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One of the charities that we work with at AIWC is Au Coeur des Grottes.  It is a wonderful organization, helping provide shelter to displaced women.   Since we are a club helping women to transition and feel comfortable in a new place, this organization really aligns with our mission.

In the US, it is customary to throw a “baby shower” for a friend who is expecting a new addition.   Occasionally, since some of the women give birth while living at ACDG, we wanted to make these women feel more prepared for motherhood by throwing them ‘showers’.  We also wanted to bring some gifts for them to make them feel special during this very precious time.

Our quilting group has pledged thirty quilts for these new little ones for showers such as this.   Also, we have felt quite proud of our membership as we have received enough brand new gifts to last us for a years’ worth of shower hosting.

Collecting the lovely quilting group donations

Wrapping all the gifts

It was quite funny at the first shower.  The two women who had planned it were both from The Netherlands, where the ‘shower’ tradition isn’t customary.   They looked to me for what happens at a typical one!   This is funny, as we don’t have children yet.

However, I have attended at least a dozen of these when I was living in the US.  The answer is usually that you gather for the first portion and enjoy refreshments.   Then you play games and open presents.   We skipped the games due to the many different languages represented, so after refreshments, we jumped into opening the gifts.

Many of the women on the receiving end weren’t familiar with showers either, but the smiles were definitely evident that they really enjoyed experiencing this new cultural event!

 

We are a group of international women living in Geneva, Switzerland.  If you would like to join the AIWC, please visit our website at http://www.aiwcgeneva.org/.