While far from home, local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Armenia gathered for a small 4th of July celebration this week—marking the day with hot dogs, cornhole, and a spirit of friendship.

The Church in Armenia has many volunteer missionaries from the US as well as expatriate families who regularly attend worship services. This 4th of July celebration was one way for these local members to celebrate together and to introduce their friends to some of their favorite traditions. There were hot dogs, watermelon, salty chips, and soda to snack on; country music to jam to; and cornhole to be played! Many guests sported red, white and blue outfits in a spirit of fun.

As one expat shared, “It was a celebration of where we’re from, but also of where we are—and the good things God is doing in both places.”