Tamar left her home and her family in Lebanon to start a new life in the United States. She did this in an effort to leave the political and financial situation happening in her home country. Tamar is of Armenian descent. During her childhood, she witnessed a lot of war and political unrest going on around her. She didn’t want her children to have to face the same challenges that she did, so she moved to the United States in 2009 to start her own family. When she arrived in the United States she didn’t know anyone, which was challenging for her. Tamar missed the support and care of her family in Lebanon. She had to leave so much behind but one thing she has always brought along with her to feel closer to home is her rosary. She first moved to New Jersey and gradually she began making some friends. Then when Tamar moved to Binghamton she joined an Armenian Church. She now considers her Church her second home. She is happy to be part of such a nice community that has welcomed and helped her and her family. It reminded her of how important being a part of a community truly is. It made her realize that the sense of community and belonging is of higher importance than the attractions a city can provide. A significant object from Tamar’s childhood is her aforementioned rosary. In her college years, when Tamar first started driving, her parents gifted her a rosary. It is a Christian tradition when someone gets a new car in Lebanon. She still keeps the same rosary in her wallet to keep her safe and close to her family wherever she is.

Song: Pari Arakil, KOHAR Orchestra

– Told by Tamar Boyajian, Written by Alaina Vinberg and Maya Asaad

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant