Maria-Claudia Keough, the recording secretary
When my husband was offered an opportunity to work in Bahrain, we immediately thought this was such a blessing and opportunity as we both love to understand and meet new cultures as well as to find the common threads that unite us. It was also a big step for our daughter to be independent as she navigates university life back in the United States.
I love to get to know new cultures and learn new languages and I have been fortunate to live in the US, Russia, Malaysia and Colombia, but not in the Arab world and the idea of getting to understand this culture was really fascinating to me. From the moment I arrived in Bahrain in February of 2020, I have felt totally accepted and welcomed! I have discovered the unique spirit of giving in Bahrain where helping the less fortunate and the newcomer is just what you do! Never before had I experienced my neighbors sending us lunch or dinner just because or feel such kindness from strangers that immediately became friends! I have also seen people really stepping up when a need arises in ways that marvel me.
This same spirit is what I also found in AWA. I encountered a very diverse group of ladies, from all corners of the world ready to rise up to any challenge. Even when no meetings were allowed because of the pandemic, many ladies were working in their own homes in projects of all sorts to be able to raise funds to give to the Charities we support. Through AWA’s craft group we were able to come up with unique projects such as facemask holders or Gargano bags, within the restrictions dictated by Covid, to raise funds for charity.
When I was asked to take over the position of Recording Secretary for the Board, I became more involved in AWA. I have found wonderful friends that otherwise I would have not met and a great spirit of camaraderie and support and I have been able to immerse myself in work that is both fulfilling and fun!
As we have gone back to normal, I have seen the potential to help others grow exponentially. With my background in Psychology, I really am looking forward to working in many of the organizations we sponsor and that need volunteers. Visiting the Saudi-Bahraini School for the Blind yesterday I found this picture drawn by a team of students that reads, “The blind person is not the one that cannot see but the one that cannot see the heart” and this message summarizes my experience in AWA.
