Only In Armenia can complete strangers become your family in a matter of seconds. The remarkable hospitality of my host-family was initially quite overwhelming and unbelievable; however, as the time passed I realized that this was just a unique quality of the Armenian people. In less than a day, I had become the son of a caring mother, and the brother of her wonderful children.

My home-stay mother, Gayane, will stop at nothing to ensure that I am comfortable and happy. To give an example, the other day, I quickly passed by with a friend to pick up something I had forgotten. I was in my room for not even two minutes, and when I came out into the living room, the table was filled with various fruits, desserts, and “sourj” (traditional Armenian coffee) for me and my friend to enjoy. It was truly amazing to see.

My homestay brother, Avo, and sister, Sveta, are equally wonderful people. Sveta has become the sister I never had. We have stayed up many nights talking about current issues in Armenia, and I have her to thank for helping me adjust to the social-life in Armenia. Having a homestay brother like Avo has also made being away from my actual brother a lot easier. He has always easily fit in with the Birthright group, even though he lacks the English language. He is always looking to make my time away from home a little easier.

Though I have now been in Armenia for three weeks, I do not feel that I ever left home. It is actually hard to miss home when you are living with a family that makes sure that there is always warm water ready for your shower; a home-cooked meal ready on the table when you arrive home from work; and a kiss when you step through the door. It is funny to think that I was sort of skeptical about the entire homestay experience. In fact, I actually wanted to live in an apartment during my time in Armenia. However, knowing what I know now about Armenian families, this would have been a decision I would have truly regretted.

Parseh Bakirtzian (Canada)
AMA volunteer and BR/DH participant