I am home in Boston for a couple of weeks, doing some paperwork, visiting relatives, and catching up with people/places/things from American life. Food-wise, what do I miss? Sushi. TV-wise, not much. Maybe the occassional (English language) movie theater-experience, and of course the understandable longing for family and friends. In actuality, after 9 months in Armenia, there are an equal number of people I have become close to in Yerevan that I already miss. Last night was the 50th anniversary of the founding of Camp Haiastan, a place where I spent all the summers of my youth. I met most of my childhood Armenian friends, many of whom I am still close to, during those years of camping and later, during college summers, counseling. Often the phrase "Free Armenia" was uttered. Living the phrase is an opportunity I really didn't think I would ever have. I had a nice time last night, catching up with dozens of people I haven't seen in years. It was interesting explaining to them that in Armenia my quality of life is better (some surprised faces, until I ask them about their commute, what do they REALLY do at work - and for whom -, how often they see their closest friends, what (and where) they truly want to accomplish in life), that my work life is equally challenging to what I left behind, that the opportunities to create, make a difference, and work with people dedicated to making Armenia a better place are boundless. Anyway, stuff that makes you think. In any case, I will consider this posting my tribute to Camp Haiastan in Franklin, MA, a place which helped properly foster the drive in so many young Armenians to keep the fire alive.