January 7, 2008
Dear El Shaddai Quilters,
I am a friend of Dottie Webster, and just one of many people in the United States that cares deeply for you; and wants to improve your present living conditions. Several of us are working together to plan ways to display and market your quilts. We have already been invited to participate in the World’s largest outdoor quilt show that will take place in Oregon, July 12th. The quilt show organization will be doing an extensive market campaign that explains where the quilts are coming from and how the proceeds from purchasing quilts will be used. We will send you a brochure so you can see for yourselves.
Another idea we had was to make quilted postcards and greeting cards that we can sell in local shops, at events, and on the Internet. We have someone creating a webpage for us now. All of this will take us some time, but we are all committed to making it happen.
When your first quilts arrived, we were elated to see how beautiful they were! We are very proud of you and can’t wait to see how the quilts may vary in the future. I was able to purchase one myself and I want you to see how wonderful it is in my entry hall. Below your quilt is a sculpture of a Rwandan woman. I cherish being able to tell your story to any friends that come into my home. If you could send me names and a picture of who was involved with sewing my quilt, I would really appreciate that.
Hopefully I will be able to come to Kigali to meet you someday. Until then, know that my thoughts and prayers are always with you!
Your friend,
Sandy Brandvold
Sedona, Arizona