I am serving in the Armenia Yerevan Mission! My mission covers the countries of Armenia and Georgia. It is located below Russia, next to Azerbaijan and above Turkey and Iran.
It is considered to be part of Europe, Asia and the Middle East region, and is found all of the maps below. I think it's safe to classify it as part of EurAsia. (The Missionary Training Center places my mission in the Eastern Europe region/area.)
Europe
The Middle East
Asia
I have been assigned to learn and speak the Armenian language! It is an Indo-European language similar to other countries in the Balkan region. It is closest to the Greek language, but has been influenced by Parthian (Iranian language), Latin, French, Persian, Arabic and Turkish. There are two dialects: Eastern and Western Armenian. The Armenian language also has its own alphabet, which was influenced by the Soviet reforms in the 1920s. The word "hello" is pronounced "barev dzez" and is spelled Բարեւ Ձեզ.
Armenian Alphabet
Some interesting things I've learned about my mission:
Armenia is home to Mt. Ararat, the mountain Noah's ark is said to have landed after the flood.
Armenia was the first country in the world to officially declare itself a Christian nation (dating back to 300 A.D.). As a result, it is home to many ancient monasteries.
Tatev Monastery
98% of the Armenian population is Christian. Most are members of the Armenian Church.
There are 8 million Armenians in the world. About 3 million actually live in Armenia.
Armenia is about the size of the State of Maryland.
That region eats food very similar to the Greeks. (Yum! I love Greek food!)
Traditional Armenian food
Both Armenia and Georgia are second world countries which were once part of the Soviet Block.
Armenia declared itself an independent state in 1990.
Georgia declared itself an independent state in 1991.
The Book of Mormon is in the process of being translated into Georgian.
Georgia was just recently opened up to Sisters. (Previously, only Elders were allowed to serve in Georgia.)
My mission is a service mission. Missionaries are not allowed to proselyte or bring up the topic of religion. Missionaries can only discuss religion when asked. As a result, service plays a huge role in missionary work, as well as working with active members to strengthen the church in this region.
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