ASHA

ASHA, meaning "HOPE" in Hindu/Gujarati, is an Asian themed charity shop that I work at, visit and read in a few days a week. When I'm out on my bicycle, it is nice to stop in to see familiar staff, volunteers, and customers and have some chai tea. The last few weeks I've enjoyed having more time to talk with the customers, hear about their families and work alongside volunteers, most of them high school students, and discuss their classes, interests, and answering questions about life in the States. We're getting new books soon! We sell new and used adult & children's clothing, jewelry, bric-a-brac, books, music, DVDs. Besides the occasional western clothing, I'm still learning the names of some clothing (Sarees, Punjabi suits, kurtas, paijamas) b/c several items have 3-4 different names! As a charity, ASHA supports projects in India and East Africa:
Sugandh--Education for children living in extreme poverty (India)
Dorcas--Women's Development Society (India)
Sahara--Women's shelter and job training (India)
E.H.A.--Hospoital association providing healthcare in many rural areas (India)
Christ's School--educational institution in rural Western Uganda (East Africa)

ASHA has been a unique and joyful place to serve the community and meet new people. I just wanted to give a bit of a summary so you know what I'm referring to from now on:)