportunity as a missionary in Norway to play Monopoly. Aram (taxi man) picked us up and delivered us to Vedi (another village nearby to Ararat) to make some more visits. The elders were supposed to meet us but were delayed when their transportation took longer than they expected. Lusig is from Georgia and although she can’t speak any English kept us entertained with snapshots of her and her family for the past few decades. She lives in what I’d call a “big” house. She has several rooms and it’s just her and her husband’s step mother (about 84 years old). She is a widow and misses her three children who live in Russia. It was another occasion where we received a lot of food and at this point, I’m more than stuffed. We had dolma’s again, only this time the outside covering was cabbage. She also served a sort of pickled cabbage, tomatoes, bread, cilantro and cheese. She opened up a jar of candied apricots and then brought in some mint tea to culminate the feast.
Another visit was made to Suzanna and her daughter Yerjanek (she’s almost 14 and in our music class). Suzanna had fallen that day and had what looked like a badly sprained ankle, and was going to the doctor to get it check out in the morning. Suzanna is the Primary President. She lives with her brother and his family as well as her parents all in one home. Yerjanek made me a centerpiece that she wants me to take home on the plane. We all surrounded Suzanna as she was lying in bed (sister-in-law, parents, cousins, etc.) and we were served apples.
Last visit was to Sada and her family. She has several brothers and a sister who are members but don’t come to church very often. Sada is 17 and very enthusiastic and energetic. Would you believe that we had to eat more fruit? And I think because we were there longer than 30 minutes, we had to eat some more. So, they brought out bread and apricot jam and more tea. At this rate, I really won’t lose any weight. That’s embarrassing to be in a third world country and gain weight. Sort of reminds me of Dave and Connie’s gaining weight in Africa. Our taxi comes but already has one passenger. The four of us have to ride in the back (me on Elder Peterson’s lap). We didn’t hit too many potholes, so wasn’t as bad as anticipated. Climbing the 60 stairs to our home away from home was a welcome relief. Another day in Armenia concluded.
November 8
I wanted to make some beef stew, so Friday night, we went with the elders to the meat shop. It’s all hanging there (Pork, beef, lamb) with flies a buzzing about, but that is the way it is. I did get about 2 kilos and was able to make the stew the next day. I think if you cook anything long enough it ought to take care of any bad germs about. We enjoyed a hearty beef stew with the elders after an afternoon in Artashat attending Institute.
Today, our branch president was released and a new one sustained. Rog is still a counselor and it appears that he (branch president) doesn’t speak any English which will be a challenge. I made it through another R.S. and our first presidency meeting with help from my counselor and Elder Pulsipher. It would be so helpful if I could learn the language quicker. We may yet have to hire a translator.
Monday of this week, we were invited over to Hasmik and Ando’s house for barbecue. The Elders had killed a couple of rabbits in order to make warm mittens for winter. They kept the rabbit meat and we were the beneficiaries of an interesting meal. I’d never eaten rabbit so was an experience. There were a lot of little bones and not a lot of meat. Ando is the first counselor in the Branch Presidency.
Observations today included a bus ride from Ararat to Artashat. I wonder how many places in the world you could go where you’d have to share the road with goats and cows and there would be houses you’d pass by with television antenna and satellite dishes. Probably more do than don’t have such things. So far I’ve seen the herders of animals on foot, bicycle, and horse.
We had a great…and busy day today visiting with members in their homes. They live in such humble circumstances but are so valiant in their desire to serve God and his children. The first one we visited was Marietta. I’ve talked about her previously. She’s such a good woman! Life here is not easy for single women. The Elders were able to help her move her stove inside to get ready for colder days that are coming. I think she heats her house by burning wood. Several of her neighbors in this village heat their homes with cow chips. We could see (and smell) the heaps of dung that were along the roads drying so that later they could be burned.
The next member we visited (had to walk quite a ways, but the exercise was good for us, I’m sure, was Lala. She’s a widow with 7 children. She was commenting some about the fact that they don’t have gas (natural gas to keep warm) and really not enough work available to support her large family. Yet, in spite of their meager circumstances, she served us a wonderful lunch. I just hope the things we ate were cooked enough and clean enough that we won’t have intestinal problems. We had dolma (rice and meat wrapped in grape leaves), mashed potatoes, tomatoes, bread and a green drink. Elder Clark said it was like grass…and right away that didn’t make me any too anxious to sample it, but in order not to be rude, I did take some, and did taste it. Yuck! Not my favorite and I will probably pass up on it the next time. She sent us on our way with a loaf of bread she had just baked, a sackful of tomatoes and half dozen fresh eggs (they were still warm).
