EMELIA J .
I am deeply moved to have been a member of the American Women ‘ s Club of Hamburg for 25 years . In view of my interest in American culture and its social graces , the AWCH was for me the most suitable club to join in Hamburg . Over the years , I attended many activities connected with American culture , children ’ s events , ecology , art , humor , lunches and coffees , book clubs , seminars , open houses , celebrations , films , health programs , music , and other events . I have always been impressed by the professional organization of the club with its organized board , the great magazine Currents , and all the club activities and social events .
I joined the club in January 1996 , after arriving from Maryland with my husband and our one-year-old child , Alexander . In the beginning , life in Germany was difficult because I did not speak German and did not know much about German culture . My husband was very busy with his work in research , and I had to adjust to this foreign country and northern climate with my baby . The AWCH became for me an important additional center point in my life in Hamburg . First , my baby boy and I joined one of the mom groups in the club , the eastside mom group . It was so helpful to talk to the other women who were experiencing the same problems of adjustment I was at this time . I will never forget all the helpful advice that I received during this difficult time in my life . Most importantly , the warm and emotional conversations and the wonderful way the American women have helped me and each other in the AWCH is just remarkable .
Welcome Coffees at the AWCH from 1999-2004
am an artist myself , I also enjoyed being a member of the Art Group .
AWCH-appreciates-Emilia
As a logical consequence of this outstanding experience , I initiated and organized the Welcome Coffee in 1999 and held it in my home for five years to help newly arrived women adjust to Hamburg . Another project was organizing ecological activities for children . The best was an event with children and moms on how to plant and take care of flowers . Because I
Dear new members , choose your events , keep adjusting to Germany , and always enjoy our club with love . Try to bring fun and always have fun . Keep on socializing and communicating with the other members and help develop our club as much as possible . It will be as good as you make it .
Thanks to Becky , Shelly , Karen , Laura , Terry , Kirstan , Tracy , Vicki , Nancy , Isabell , Frauke , Thelma , Mary , Ulrike , Sus , Diana , Regina , Susan , Lauren , Jenifer , Jennifer M . Brenda , Anna , Coppelia , Cat , Chris , Holly , Carol H ., Carol S ., Christine , Beatrice , Brigitte , Aranka , Sandra , Sherrye , Beth , Jess , Aida , Kate , Cornelia , Shaun , and others for the lovely time we ’ ve spent together during the last 25 years . The gratitude I feel for the many social events , personal conversations , and real friendships during all these years is overwhelming .
32 Special Theme : Our Club Through the Years