By Natalie Bryant-Rizzieri | Founder & Executive Director
Dear friends,
As summer has come and nearly gone, we have seen the fruit of many long labors swell, grow and sweeten. One thing that has come to pass this summer is that Anna came home again. She is one of our residents who has been in and out of institutions for most of her life. After last year’s staff trainings and welcoming new staff members, we felt ready to try to support her again at home. Our staff are taking one day at a time. But for now, Anna is once again in her own home, with friends and beauty around her, and with people who love her.
It feels significant that her homecoming has occurred the same year as our ten-year celebration. So often we want change to happen quickly and with ease. In reality, the things that mean the most can take years and years. We have to all change from the inside out and so does the world around us.
Summer in Armenia is always a time of abundance in terms of welcoming visitors and volunteers, donors and supporters. We have welcomed so many people this summer who have long loved the residents from afar, who have worked quietly on their behalf from the United States, and who finally got to be with them in person. What a joy it is to extend the hospitality of Warm Hearth to the people who make it possible.
Last, but not least, the ten-year anniversary celebration took place last week in Yerevan. At this celebration, we cheered and reflected on what Warm Hearth has become. We remembered why we exist in the first place. We looked forward and back with joy and hope. One of our board members, Lee Ann Williams, was present and celebrating in Armenia. The rest of us were there in spirit.
Sincerely Yours,
Natalie Bryant-Rizzieri
(To read our entire summer newsletter, see the attachment below.)
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