A Brimful of Asha

I was introduced to the song "A Brimful of Asha" by an old friend with the same name.  It is a catchy British pop song that always makes me smile, maybe for its amazing optimism, maybe that it matches the spirit of my friend. . But this post isn't about that friend, or even the song, it is about this amazing woman to the right.  I met Asha while working in Zanzibar a few years ago, and this picture has a special meaning for me.

I have a curious relationship with photography - I like to look at photos, like to take them, I even like to edit them. But they don't like me!   I am the least photogenic person on earth - I recently won a contest with another self-proclaimed camera foe.  I settled it in a few seconds however, showing him several of my most recent shots.  He looked at me and said, "wow you are right, I think I am gonna take out some of my old photos and give them another chance." Not only does the camera hate me, but it seems to dislike everything I try to capture on film - I rarely end up with a picture that is anything like what I had been looking through the lens at.  I have seen so many beautiful, touching, and poignant images that never seem to "develop." I got this one right though, and that is why it is one of my favorites.

Asha worked at the hotel I was staying in, serving as an apprentice cook at the pool snack bar. I saw her each morning on my way out to visit schools, and each evening when I returned.  She always had this smile on her face, and I enjoyed talking to her while waiting for my driver in the morning, or watching her cook a sandwich for me at night.  I got to know her pretty well in a week, and that is why I am so pleased with this picture - it is exactly as I remember her.

She was friendly at first, but also a little wary I think. It is not uncommon in Tanzania for young women in certain industries to practice a second, more ancient profession on the side.  Being aware of that, I was careful to let her know my motives were honest, that she needn't be worried about those things.  We talked quite a bit, and she slowly told me her story.  Asha had had a difficult life, not unlike so many in that poor country.  She dropped out of school when she became pregnant by the man she thought she would marry.  He didn't marry her, and she was left with a little girl and the suspended dream of an education. Her daughter was old enough by the time I met Asha for her to leave the girl with family while she went out to earn a living.  She worked long hours at the hotel, probably why I saw her so much, and she made about ten dollars a day for her efforts.  

Asha explained to me that she was saving (how I don't know) to go back to school  in six or seven years.  She had a well  constructed plan, albeit a slow developing one.  She wanted to be an accountant, and planned to spend the next half decade saving money and improving her English skills.  Asha also looked forward to her daughter starting school soon, and was excited by the prospect of learning together.  Her story was moving and uplifting.  She had such a great attitude, that I didn't doubt that she would succeed in her daunting mission.  Some people are like that.

I sent her some English materials when I got back to the states, and had a friend look in on her from time to time.  The reports were positive - Asha was working hard, studying the materials I had sent, and was pleading for more.  I sent a second batch of materials guaranteed to keep her busy into the next year, and in return, I get to keep this image of her.  I love this picture, it captures a wonderful spirit, a remarkable soul - a brimful of Asha!