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 When Hersh and Norma Leaman noticed a request in August 2000 for someone to drive rugs to Ten Thousand Villages in Portland, Oregon, they quickly answered the call and became our first volunteer transcontinental rug transporters. Since that time they have logged a total of three more trips to Oregon to deliver rugs. The Leaman’s lived in East Africa for sixteen years and enjoyed learning to know and appreciate the cultures of Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya. Norma is retired from Norlanco Medical Associates, and Hersh is retired from Mennonite Central Committee. Norma and Hersh enjoy traveling to see their 3 children and 6 grandchildren and sometimes combine these visits with a rug transport.  Norma, who fulfills many secretarial jobs in the rug program, says “It is rewarding to be part of a program that promotes international respect and educational opportunities, not only for those who create the rugs but also for those who sell and purchase the rugs. I enjoy the variety of jobs I’m given to do and appreciate the flexible schedule.” Hersh works on the store floor and adds, “I volunteer in the rug room because it is a place where I connect with my international interests and relationships. I believe that we all, regardless of our origin, have a contribution to make to the interests and well-being of our human family. The rug room connects two parts of our family and provides an opportunity to build mutual appreciation and respect. It is fun to learn from the Pakistani experience while also promoting fair trade and communicating the specialized expertise of the artisans.” |
| When Sue Glick returned to Pennsylvania after living in Oregon, she offered to become a volunteer in the Ten Thousand Villages Ephrata Rug Room. Sue had worked with the Oriental rugs in the Portland Ten Thousand Villages store, one of the rug program’s year-round galleries and so came to us experienced and excited to now work with customers at the Ephrata store. Sue lives with her husband in Akron and is currently an Administrative Assistant at MCC in the International Program Department. "Rugs are beautiful, interesting works of art,” says Sue. “I enjoy being part of a good, positive endeavor.” She gets satisfaction from being involved in a business relationship with Pakistani artists that strengthens their lives economically and spiritually. |
Marilyn and Dave Brubaker have been volunteering in the rug room for 9 years and 5 years respectively. Marilyn said, “I love working with different cultural things and diversity of people. The arts have always been of interest (to me). It’s a great combination. There is such a welcoming and positive feeling in the Ten Thousand Villages store that it is a joy to volunteer there.”