When I first arrived in Vilnius, the thought that hit me was, “How cold it is here!” Coming from sunny Armenia, Vilnius felt like the coldest place in the world. I was far from home, far from friends, and far from the life I knew. But little did I know that what began as a freezing experience would turn into one of the warmest and most beautiful chapters of my life.
I worked in the SOS Children’s Village, where I met the most wonderful children and dedicated staff. These children were like little rays of sunshine, filling the cold Lithuanian winter with warmth. They might have been young in age, but their experiences and resilience made them wise beyond their years. Despite they facing difficult challenges early in life, they taught me what it means to be strong, to keep moving forward, and to never give up on your dreams. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to know them, to laugh with them, and even to have snowball fights with them during the long winters.
Working with these children made me feel like a kid again. They have this incredible ability to bring out your inner child, and it was such a joy to share those moments with them. Vilnius may have been the coldest place I’ve ever been, but in those moments, surrounded by their laughter and spirit, my heart was the warmest it’s ever been—second only to Armenia, of course.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Lithuania was the cultural exchange. Through my work, I had the chance to share Armenian traditions, food, and stories not only with the children but also with other volunteers. In turn, I learned so much about Lithuanian culture. Lithuania has a rich history and traditions that are deeply tied to nature and community. The people there have an unshakable connection to their homeland, and despite the cold winters, there’s an undeniable warmth in how they welcome you into their lives.
From learning about the Baltic mythology, trying traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai and šaltibarščiai (the famous pink beet soup), to exploring the beautiful cobbled streets of Vilnius’ Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site—I found myself falling in love with the country . I’ll never forget standing at the top of Gediminas’ Tower, looking out over the city, feeling both the bite of the wind and the deep sense of history that surrounds you in Lithuania.
I’m so glad I had the chance to be part of that world, to work alongside those incredible children, and to experience life in a country that, though cold in temperature, is rich in warmth, culture, and spirit. It’s a place that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
