The majority of the Vanadzor Branch is single women of all ages. And we love them. I would like to introduce you to a not so typical family, but one for whom we have great hope of becoming an eternal family.Samvel is the father of Lena, Rima and Kamo, and the husband of Nuneh. He has hearing and speaking disabilities, but he is a hard working, cheerful man and a great father and husband. I can say that because he has a happy wife and wonderful children. He seems to be able to fix anything. He has a baptismal date of October 9th. The family all said he didn't even need to be taught because he knows everything about the church already, but he's being taught just in case.
Next to him is Elder Cheney and darling Rima, who is nicknamed "Butterfly" by Elder Blunck. Her sister Lena is our branch chorister and the most dependable and faithful 12 year old I've ever known. Her hair comes to her knees and she is unfailingly cheerful, beautiful and bright.
Then we have cousin Laura, who is a college student, and was recently baptized. She is very faithful and and everything a young adult member should be including beautiful and intelligent.
Nuneh is the lucky mother of the three children. She was buried under a wall for two days after the earthquake 20 years ago, and is grateful to be alive. She was a young girl then and suffered some effects from that trauma, but hasn't let that get in the way of being a good wife and mother and a happy member of the church.
Elder Larson is holding Kamo who is a typical 9 year old who loves to play with his friends. Kamo's Papik is a dignified and good man who loves his family and is not quite ready for baptism, but committed to overcoming some minor things that are in the way at the moment.
Grandma Laura is in the Relief Society presidency and is hoping to go to the temple soon. (In fact, she was able to receive her endowment in July 2011.) She was very apologetic last time we visited because it was Sunday and she had just learned that day in temple preparation class that we shouldn't go shopping for food on Sunday even if we have guests coming. Being a good hostess is just what every woman does, but we praised her endlessly for making the right decision, and she served us tea and bread at the end. Actually not having the full spread, from our point of view, allowed lessons to be taught without all the distractions. We were right in the middle of our no water at all week, but that didn't stop her from using her nice cups and saucers and plates. She is very genteel. I think it is thanks to her that the girls all play the piano and that they are all busy doing their homework every time we stop by. They pray daily as a family and I know that heaven will be populated with families just like the Matevosyans.