When it came time to return home, we were a little heartsick. We had grown to love these people so much and we felt their love for us.
Several ladies came and brought gifts for our daughters. It was important for them to do something for our families since they believed we had done so much for them. Among the gifts were gorgeous potholders made up of a myriad of differently colored yarns. The reason for this was that they never threw things away casually. They kept tiny leftover strands of yard and used them to create beauty and utility. Nothing was wasted there because they had so little.
Several ladies came and brought gifts for our daughters. It was important for them to do something for our families since they believed we had done so much for them. Among the gifts were gorgeous potholders made up of a myriad of differently colored yarns. The reason for this was that they never threw things away casually. They kept tiny leftover strands of yard and used them to create beauty and utility. Nothing was wasted there because they had so little.
There was also a darling crocheted cream colored baby dress and bloomers with red flowers adorning it. And for a grandson, a crocheted skateboarder in, what else? Red, white, and blue.
By the time we left, there were 25-30 members of our faith that had been baptized. They all gathered in our apartment the night we were to depart. It was a very emotional group, sharing stories and memories. The only ones missing were our neighbors, Arrax and Arshak. They finally showed up around 11 PM, after everyone had gone and we were preparing for our 3:30 AM flight.
Exhausted, we answered the door and they presented us with a gallon of mixed fruit juice concentrate. You have to understand the monetary value of such a gift. They must have been saving it for some time.
As touched and grateful as we were, we could not board the plane with it, so we gave it to one of the Americans staying behind to use.
To the end, they were the most giving and sacrificing, joyful and upbeat, humble and grateful people I've come across.
By the time we left, there were 25-30 members of our faith that had been baptized. They all gathered in our apartment the night we were to depart. It was a very emotional group, sharing stories and memories. The only ones missing were our neighbors, Arrax and Arshak. They finally showed up around 11 PM, after everyone had gone and we were preparing for our 3:30 AM flight.
Exhausted, we answered the door and they presented us with a gallon of mixed fruit juice concentrate. You have to understand the monetary value of such a gift. They must have been saving it for some time.
As touched and grateful as we were, we could not board the plane with it, so we gave it to one of the Americans staying behind to use.
To the end, they were the most giving and sacrificing, joyful and upbeat, humble and grateful people I've come across.