Cooling Down and Gearing Up

Fall arrived rather abruptly to DC last week. On the first of September, the temperatures dropped and the humidity seeped off to torment some other poor city. We were ready for this--the District, as well as Amani.

It was nice to have a slower pace in August, with the grand opening past and the fall rush not yet upon us. We took the time to catch our breath and get ready for the events and sales we anticipate for the fall. A few weeks ago, a few friends and their little ones spent the morning with us modeling bags and kids items. The photos are now scattered throughout the online shop. And with the arrival of six big boxes last Friday from Nairobi, the fall rush officially got underway. (Just a tip: there are some really great new things online and in the shop right now. Plus, free shipping in September!)

The back-to-school season has also meant that some of our summer volunteers are returning to their work schedules. Fortunately, we've been getting some other nice folks to help us out. Between Idealist.org and the local universities, we've got lots of willingly, helpful hands. We find their presence with us not only practically helpful, but encouraging too. It draws in new people who connect with Amani in their own unique way--be it organizing and system-tweaking, learning about the craftsmanship of the products, or deepening their understanding of development and social enterprise.

Speaking of events, here's a list of some of the events we have coming up. Mark your calendars if you're in the area!

Saturday, September 26th - Mt. Pleasant Sidewalk Sale
A pre-Fiesta DC sidewalk sale with other vendors on the main street.

10:00 am to 4:00 pm @ AmaniDC

Sunday, September 27th - Fiesta DC
Fiesta DC is an annual event celebrating Latino cultures and heritage in the DC area that takes place on Mt. Pleasant Street! This is a big event with lots of food, people, and music. It should be a lot of fun.

11:00 am to 7:00 pm @ AmaniDC

Saturday, October 17th - Hearts & Hands Bazaar
This annual crafts bazaar has become a staple for Amani's fall schedule.

9:00 am to 3:00 pm @ Messiah United Methodist Church (6215 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA)

Friday & Saturday, November 6th & 7th: AmaniDC Holiday Open House
Our big sale event for the holiday season with a large sale section.

2:00 to 7:00 on Friday, 10:00 to 4:00 on Saturday @ AmaniDC

As we move into this busier season, there are certainly some items for prayer:

• Opportunities to connect through Amani with customers in the shop and at these events.
• Strong sales at volunteer sales across the US, online, in the shop, and at local events.
  
• Good communications with the rest of the Amani family in Africa, that we might encourage and strengthen one another.
• Energy & creativity for everyone working together at AmaniDC.
• Ongoing relationships with groups and individuals in the community, that Amani would be an agent of peace where there is discord.

Thank you for your prayers, visits, donations, and words of encouragement. I cannot express enough how important it is for me and for Amani.

Now, go celebrate fall and enjoy an apple.