In July the first Global Builders team of 2009 of Diaspora Armenians from New Jersey and New York City worked with the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia in Haytagh village of Armavir region to build in partnership with the Arschakyan family.
One of team members, Nelly visited Armenia for the first time after 20 years of living in USA. Being originally from Armenia, she had a special reason to be back – to bring her 17 year old daughter to her homeland for the first time. Just after the first day being in Armenia Nelly and Gabriella were looking forward to coming back next year.
The team had a great mixture of first-timers and experienced members. All of them visited their homeland to help the families build their homes. However, there is more in it than just the construction. Part of it is providing moral support for the families, as well as, making new friends and creating new bridges between cultures and countries.
As the team leader Suza
nne Daghlian mentioned, -”My family grows every time I visit Armenia”. She was back for the 3rd time, as was her team member Minas. Lori, a young teacher from NJ has been coming to Armenia since 2002 every single year. While the Fenerjian sisters who were here for the first time, are already feeling as if they belong. Their ancestral homeland and their cultural heritage calls on them to return. They share a part of themselves in every act of volunteerism. They share hope with every family they touch.