“My name is Ash”

Just talked to a guy named Ash.

He answered the phone in India, to help me cancel my Internet service, and I’m thankful for his help today. I could never do anything on the account because it’s been in my husband’s name, and though he passed away over two years ago, I’ve never been able to add my name or cancel the account and start over. I have been hung up on by overwhelmed representatives who had no idea how to help me, and would say “ I’m sorry, I don’t know how to help you Mrs. Walters” before unexpectedly hanging up abruptly.

But today…today I got Ash. He was able to help me right away by putting the account in my name, so now I can cancel it in three days. He was polite, professional and knowledgeable. Ash is just one of many who take English classes to be proficient in my language,before he can even get a job for the internet company as an account specialist. and he is very proficient in English. Speaking English is not an option for Ash, he has to be able to be fluently bilingual to put food on his table. Its not an impulse to just learn a second language through a language course- his existence relies on his mastery of the English language. I don’t know anything really about Ash, but he made me think of all the things I take for granted… clean water on demand out of my tap , an overstocked grocery store, trash pickup twice a week, having my own place, my job aka my paycheck, my vehicle, my pets, my big shower, my clothes, my daily routine, my friends, my circumstance, my faith. I have no idea where Ash lives in India, and if he wakes up each morning thankful for the day. Or if he has his own place or shares with several others, or if he has reliable transportation or if he even has transportation other than his feet. Will he get enough to eat today? Is he wearing good shoes? Is he happy? Is he stressed out by his circumstance? Has he ever dreamed of coming to America, or does he even have dreams? Is he filled with hope, or despair? Is he comfortable where he is? Is he a Christian , who believes in Jesus? Does he have everything he needs, or is he worrying over the lack of something? All of this filling my mind after ending the phone call… I talked to someone today who made me take a look at myself, inside and out, to assess who I am and what is really important in life. I don’t want to have more stuff than him, I don’t want to feel like a “have” when he has a 50/50 chance of being a “ have not” in India. India’s a diverse country, beauty interspersed with poverty. A cause to pause. And reflect. Selah.

Just praying for a guy named Ash.