I found the golden ticket...

...while watching the U.S. Embassy's promotional video!

Yesterday, the AAA interns had the honor of visiting the U.S. Embassy and meeting with a few of our foreign service officials. The charge(insert accent) d'affaires, Anthony Godfrey, is currently fulfilling many of the ambassadorial duties. Last year, the Ambassador to Armenia was removed from his post when he had the khtuzpah to recognize the events of 1915-1918 as genocide. One slip of the tongue and your outta' there buddy.

Meeting with Daniel Raffa, a foreign service advisor working with assistance and economic growth, however, was a real treat. How to mediate any discrepancy between your own beliefs and the ideologies of the government you've sworn to promote? Avoid situations/countries/areas that pull at your heartstrings and you'll get in a lot less trouble, he says. Good call, DR. He started by showing us a video toasting all of the Armenian American efforts in Armenia. Everything from the Armenia Tree Project to Garo Armen's Children of Armenia Foundation were spotlighted during the 19 minute film.

But here's the most exciting thing: about 7 1/2 minutes in, up pops this beautiful, round-shaped stick- sleek, strong, powerful. And then, as if to secure the stately vision, some small hard balls. Oh yes, it's true. Some kind, benevolent do-gooder has brought field hockey to Armenia. Apparently, there are 11 programs throughout the country. I am now on a mission. I will find that field hockey program if it kills me. Already, I have the Embassy, Birthright Armenian AND our tourist advisors here on the lookout.

If there's field hockey in Armenia then I can be certain that the country is moving in the right direction. Kudos Armenia for introducing your people to the sport that changes this. This one goes out to my 2006 ncac championship team.

From the ATDA office,

Samantha