A good time was had by all...

and old friends were reunited at our AAI Summer Gathering last weekend at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, WA. I'll post more pictures soon but here are a few from my own camera. It was just wonderful to see families and children re-connecting with old friends and making new ones. For me, it was particularly gratifying to see all of the wonderful teenagers, many of whom spent time together at Layla House. It's so valuable for them all to share experiences and I'm glad it seems like so many of them are staying in touch here in the U.S.

Susan Poisson-Dollar
Director of Development


Everyone loved the cultural drumming and dance sessions.....

Just a few of our older Ethiopian teens and an American friend too...


Future supermodels in the fashion show....

The Little and Hehn girls' hair-braiding sessions were also a huge hit.

and not just with Ethiopian kids...

Keeping our babies warm at night

Many wonderful volunteers contribute their time and talents to help AAI. One such person is Jean Snyder of Ocean Shores, WA who has "lost count" of the many beautiful quilts she has made for the babies of Wanna House. In addition to keeping the babies warm, they contribute joy and bright colors to the environment. Below Jean and her daughter hold up one of two beautiful quilts they have made for the silent auction at our upcoming AAI Summer Gathering at Warm Beach.
Jean writes:

"Sometime ago while I was visiting Merrily I saw a calendar of Ethiopian children. The pictures of the bright smiling children haunted me. My youngest grandchild has so much given to him by doting grandparents, aunts, uncles and great-grandparents. The contrast with children without family members able to provide for them and my own grandchildren was vast. It gives me great pleasure to play with my fabric and make quilts to comfort those special Ethiopian babies. Two years ago my daughter Cheryl Sharpe began quilting and just recently my granddaughter starting making quilts to send to Ethiopia as well. The three of us share ideas and help each other. I am truly blessed."

(Jean in her studio with a colorful baby quilt mid-process)