Today, I say “verch” for the last time.
This is my last blog post. I am leaving Noyemberyan today and on Tuesday my journey as a Peace Corps volunteer comes to an end. In the last twenty-seven months, I have learned more and changed more than I ever thought possible. It almost seems surreal that it has come to its end. On those difficult days it seemed like it would never would end yet it often feels as if I am just getting started. I love the life I've built here but it's time to go home. All good things must end.
Thank you to all of you who have read, commented and supported my writing. It is always something I have enjoyed but I really came to love Sunday afternoons with my laptop reflecting on my weeks and sharing my stories. This blog wasn't always peppy or provided a worthy read, but I guarantee it was always honest and I hope it reflected a true, but far from complete, snapshot of my time in Armenia.
And a double thank you to those who supported me in other ways. As I wrote about last week, I felt so loved and taken care of here. I got care packages, letters, Christmas cards, thoughtful e-mails, visitors (!) phone calls, and countless Skype calls. Because of that, I never felt far away from the people I loved.
As this chapter of my life fades into memory, I’m amazed at how much life has changed since I’ve been gone. When I left America in May 2013, no one knew who Edward Snowden was or what Ebola was. No one knew if George Zimmerman was guilty or innocent. Blurred Lines hadn’t come out yet, Frozen hadn't totally changed the world and "Isis" was the cute dog on Downton Abbey. Snapchat wasn't a thing and Ferguson, Missouri was on nobody's radar! It seems so long ago, but those are my last memories of America.
After all, I’ve gotten quite used to the Armenian lifestyle. Walking slow, family first, everyone all in your business. I’m now asking wildly invasive questions that are normal here and putting oil on my food without thinking about it. I barely notice the absence of air conditioners anymore and don't give a second thought to bucket bathing or taking a 1/2 day to hand-wash my laundry. How will I adjust to the fast paced American world that was once my only world? I have no idea! And that's so exciting!
So what's next? From here I go to Japan for a 2 week long vacation. Then I return to America with short visits to reconnect with family in Seattle, Washington and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the end of July, I'll return to Dallas where I'll begin graduate school and start planning my wedding which is rapidly approaching. While that all seems pretty locked down, I'll undoubtedly keep volunteering. While I have enjoyed volunteering for over a decade, it is now apart of me in a way that will never end. The same with Armenia. My life has forever been altered by my time here. Everything I do from here on out will have the stamp of my experiences here. On top of all that I will forever get to annoy lots of people with millions of stories that begin with, "This one time in Armenia...."
Thank you again and goodbye!
Verch!