YEREVAN. – An accountant from Armenia, 27-year-old Arsen Khachatryan has fulfilled the dream of his childhood: he has found a girl who sent him a shoebox full of gifts as a part of the Operation Christmas Child appeal.
Talking to the Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent, Arsen said 16 years ago he had also received a message by Claire Fahy asking him to send a photo. Eleven year old boy did not send his photo, but 16 years later Arsen, already a father, managed to find Claire on Facebook.
“After receiving and opening a small gray box and reading Claire’s note, I set a goal. One of my dreams was to send her a photo one day. I finally found her and sent the photo of my family,” Arsen said.
It was not that easy to find Claire as there were many accounts from Ireland with the same names. However, Arsen sent the same letter to all of them , expecting to get a reply.
“I have been waiting for the answer for a year. I sent a message last June, and the reply came on Tuesday. She was very happy, and it was really a surprise for her. I was in a state of shock, too. I could not work, I was so happy. I had an interesting feeling that I cannot describe,” he added.
Learning this story, Team Hope organization that organized exchange of gifts 16 years ago, contacted Arsen and Claire. The story has become the focus of the Irish media, too.
“Many Facebook users from Europe write me to say thank you for my move,” Arsen said.
Arsen and Claire may soon meet with the help of Team Hope organization.