ARMENIA – (Spitak) House of Esther Refugee Center

I love being present and on-the-ground in an update such as this!  These people are absolutely wonderful … these refugees who have been through so much pain, are life-giving yet again!

Great pleasure is mine in being here in Spitak, ARMENIA, House of Esther(HoE) … and in relating to you these refugees from war-torn Syria.  It’s difficult to communicate their gratefulness in our presence and our meager gifts of time, teaching and relationships deepened.  A warmer audience one will not find.

Each has a story of great loss of homes, family members, friends, neighbors.  

 

 

Since my time here last year, chicken coops have been expanded, a fish farm started, gardens enlarged, fruit trees planted, volunteers recruited, furniture and appliances delivered, buildings insulated, and many other living conditions improved.  Deeper yet is the foundation of “HOPE” they now have, in a secure location free from war-tensions and greater losses. 

 

 

 

A primary focus has been in the teaching of TCD-Transformational Community Development.  While I usually teach such courses in villager-settings, this material is adaptable to HoE and refugees starting lives over.  Our aim in HoE is for it to become as self-sustaining as is possible.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local entrepreneur Gayane was very gracious in showing us her business as well as translating for us in the TCD sessions.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for being such an integral part of such Help and Hope to others!  

Daniel

GHNI Lead Assist – C./S. Asia and E. Europe