I left Armenia for the first time in nine months. In my head, that didn’t really seem like that long of a time, but people’s lives can change a lot in nine months. I didn’t even realize mine had. I went to Berlin to meet Hannah, my friend who is studying there now. I met … More Peace Corps Armenia: Berlin, Dresden, and Home
Ani’s* eyes lit up when she saw me sitting alone in the back of the bus. I grinned back at her. She left her mom at the last open seat in the front, and I scooted to make room for her on the plastic blue seat. “Hello Miss Med,” she said softly. “Hi Ani,” I … More Peace Corps Armenia: how should I say?
Gold light spills through my window every night around 5:30 pm, and the fig tree turns all deep blue and green and orange around the edge. I’ll go for a run, or talk on the phone, or lesson plan, or write, like I am doing now. I’ll make a cup of tea with lemon in … More Peace Corps Armenia: Like it is
The heat breaks like a fever and fat fig leaves glitter in the rain. Had I really forgotten what a cool breeze felt like? This first storm comes like a celebration, with dancing trees and thunder song. Swallows dot the hazy purple sky and sing, and it comes from nowhere and everywhere, like something has … More Peace Corps Armenia: Andzrev Galis E
It doesn’t seem like I could possibly have anything to teach Nune*. She’s in her late sixties, a garden expert, makes a better cup of coffee than I, and is decidedly unimpressed with both my Armenian and my cooking. So I was surprised when she came in to my room with a skein of yarn … More Peace Corps Armenia: Blink and You’ll Miss it
“Why not?” A student asked her classmate across the table. “I know a woman doctor.” “Yes, but usually,” the other girl said back. “And a driver?” One of the consolers prodded. “Usually girls or boys?” “Boys, usually,” The class responded. The same girl threw her hands up in the air. “I could be a driver!” … More Peace Corps Armenia: GLOW Meghri
The smallest girl in my English club stands on her tiptoes to try and reach the board, giving English her very best shot despite being only six and sitting in on her older sister’s class. “Miss Maddy,” An older student whispers, and points at my stickers. Her eyes glitter. “Kareliey?” May I? I nod and … More Peace Corps Armenia: Special Everywhere
