Four Sisters and a Land Rover

For some reason, I have failed to mention thus far that the Sisters have a Land Rover. It's ridiculous to see them drive around in this thing- and it's even more ridiculous to be in there, bumping all around in there with them. We also have a crazy driver who finds it offensive that I buckle my seat belt, and always sneaks to unbuckle it whenever I sit in the front seat.

Another note I've forgotten to make is that I hand wash my clothes with "BARF" detergent. I tried to convince myself that it was a joke the first time I noticed this very appropriate brand name. But it's not. Sometimes life makes a lot of sense.

But sometimes life makes little sense at all. And, in fact, I've had more moments of frustration- especially a kind of frustration-with-self- than ever before. I think it's a good thing- well, at least a good thing to experience and move through. We carve out a lot of time for prayer around here, and that time has been more exasperating and exhausting than rejuvenating so far. As I've mentioned a couple of times now, I really feel myself being torn apart at a very basic level- "at the seams"- and it is difficult and indescribable to say the least. This time of quiet has allowed me to peer into myself in a way that creates a lot of disquietude. But I believe it's been good.

On a totally unrelated note, I think my English is getting worse and my Armenian is not getting much better. I met a young Polish priest last night who told me I have no excuse for not knowing the language better considering that I've been here for almost two months. While he's right, I will shamelessly defend myself a little bit by saying that I'm kind of exhausted at my core- and while I try to wake up before 7 to study the language, it's been difficult. Also, I am not by any means flooded with Armenian. In one day last week I heard Latin, Armenian, Dutch, Lithuanian, English, Russian, Italian. I am not even kidding. This place is the most international place I've ever lived. I've thought a couple of times that while religion does seem one of (if not the) deepest cause of discord and unrest on earth, it can also provide a great source of unity. This place is so international because it brings together people from all over the world who have a similar mission that finds its root in the Church.

And, speaking of being international...Two weeks ago I had an indescribable hitchhiking experience with four Lithuanian women in their late twenties and early thirties. It's the kind of story that I'll tell you over dinner when we meet again sometime. Needless to say, I've had many unexpected adventures...and I have no reason to think that they'll run out any time soon.

I would like to reflect a little more on the specific details of my time here. I spend most of my days with the twenty young people who live in this "Home of Peace" (that's literally what it is called). Most of them are within three years of me, though a couple are in their mid-teen years and we'll have one lady who will turn 50 this winter. They have all different kinds of disabilities- retardation, Down Syndrome, psychological, physical. Some children do not have physical disabilities, but there are not any children without some kind of mental disability. It's been wonderful and difficult to be here. I really have to provide the energy and the creativity- it doesn't come naturally from the young people. They like to do the things they've done before, and they function really well within the structure here, which is really more of a home more than an orphanage. They will never leave here, and no other people will ever be admitted here. Because of this, there is a deep sense of community among the young people. It's pretty neat to see and to strive to enter.

I've also had a little more interaction with the community outside of the Home of Peace. The Sisters told me and two other volunteers last Monday at 9am that we would begin a three day summer camp for 30ish village children at Monday at 10am. The Sisters gave us pasta and a soccer ball for a 6 hour camp and sent us on our way. It was chaotic and I was really frustrated with the lack of prior notice, and I would hardly call that kind of semi-organized chaos a "summer camp." But, in the end, it was a really good experience and opened the door to a better contact with the villagers. These kids know me now. And they come to say hi whenever they see me walk through the village. In fact, they don't just say hi, they sing this ridiculous song about eating bananas that I learned at ND Vision last summer. The banana song follows me wherever I go- both inside and outside of the HOP (haha that acronym is great). Most kids can't really pronounce my name, but they have no problem shouting, "EAT BANANAS EAT EAT BANANAS." I'm also called "American girl" or "big American girl" on occasion, as I'm at least a head taller than every woman (and some men).

Anyway, I want to reiterate a thanks for prayers and letters and emails. It's wonderful to have your continued support. I miss you and love you all.