International children’s day was a good way to start a visit to the World Vision projects in Armenia and child sponsor, Hilary Spurrier, tells us all about the work her benefice has supported over the years.
Music, art and dance abounded throughout the capital city, Yerevan. An extremely hot, dry day after a rather stressful journey became relaxed and fun – it was very easy to “fall for” Armenia. Anticipation built for the days ahead and the opportunity to meet my sponsored child, Anahit, a 14 year old girl who I have sponsored for the past four years.
As soon as we left the capital city, the poverty of much of Armenia became very apparent. Most people live by subsistence agriculture and the villages and houses were often quite dilapidated. A devastating earthquake in 1988 had left massive destruction from which much of the country has not recovered, with some families living in old shipping containers.
The countryside was beautiful with rolling hills, mountains and plenty of wild flower meadows. Drifts of daisies were so abundant that they almost looked like snow.
If you do get a chance to go, then grab it with both hands
The three-hour drive went quickly and as we neared her community, I wondered how Anahit and her family would react to meeting her “friend” from England. I need not have worried as the meeting could not have been warmer – hugs all round and much laughter. World Vision staff had prepared a wonderful meal for us all and interpreters ensured that we could understand each other. The only disappointment was my lost luggage containing the gifts for the family.
The rest of the time was spent visiting the projects our benefice has supported. First stop was a school in quite a poor state which had received sports equipment (a table tennis table and bats, football nets and balls) where we met some of the pupils and the headteacher. After a game of table tennis we saw the rest of the school. It has very little furniture and few resources – there is still so much that these people need but cannot afford.
After a very tasty and incredibly cheap restaurant meal, we said goodbye to Anahit, and headed to bed in our B&B. Breakfast the next day was quite an experience – a vast array of sweet and savoury dishes arrived in no particular order – as our hostess spoke no English all we could do was smile at each other and attempt to do justice to her feast.
The day was a packed one with more schools to visit.
At one school, our donations had paid for an oven so the young children could have a hot meal in winter.
At another we saw a renovated school hall with new chairs and curtains. Invariably the school staff and pupils made us welcome and were very grateful to all who had contributed.
Another lunch enabled my good friend Gill Yuill to meet her sponsored child, Tamara, and her family – again a very warm welcome from a lovely family.
A visit to Anahit’s village enabled us to meet a single mum who has been given seeds and education in the art of growing vegetables both for herself and to sell in order to help her become self – sufficient, again funded by our monthly donations.
Our last visits were to a nursery which donations had funded and to a community hall – both impressive developments.
Armenia is a country which the world has forgotten; it is a poor country with few exports. It was wonderful to see the lives that have been changed through World Vision’s work in the communities there, and this is an experience I will always cherish.
Do you, like Hilary, sponsor a child with World Vision? Have you ever thought about visiting? Find out more about meeting you sponsored child »
