In the Azawak, a vast plain on the edge of the Sahara, a little rain falls during two months of the year. For the rest of the year, there is no water.

Imagine scooping water from a muddy marsh. Then, imagine that source of water drying up.

The children of the Azawak spend their time searching for water.

Amman Imman means "Water is Life". For the people of the Azawak, their hope rests on water.

Humanitarian organization Amman Imman: Water is Life is responding to the request of the people of the Azawak: "Please bring us water."

You can help: www.waterishope.org



Photos courtesy of Ariane Kirtley.
Music courtesy of Etran Finatawa, "Maleele", a healing song.
Your Flowing Heart
dedicated to Dennis Hamilton, 1942-2008
Those who know you were not surprised
that your heart ruptured and overflowed.
We felt it flow all over us whenever we were with you.
We saw it well up on your face when you spoke,
trickle down your sleeve when you held out your hand,
and drip onto your shoulder when you rocked a baby.
Your heart seeped through your smile,
leaked into your compliments,
and soaked through your hugs.

You wrote letters about why you stand for peace
and we read your heart.
You told stories about people
who have no water,
and it was your heart
that moved other hearts to give.
You set up photo exhibits
that displayed generosity and love
residing where little else lives,
but it was your heart that
showed us generosity and love.
You even got a preacher from Texas
to invite you to his family home,
and dedicate his website to the thirsty,
only your heart, your heart.

That your heart flowed all over is no surprise,
not to friends who bathed in your love,
drenched in your generosity
and oozed in your care.
Your heart was like a boat on a river,
a vessel of safety and care
for your dear friend.
It was no surprise that
all that was in your heart
burst out.
It always did.

Dennis was Amman Imman's Associate Director. He lived fully and passed on September 16.
Yesterday, Amman Imman lost one of its dearest friends. Associate Director Dennis Hamilton passed away. Those fortunate enough to cross paths with Dennis knew him as a devoted friend and a man who dedicated his life to peace and service. His last act was taking down the Amman Imman photo exhibit at the MurphyArts gallery in Keene, New Hampshire.

Having met Ariane Kirtley when she was a student at Yale University, Dennis was Amman Imman’s first volunteer. He helped Ariane spread awareness about the plight of the people of the Azawak, acting as spokesperson and advocate. He worked tirelessly to secure interviews for Ariane, set up photo exhibits and obtain the support of individuals, businesses and organizations.

Dennis exemplified the best qualities that as teachers we want our students to possess. He cared about people. He saw beauty and truth in others. He helped his local community. He had a global vision that he put into action. He expressed his passion to wake up the world:
We believe there are no borders between people or countries where children die of dehydration. They are all our children, our brothers and sisters. There are no borders except those we make for ourselves. – Dennis Hamilton, June 25, 2007
I am deeply honored to have gotten to know Dennis in the course of doing this work. Dennis consistently encouraged me, inspiring me to continue. It is rare that someone can see you. Dennis had the soul to see.

The Amman Imman family grieves the loss of dear, dear Dennis. Together we embrace his life, and accept the generous capacity of his heart into our hearts.

We Love You, Dennis
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