We also visited a brother, Rafik, who works a couple of jobs and has a hard time coming to church because he is working so much. His wife’s name is Rosa and she is very nice. They were very friendly and as is the custom in Armenia, when you have guests you always give them something to eat…so we had a little fruit. Normally, I run all our fruit through a bleach wash and a filter rinse, so this is putting my immunities to the test. As we were leaving, I commented about how nice her flowers were…and wouldn’t you know it, she cut me a bunch to take home. Nice centerpiece we now have. I love fresh flowers.
We took a break from visiting to take a bus ride and attend seminary in Artashat for a couple of hours. The Artashat elders taught a lesson and then they did some activities. A few played ping pong and one of the boys brought Monopoly and wanted the elders to teach them to play. It was a Spider Man version and all in English. They had a good time learning to play. Rog commented that he had never had the opportunity as a missionary in Norway to play Monopoly. Aram (taxi man) picked us up and delivered us to Vedi (another village nearby to Ararat) to make some more visits. The elders were supposed to meet us but were delayed when their transportation took longer than they expected. Lusig is from Georgia and although she can’t speak any English kept us entertained with snapshots of her and her family for the past few decades. She lives in what I’d call a “big” house. She has several rooms and it’s just her and her husband’s step mother (about 84 years old). She is a widow and misses her three children who live in Russia. It was another occasion where we received a lot of food and at this point, I’m more than stuffed. We had dolma’s again, only this time the outside covering was cabbage. She also served a sort of pickled cabbage, tomatoes, bread, cilantro and cheese. She opened up a jar of candied apricots and then brought in some mint tea to culminate the feast.
Another visit was made to Suzanna and her daughter Yerjanek (she’s almost 14 and in our music class). Suzanna had fallen that day and had what looked like a badly sprained ankle, and was going to the doctor to get it check out in the morning. Suzanna is the Primary President. She lives with her brother and his family as well as her parents all in one home. Yerjanek made me a centerpiece that she wants me to take home on the plane. We all surrounded Suzanna as she was lying in bed (sister-in-law, parents, cousins, etc.) and we were served apples.
Last visit was to Sada and her family. She has several brothers and a sister who are members but don’t come to church very often. Sada is 17 and very enthusiastic and energetic. Would you believe that we had to eat more fruit? And I think because we were there longer than 30 minutes, we had to eat some more. So, they brought out bread and apricot jam and more tea. At this rate, I really won’t lose any weight. That’s embarrassing to be in a third world country and gain weight. Sort of reminds me of Dave and Connie’s gaining weight in Africa. Our taxi comes but already has one passenger. The four of us have to ride in the back (me on Elder Peterson’s lap). We didn’t hit too many potholes, so wasn’t as bad as anticipated. Climbing the 60 stairs to our home away from home was a welcome relief. Another day in Armenia concluded.
November 8
I wanted to make some beef stew, so Friday night, we went with the elders to the meat shop. It’s all hanging there (Pork, beef, lamb) with flies a buzzing about, but that is the way it is. I did get about 2 kilos and was able to make the stew the next day. I think if you cook anything long enough it ought to take care of any bad germs about. We enjoyed a hearty beef stew with the elders after an afternoon in Artashat attending Institute.
Today, our branch president was released and a new one sustained. Rog is still a counselor and it appears that he (branch president) doesn’t speak any English which will be a challenge. I made it through another R.S. and our first presidency meeting with help from my counselor and Elder Pulsipher. It would be so helpful if I could learn the language quicker. We may yet have to hire a translator.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Week two in Armenia
The missionaries have been putting us through our paces with language training. We’re trying to have the alphabet down pat this week and our assignment is to write it three times. Now, if you’ve seen the alphabet you know that that might be a challenge. I recognize all the letters when I’m reading (don’t always or mostly understand what the words mean, however), but to have to write them is more difficult, but we’re trying.
This week we attended a district missionary meeting with our elders and elders from the Artashat district. The AP’s (Assistants to the mission president) also visited. They have district missionary meetings once a week where they do some language training, some discussion from Preach My Gospel and presentation of challenges they’d like help in solving. I’m so impressed with the missionaries. Its hard work but they remain so upbeat and seem to try and find something positive about each day even if none of their plans worked out.
