P-DAY!!!

We finally had a p-day with nothing to do, so we put on our jeans and went for a walk! We ended up at the Cascades.  It is a museum built on a hillside.  There are steps on both sides with about 6 different levels. We started up at the top and went inside.

The top level is all about the crystals.  They were hanging in nets all around.

 We took the escalator down to the next level.  Here you can see the levels going down.

On this level we got in an elevator that took us down to a small museum that had modern paintings by an Armenian Artist.  We took the elevator back up. 

We stepped out a side door to find some water falls, ponds and beautiful artwork.  Each level has this type of garden setting.

We continued to the bottom, stopping at each level to check out the different artworks inside and outside.  It ended with a long park with lots of fun statues and artwork.  It was a hot day so we did have to try the ice cream cones!  On the way home we had just crossed a busy intersection when we heard a loud crash - a taxi had hit a van.  No one was hurt - but they drive crazy here!!!

 

 

Peach Jam

One thing we really love about Yerevan is all the fruit & veggie stands.  You can get organic fresh fruits and vegetables in their season at fabulous prices.  A couple of weeks ago I made some apricot jam - but only got a picture of the end product. (I also put in the nut from the seed of the apricot!)

It was YUMMY!

So several weeks later peaches hit there best time and we were able to buy peaches for about 25 cents a pound.  This time we took some pictures of the process.  E. Reese peals the peaches and I cut them up really small.  Then I add 2 cups of sugar and let it sit for half an hour.  Next I let it boil for almost 2 hours.

 

Here I am stirring it.

Next I put it in the jar that has been washed and boiled.  I wipe the jar clean.

Take the picture quick - this jar is REALLY HOT!!!  The lids are not the sealing kind, so we are storing the jam in the fridge.  We think it will last through the winter - it tastes really good on Elder Reese's Saturday morning pancakes!

saying Good-bye

President and Sister Carter have been serving in Armenia for 3 years.  They were the Mission President and wife for us when we came to serve in Georgia almost 2 and a half years ago.  We have spent many hours with them over those years!  We have a great deal of love and respect for them.  We have lots of great memories of them.  On Sunday, June 30, we walked down to their home for a last good-bye.  We will really miss them!!!

Yerevan Armenia STAKE!!!

June 16th was an important day for Armenia.  Elder Nelson came to Yerevan and a new Stake was organized.  Many people have been working hard to make this happen.  It is amazing and we are so happy to have been here for this historic event.  The District Conference was held at the Marriott Hotel.  Elder & Sister Nelson, President & Sister Malm and President and Sister Carter were there as they made it a Stake Conference!  It was very exciting.  They also formed 5 wards and sustained Bishoprics for them.  Another milestone was that a Stake Patriarch was called. 

This was the choir practicing beforehand.  During his talk Elder Nelson asked all the children to stand.  Then he asked if they would sing him a song.  They were so excited and they all hurried up to stand in front of the choir.  Elder Nelson and his wife came down in the audience to see them and they stood right next to me.  The kids sang I Am a Child of God - it was very touching.

This picture was taken from the front before the meeting.  I sat in that empty chair 3 rows back on the isle there on the left.  It was the perfect seat and I had a great view of the stand.  It was fun to watch Elder and Sister Nelson as they looked out at the audience.

Elder Reese was in charge of the translation equipment.  He sat in the back and handed them out.

After the conference the missionaries had a fun lunch at the church building close by.  Then we came back to the Marriott and met with Elder Nelson in a smaller room.  We all got to shake hands with him and his wife, Pres. Malm and his wife and Pres. Carter and his wife.  They each them spoke to us and we ended with Elder Nelson conducting a question and answer session.  What a sweet experience to be taught by an Apostle of the Lord.

 

Front row is the new Stake Presidency, back row Pres. Carter, Pres. Malm, Elder Nelson and Elder Manasiyan.

 

The View

This is the view from our bedroom balcony.  That is Mt. Ararat in the background.  It is the Mountain where Noah landed after the flood.  It use to be in Armenia, but is now just over the boarder in Turkey - just one of the reasons Armenia does not get along with Turkey!

Notice the grey splotch over the smaller mountain - it is not a cloud - it is the reason we bought a new camera!

 

I love the flowers that are on our walk to the office.  The wisteria reminds me of my mom!!

The Iris are just like the ones outside our window when we were living at Russ' home.

And of course - how could I not take a picture of the RED window display!!!

The Office

Everyday we take the 7 minute walk from our comfortable apartment to our office.  It is in this building that is owned by the church.  Inside are the Mission Offices, the District Offices and upstairs is the Arabkir Branch.

This is the Foyer to our Mission Offices.

 Elder Reese has a large desk.  Lots of things get left on it!  He is the 'go to guy' for everything here.

 He is responsible for the keys to everything!  On the right is the white board with pictures of every missionary and where they are serving.

 He is also responsible for all the mission money - makes him a very popular guy!

 

This is the reception side of my office - very tastefully decorated and comfortable.  The door behind me is to the Presidents office.  He conducts many interviews there.

 And this is where the work is done.  My computer skills have increased greatly - but it still takes me along time to get things done!

We leave the house everyday at 9:00.  We try to leave the office at 5 - but we rarely make it.  We also come most Saturdays to help with baptisms that are held here.  We go to the International Group on Sundays which is held upstairs.  So you see, we are here everyday of the week!