Hello!

I have been a devotee to Decatur Yoga for the last several years and have missed the studio very much in the last couple of months since I have been out of the country. I am working in Ruhengeri, Rwanda until March 2012 as the Field Communications Officer at the Karisoke Research Center with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (headquartered in Atlanta).

I have been so honored to be able to share my yoga practice with some of the folks here at Karisoke and this past week, with some amazing girls from the non-profit, Ubushobozi. These young women, who are all seriously affected by poverty and most are direct victims of the '94 genocide, have lost most of their family and suffered greatly in the last decade, but amazingly, still have the most bright, shining spirits. Their laughter and smiles were so refreshing in a country whose culture is traditionally very reserved and quiet. You can really tell how much this project is empowering them to dream of a new future. Jeanne, the american woman who runs the project, is working with the girls to train them in sewing and weaving and facilitating the sale of their products (yoga bags, clothing, purses etc) to various studios and stores in the US. I would love for our Decatur studio to be able carry some of their creations, but there is something more that I am envisioning...

Throughout the last few years, I have participated in some of the "karma" classes at Decatur Yoga and thought I could ask to see if the studio would be willing to have a class for donations for the girls. As you can see from the pictures, we are practicing on blankets and sheets on a slippery cement floor. Most of the girls are wearing donated jeans (which I'm sure you can imagine how difficult it is to practice in!) I thought a karma class might be an excellent way to raise money for yoga mats and pants for the project!

I hope all is well at the studio in Atlanta and look forward to my classes when I come home for a few weeks in December.

Namaste,
Jess

PS- I am the one in the yellow shirt on the left... :)

Jessica I was so touched and inspired by your email and photos! As a result, I have decided to dedicate our Thanksgiving Gratitude class to the beauties in your village. Usually the Gratitude class is free to all students, however your cause fits nicely into my November message to our students, and, therefore, we will be asking for donations to support your beautiful cause. Please send me directions on how to get the funds to you. I will also make sure you receive our November Newsletter so you can share it with your shala.

Thank you and please come visit us when you return in March!
Debra