Armenia #10

Armenia Experiences #10
Every day seems to bring something “new to us”. On the 21st of December, we were making a visit to the village of Vedi. We took our first marchutni ride (it’s a van with windows that they’ve retrofitted with lots of seats, so about 15 people could sit and more could stand, if necessary). It’s a pretty inexpensive way to travel (cost about 100 dram (a little more than a quarter) for the one way trip…not as nice as taxi, however.
We visited with the Avetisyan family. They haven’t been to church for awhile, so we were checking it out. The parents are Valodya and Lida and their children (what I know about) are Albert and his wife Armenuhi, Susanna, and Gohar (the branch’s YW President). The parents were busy with some farming things, so wasn’t a good time to visit, but Susanna invited us over to her house. She is the only one of that family who is not a member…and she knows how to cook and how to treat company. They just kept bring out more and more things to eat…so many that the table couldn’t hold it all. There were some different things, too. They first brought out a bowl of bottled fruit which we really couldn’t identify but was close to a crab apple, we think, and a drink. Another plate of apples and mandarins was served and then came some pickled peppers, pickled cabbage, and carrots, along with some desserty-type foods. A hot dish with tomatoes that they called an omelet along with bread and lavash was served next, along with cheese. This was followed by a plate of fried potatoes and another drink, a cultured milk of sorts. Then came a plate of greens (cilantro). I’m sure there is something I missed, but needless to say, we didn’t need to cook dinner. Yeah!
Last Sunday, a couple of people that we had previously met with, did come to church. Tamara and one of the twin boys, along with Movses, as well as someone we didn’t recognize came for our meetings. After Sacrament Meeting, the Elders told us that someone was waiting to see us. We went to see what it was all about and were introduced to Serozha Petrosyan. He came to see who had been looking for him. The government office that we have been using to get information must have called him. They all knew who he was because he goes running every day and for an 81 year old man, that is impressive…and he was impressive. Totally bald, and totally tanned/weathered, but very, very fit. He said he wants to have us to dinner, but is living with his daughter in the village, so will come to church another Sunday and we’ll find a time to go to visit with him.
On Christmas Eve, we had to go out for a bit to buy a few more things for our dinner with the Elders and we ventured over to the store we call Wal-Mart. We were so surprised to find the street almost completely lined with vendors selling all sorts of fruits and vegetables. I think this is in preparation for their New Year celebration. Christmas isn’t a big deal, but the New Year; now, that is another story. According to Marine (our landlord’s daughter), people prepare all sorts of foods and load up the table and open the doors. Whoever comes, stranger or not, is welcome to partake of the feast. I don’t think we plan on preparing a feast, but will find out how it is done and tell you more later.
We had gone out looking for a meat thermometer, but no luck. When we put the turkey in the oven we discovered it had a pop-up timer in it. Although, it never popped up, we decided after five plus hours it had to be cooked. The elders who came to dinner really seemed to enjoy themselves. We did miss the homemade cranberry jelly and wished Jana had a very long, and I mean very long, tube, to shoot some over to us. Maybe we can arrange to have some cranberry jelly shipped to us in a can (I know it isn’t nearly as good, but would be better than nothing). I also tried to make stuffing and it turned out okay. It was just bread, onions, a little chicken bouillon, and fresh parsley (the only fresh herb I could find) and some poultry seasoning I obtained from one of the senior couples. We also had mashed potatoes and with a newly acquired electric hand mixer/blender, it was not a problem to do. I also tried to whip some cream, but it never did whip…don’t know if it was too old or not the right stuff, but our fruit salad was served with just a little regular cream sauce, unwhipped.
Christmas Day, we enjoyed another turkey dinner with all the senior couples. Everyone helped with the meal and I got to do potatoes again (glad for that mixer). We also brought a deep dish apple pie (which was nearly all consumed) along with some of Rog’s fudge. The fudge wasn’t quite the same as at home, but none of them had tasted it before, so they thought it was wonderful…and we also indulged ourselves by eating some. We played a game, did a white elephant exchange, and watched “The Forgotten Carol”. Nice evening, but the best part was being able to Skype and talk with all our children and grandchildren (at least those that wanted or could talk). We miss them and it was wonderful to see them and hear them in person. Next year, we want to talk with each one individually, so remind me.
On December 26th, we had another new experience. We were invited by the missionaries to join them as they visited one of their investigators. Hamlet and Ninel are the names of the couple. They were in the process of making lavash. It’s a new business they started a few months ago. They make some for themselves, but also make some to sell. It was fun and I was tempted to throw the dough, but it probably would have ended up on the floor and as I was wearing a black skirt, it probably would also have been flour covered, so I resisted. They are a wonderful family and working so hard on their new business. It’s so hard in Armenia to be able to have a business and maintain your family. We pray for them and their success. In between cooking, the missionaries were able to have a discussion and you could feel a sweet spirit there. We were glad to be included in their visit. Both of the missionaries are anticipating transfers this next week, so more change in the forecast.
I just learned today that my mother passed away and while I’m saddened not to be able to see her again in this life, I’m grateful for the knowledge I have that we can be together again. I know she’s in a better place and having a glorious reunion with friends and family. I’m grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of this gives me hope for the future.