As you may know, I try to have close working relationships with the non-profit organizations in our eQuilter charity program. Today I had lunch with the founder of Engineers Without Borders, and a retired administrator for Doctors Without Borders. We have lunch every couple months and because they both have worked around the world in refugee camps and other humanitarian projects, I just like to be a fly on the wall and listen to their stories.
Today we were talking about the Afghan refugees that are slowly making their way to our country. Bernard is raising money to purchase slightly-used computers to give to the young people in these families. He will provide basic computer training to help them integrate into their new homeland. I spoke about donating fabric and sewing supplies to the women in these families. Many communities around the country are preparing to welcome these families, who have gone through so much trauma before making the journey here. Perhaps some of you will also become involved in projects like this over the next year, in your own communities.
I am still digesting my experience with the Brown Bears in Katmai National Park in Alaska recently. I can really relate to the mother grizzly bears who will take on a much larger male bear to ferociously protect her cubs. It makes me think of what these Afghan mothers have gone through to protect their children through such a difficult transition. When we meet and help mothers and fathers who have lost everything just to save their precious children, it makes any of our own troubles seem so insignificant.
Due to popular request I am going to host ONE MORE POLAR BEAR TRIP in Oct 2022.
I managed to reserve spots for us during Peak Season which means these spots will sell out fast. Payment plans are available! Deadline for guaranteed registration in my travel group is Thurs Nov 18.
Follow this link for the itinerary, pricing and contact info for our travel coordinator Aly.
Plus you get a packet of POLAR BEAR FABRIC as part of the deal!
The photo above is another one of those incredible moments of sharing eye contact and peering into the heart and soul of a wild creature. I shared about an hour of time alone with this bear, who gazed up at me periodically, sending shivers down my spine. In a good way.
…sharing your love of fabric,
Luana and Paul
Quilt/Travel Calendar:
Nov 13 – Zoom lecture “Intl Quilt Trends” – Visions Art Museum – for Season Pass Holders.
Nov 15 & 16 – Handweavers Guild Boulder – Zoom Lectures.
Nov 18 – Deadline for guaranteed seat on Polar Bear Trip.
Dec 4 – Zoom lecture “Intl Quilt Trends” – Quilt Canada
Jan 12 – Apr 9, 2022 – New England Quilt Museum (NEQM) “For the Love of Gaia” exhibit
Sat, April 9 – “International Quilt Trends” lecture – NEQM
