Asha’s Refuge had it’s first staff meeting today. That feels kind of funny to say. Our staff is only four people right now. I can see that it will have to grow as the days go by though. For now employees of Asha’s Refuge are strictly volunteer.  It is wonderful that we are able to come together to help put some things in place for the sake of current and future vulnerable refugees.

For now, our staff consists of Vivian, Deborah, my husband and I. Vivian will be our do all and Secretary. Deborah will be our do all and Vice President and help with the Treasurer position. Daron, my husband, will be our main Treasurer and will offer help and advice to me. As you can see, all of our existing staff has to be willing to wear many hats. I am thankful to those who have committed to help walk with me to build Asha’s Refuge and I trust that there are already other’s being shaped to also help.

We still need more permanent volunteer staff to work with our refugee friends particularly on Wednesdays and Friday mornings from about 9-12:15. So, if you’re reading this and have a heart to see what’s involved in volunteering with us, please let us know! Perhaps one day there will be room to pay for needed positions but for now, Asha’s Refuge runs on the giving hearts of it’s volunteer staff and the community. It’s wonderful for our refugee friends to be able to see the same familiar faces.

It was really neat today to talk about our hearts and to bounce off ideas on how we can work with existing programs and organizations already set up in Memphis wanting to help struggling people. The staff seems to all be on the same page and open and willing to listen and share ideas. A few times I would share and my eyes would water as I could feel passion and excitement in my heart as well as a bit of anxiety for the way God has brought me personally to this stage with Asha’s Refuge. I wasn’t the only one sharing and tearing up. I can certainly tell that God has been working in each of our lives through this experience.

I’ve decided to open up my blog on this website to the other staff members to write. It will be neat to hear things from their perspective. This was my husbands idea and a very good one I think! Besides, who wants to always hear from me?

Welcome Deborah, Vivian and Daron. Well, you’ve already been on board…so now I suppose it can be official. We are still praying about what our board will look like and who all will be involved. Again, God always provides!