One of the most memorable aspects of SERVICE Armenia was the opportunity to connect personally with the displaced and overlooked families we were serving. While language barriers and cultural differences could have been obstacles, what truly mattered was the shared Armenianness and sense of community we experienced. Families in Gyumri welcomed dozens of American strangers into their humble domik homes, and still offered us sweets, soorj, or whatever they had available. The hospitality and gratitude of our Armenian brothers and sisters was refreshing, and the smiles, and warmth we received in return for our actions were beyond words.

Each family’s story was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. These families had faced unimaginable hardship from fleeing their homes in the case of Artsakh refugees to Gyumri families living in domiks and dilapidated housing since the earthquake–yet they remained hopeful and determined to build a new life. Our role was to provide more than just material support; we offered a sense of solidarity, showing them that they were not alone in their journey, and that Armenians are not forgotten.

Being a SERVICE coordinator taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, teamwork, and the importance of giving back. SERVICE Armenia is more than just a group providing aid; it is a movement that empowers both the people we serve and those who take part in it. Leading this team required patience, communication, and a deep understanding of the needs of both the volunteers and the families we worked to help.

Through each project, from distributing food packages to helping renovate new housing ventures, I learned the power of small actions to make a lasting difference. Watching my team come together to solve problems, support each other, and create positive change reaffirmed my belief in the importance of community service.