We also took our first bus ride to Artashat to attend a seminary class. These buses are nothing like UTA, believe you me. They’re pretty rickety, have curtains at most windows and we were glad for any fresh air that came our way. It wasn’t too crowded so we were able to sit for the whole ride. We met the Artashat elders who walked us to the church. Really a very nice building compared to Ararat, but then Ararat isn’t too bad either. We got there plenty early because we weren’t sure how long the ride would take. So, we had some time to read and study while the elders went out and did some shopping for the class. As we were waiting, we heard someone walking around and an older gentleman appeared at the door of the classroom. I think he wondered what we were doing there. He didn’t speak any English, but we did understand he was Pres. Minasyan’s (Counselor in the Mission Presidency) father. We called the elders who explained to him on the phone who we were. The next thing we heard was someone running some water and soon afterward Brother Minasyan appeared with two cups of hot cocoa and a chocolate bar. Inasmuch as we hadn’t had much lunch, it was a welcome treat.
Well, the expected students didn’t arrive, so benefitted by our second language training class of the day. Buses were no longer running, so we had our cab driver, Aram, from Ararat come and return us home.
That evening, we made a visit with the elders to a place they call the “dormitory”. Apparently, back in the days when Russia was in control there were a lot of universities and so there were dormitories. Now they are low income housing (or rather free to those in need). We visited one less active sister and suddenly our apartment is looking like a palace to us. Her little room had two beds, a table and a couple of chairs. Elder Peterson and I were given the chairs and the missionaries sat on the bed while the 78 year old sister stood during our visit. There was a single bare bulb hanging from the center of the room that provided light. Dingy coverings hung at the windows and worn carpet scraps covered part of the cement floor. She had a few pictures and a clock hanging on cement walls. It’s going to be a challenge to know how to best help these people, especially when so many of them are living in similar circumstances. I think they have to share a bathroom with others. I wonder who has charge of cleaning it…probably no one.
We tried to visit another sister who is investigating the church but she was in bed, so no luck there. We went to our local “Walmart”, bought some ice cream and a juice and came back to our apartment to share a sundae with the elders. Life continues to be interesting here.
This week we attended a district missionary meeting with our elders and elders from the Artashat district. The AP’s (Assistants to the mission president) also visited. They have district missionary meetings once a week where they do some language training, some discussion from Preach My Gospel and presentation of challenges they’d like help in solving. I’m so impressed with the missionaries. Its hard work but they remain so upbeat and seem to try and find something positive about each day even if none of their plans worked out.
We also took our first bus ride to Artashat to attend a seminary class. These buses are nothing like UTA, believe you me. They’re pretty rickety, have curtains at most windows and we were glad for any fresh air that came our way. It wasn’t too crowded so we were able to sit for the whole ride. We met the Artashat elders who walked us to the church. Really a very nice building compared to Ararat, but then Ararat isn’t too bad either. We got there plenty early because we weren’t sure how long the ride would take. So, we had some time to read and study while the elders went out and did some shopping for the class. As we were waiting, we heard someone walking around and an older gentleman appeared at the door of the classroom. I think he wondered what we were doing there. He didn’t speak any English, but we did understand he was Pres. Minasyan’s (Counselor in the Mission Presidency) father. We called the elders who explained to him on the phone who we were. The next thing we heard was someone running some water and soon afterward Brother Minasyan appeared with two cups of hot cocoa and a chocolate bar. Inasmuch as we hadn’t had much lunch, it was a welcome treat.
Well, the expected students didn’t arrive, so benefitted by our second language training class of the day. Buses were no longer running, so we had our cab driver, Aram, from Ararat come and return us home.
That evening, we made a visit with the elders to a place they call the “dormitory”. Apparently, back in the days when Russia was in control there were a lot of universities and so there were dormitories. Now they are low income housing (or rather free to those in need). We visited one less active sister and suddenly our apartment is looking like a palace to us. Her little room had two beds, a table and a couple of chairs. Elder Peterson and I were given the chairs and the missionaries sat on the bed while the 78 year old sister stood during our visit. There was a single bare bulb hanging from the center of the room that provided light. Dingy coverings hung at the windows and worn carpet scraps covered part of the cement floor. She had a few pictures and a clock hanging on cement walls. It’s going to be a challenge to know how to best help these people, especially when so many of them are living in similar circumstances. I think they have to share a bathroom with others. I wonder who has charge of cleaning it…probably no one.
We tried to visit another sister who is investigating the church but she was in bed, so no luck there. We went to our local “Walmart”, bought some ice cream and a juice and came back to our apartment to share a sundae with the elders. Life continues to be interesting here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)