FROM ARMENIA WITH LOVE
Team
Raya Babayan
37 years old, Tailor
“I was born in Getashen, Artsakh, but during the first Artsakh war my ancestral home was cleansed of Armenians and remained in enemy territory. But we know that if you give an Armenian a small part of the desert, he will plant thriving gardens there. I lived in a beautiful gorge in Karegah with my husband and two children, a 13 year old boy and an 18 year old daughter.
My great love for children led me into pedagogy. I have higher education, I studied at Stepanakert’s Grigor Narekatsi University and was qualified as a teacher. I have never complained about my life, but my life and the lives of thousands of Armenians came to this turning point” — 37 year old Raya Babayan is the true image of a steadfast Armenian woman who struggles for life, growing stronger with each trial, and inspires hope in other women in need, in spite of hardships.
I will never forget the disturbing phone call at 6:30 a.m. on September 27, 2020. My husband received a call from the military enlistment office, recruiting volunteers. When my husband told me about the war, hard memories of the deportation flashed like film and flashed before my eyes. My husband asked for paper and pen to write the names of the volunteers. My brother’s name was first on the list and my cousin’s was second. My body trembled, and even now, telling this story, I have the same feelings of anxiety and fear.
A few minutes later, shots rang out in our neighborhood. We rushed to the shelters to shelter from bombing and drone strikes. The first drone exploded slightly above our village. My son hid between crates in the basement out of fear. After staying in the shelter for 3 days, we were able, with great difficulty, to transport the children to Yerevan, while we adults continued to stay in the shelter. I felt a double responsibility on my shoulders. Responsibility for my family and my homeland.
Before the war, my husband had serious health problems, he was suffering from 4th degree cancer, but knowing about the war, he did not pay attention to his health problems and for the sake of his children and his homeland he stayed there. Because of the stress and worry, my husband’s health deteriorated, and on the 5th day we moved to Yerevan with the help of volunteers.
My husband died 10 days after we moved to Yerevan. After my husband’s death I was left alone, with two children, homeless and hopeless. But I had to be strong and not give up. I had no job, no money to live on, we survived thanks to the help of kind people who gave us shelter. I asked for hope from God to endure.
One day one of my friends called and told me about “Sewing Hope for Armenia” and offered me a job. I didn’t have any sewing abilities, so I was very worried when I called them.
But when I called, I heard a voice that spoke to me with a great willingness and readiness to help me. Lack of professional skills was not considered a problem when hiring, they offered to train me.
At “Sewing Hope for Armenia” I not only found a job, I was lucky enough to make friends who eventually became family. I gained a second profession, a profession that allows me to support my family. Now I have the elegance of my hands. I have the ability to create beauty. I have learned to smile even in the most difficult situations. I have no right to give up. I have two children to look forward to.
To everyone who is experiencing difficulties, I want to say that all difficulties are temporary. Remember, there is light in every tunnel! Don’t be afraid of the darkness, it too is temporary.