August 27 – Last Day in Armenia
Today’s devotions were about feeling empty and needing to be filled, and knowing that sometimes the best way to receive is to give to those with greater need. On this last day of our trip, we see how this has been the theme of our visit all along. This is not a complaint, but we have experienced moments of tiredness, frustration, concern, and even doubt; yet each day after our visits, we returned uplifted and feeling blessed. Still tired, maybe, but not “weary in well-doing.”
Emma arrived right at the end of our devotional time and we were able to spend a good amount of time with her to say an official farewell. We also made the nice discovery that the Bible storybook we mentioned in Monday’s report was available for sale at the “all things Armenia” store right near the hotel. We bought a few copies for Emma to distribute to children in her circle. We had a bit of free time, which we used to start preparing our suitcases, and then we went to a nearby hotel restaurant for lunch and a final good-bye with Samvel. We specifically chose this spot because Ann-Margret’s cousin Shushanik works there and she and Samvel go to the same church. It was an added blessing to be able to spend a bit more time with her also.
After lunch, Arayik picked us up at the hotel and we went to his home to spend our last afternoon with him and Nelli. This has been the tradition for the past few years and it really is a nice way to wrap up our visits. We ended our time with them in prayer, then Arayik drove us back to the hotel. We will see him one last time in the morning, as he is taking us to the airport.
Thank you for all your prayers, support, and interest in following this trip!
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