Our Last Day of Work with the Manuelian team

Heather
Susan
Sona

 Today was the last day of work. Half of the crew were up in the attic and half of us were on the ground, passing buckets of gravel down the line and up the pulley, to the roof.

After a good long work session, we say down for lunch. The family wanted to make us a lamb barbecue for lunch as a way of showing us how grateful they were of the work we had done. The grandfather and grandmother had been cooking it at their house and then brought it over to us. It was very satisfyingly delicious. I was trying to savor every moment of this lunch, knowing it would be our last.

After lunch had been served, a series of toasts were given by Leo, The father, and grandfather. It was so touching to see how thankful the family really was. After we had scarfed down our food and our tummys were full, it was time to bear our gifts to the family. The little girl, Hasmik who is 10 years old, had been taken with Rachel and I (both of us are 17) throughout the previous work days. She had let us know earlier in the week that she loved babies. So we thought what better gift could we get her.


Our family- Tigran and Salvi
Hasmik and the twins, Sasun and Sarkis

We called her over and handed her both of the dolls. Her eyes were at bright and happy as they could be. We also gave her a jump rope, some hair accessories and clothes. She was so overwhelmed with the attention and gifts, she wasn't quite sure what to think. The two twin little boys, who are about 3, received two large special ordered Teddie bears with their names on them from Leo and Sona. Plus, they inherited two big water guns.(Remember Vartavar?)

 Their giggles when they got to shoot their grandfather and anyone else, were priceless. It was so enjoyable to play with and watch them. After we played with the family and their new toys for about an hour, it was time for us to say our last goodbyes. Hasmik stood and waved goodbye to the bus until it was out of her eyesight. And even then I bet she still stood and waved. It was very heart wrenching to say goodbye but also leaves hope for the future that I can come back and see the family again, living comfortably in their fully finished house.

We came back to the hotel and got all cleaned up and ready for our subway trip to a restaurant called Paplavok. Me, being from Missouri the subway was a new and exciting experience. We walked down big stairs that went underground. The wind was blowing like crazy once we got down there. Leo handed us our coins and we walked into the entrance. On the subway I got laughed at by locals that probably take the subway everyday. I was showing my excitement very loudly and clearly. It was a fun ride to say the least.


Dinner at Paplavok

 The restaurant we went to was out on a pond. The food was actually very delicious. We had bread(of course), salads, and chicken with mushrooms. They had a live band playing jazz music. All in all it was a great way to end the bittersweet day.


The pond behind Paplavok

                              
  
                                      By Hannah Reynolds