USA in Bahrain Bahrainthismonth.com 18 July 2024 Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, but for Susie Bower and Manal Akasha, it was an opportunity to find a new home and build lasting friendships. Both women, who moved to Bahrain two and a half years ago, have managed to integrate into the local community through their involvement with the American Women’s Association (AWA). On the heels of the associations Golden Jubilee, Farah Baig discovers how their stories highlight the importance of organisations like the AWA in fostering connections and supporting charitable initiatives. AWA President, Ms. Bower, originally from the United States, and AWA Vice President Ms. Akasha, who hails from Sudan and Egypt, both relocated to Bahrain from different parts of the world. Bower moved from Italy after a prior stint in Japan, while Akasha came from Dubai, having previously lived in Qatar. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they quickly found common ground and friendship through their involvement in AWA. “When we first arrived here, it was like a breath of fresh air,” Susie recalls. “Within two weeks of living here, I told my husband that this place feels like home. There’s just something about Bahrain that makes you feel welcome.” Manal echoes this sentiment, noting that joining AWA helped her feel at home almost immediately. “Since I moved to Bahrain, I joined AWA and it became like my second home,” she says. “Meeting nice people and making friends was effortless through AWA.” “The moment I joined AWA, I felt 100 percent supported by the community,” Manal shares. “In times of happiness and sadness, the support and friendship from AWA members have been incredible.” This sense of community and support is what sets AWA apart from other organisations, according to Susie. “When you walk into a meeting, you can immediately feel how welcoming everyone is,” she says. “The diversity of cultures represented and the warmth of the members make AWA a unique and special association.” Celebrating 50 Years of Camaraderie
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