I think I'm finally really here

Today is an important day for Armenians. (Unlike the US, today is actually the first day of fall here, but that's not why today is important). September 21 is the anniversary of Armenia's Independence and status as a republic (1991). Armenians are a little wary, however, because the celebration of days tied to their independence have been kind of hushed, and the government (?) has recently used these days to for celebrations completely unrelated to the republic/independence.

I wanted to share two important parts of my time here in the last two weeks:
I. The move from the "Recollection Room" to "Bittania" (I'm not really sure of the spelling on that one, but the English translation is "Bethany"
II. Becoming a Godmother


I. So I'm out of the upper room and into the village. This means I finally have separation from the work site (though I did like the recollection room). I live in a trailer in the village that the local government has allowed the MCs to use. Half of this trailer is occupied by a permanent Belgian volunteer, and the other half has become by little home- for now. I really like that I am finally in the village and among the people. I feel really strongly that I need to continue to learn Armenian and make an effort to talk and spend time with the people here as much as possible! The other thing about this trailer is that it is really living in poverty. It lacks a lot of commodities (I'm not sure this is the best word) that most people reading this would believe are absolutely necessary. I have to admit I am a little nervous about the cold in the coming winter- but so is everyone else who lives in the village year in and year out.

II. I've never been a godmother before. And if anyone asked me to imagine being a godmother, I would probably think of being a godmother in the Roman Catholic Church and of a baby, or child- or at least someone younger than me! Last week we had an Armenian Catholic service with 10 baptisms. Most were babies and children, but there was also one older woman who came to be baptised. While mass was beginning, the superior ran over to me and whispered "will you be a godmother?" It wasn't really a question. I didn't understand how I could be a godmother since I was baptised in a different rite and, furthermore, because I am going to leave Armenia at some point. She said, "oh it doesn't matter to them- they usually just find any Christian out on the street and pull them into the Church."

She told me to choose a godchild, which I felt particularly uncomfortable with...but I chose an older woman partly because I figured anyone choosing a godchild would have an easier time approaching a child or baby than an adult. In the Armenian rite they receive baptism, holy communion and confirmation all at the same time. So, she received her sacraments, became Catholic, and I thought I would never see this godchild of mine again.

Well turns out she teaches "sewing" to the children here. And, I hadn't really seen her around before because classes didn't start until the first week of September. She asked the Sisters two days after the baptism whether I could go to her house with two of the less severely handicapped children on the third day after the baptism. They told me this the night before I had to go. Then, the morning of, one of the Sisters mentioned that I might have to "wash" my godchild because the Armenians have a tradition of not bathing for three days because of the holy oil received in the sacrament of confirmation- and the godparent is supposed to bathe her godchild 3 days later.

I went over to my godchild's house with two of teenage girls from the Sisters' house. The first thing she did was show me pictures of her 22 and 24yr old sons who aren't at home right now. (Very strange to have a godchild with her own children- sons, no less- who are my age). A few of women from the village came, and we lit her baptismal candle as I washed her face, hands, head chest, and behind her neck three times. We then ate a kind of Armenian feast. The two girls who came with me acted as translators (which is really an amazing experience in itself). I spent several beautiful hours there. I can't even really describe how blessed this time was!

I realize more and more that I need to live in a disposition of openness and readiness to receive what God gives me. I never know what will come my way around here- each day really brings its own adventures in a more intense way than I've ever felt.

God is good and life is good.

I also climbed a mountain last week!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support and letters.

Love and prayers and peace!