BE YOUR OWN WORLD BANK: KIVA
Nope, this is not a photo from Hood River, Oregon. This is Agnes Siosefa, an artist in Samoa - one of the entrepreneurs we have met through Kiva. We and 15 other "lenders" from all over the US loaned Agnes a total of $850 for 22 months so that she can grow her business.
Among our dozen loans are artists in Mexico and and Ghana, a welder in Mexico (we know what an important skill this is!), a woman in Honduras who sells the most delicious-looking grilled chicken, and an "identify protected" copy shop owner in Kirkuk, Iraq, trying to keep his business going (this one might end up being a "donation" rather than a loan).
I am becoming addicted to the Kiva website, no doubt about it. It always puts a smile on my face to add our small contribution to join in on a loan to a hardworking farmer, artist, blacksmith... and to be able to do so in such a direct and connected way.
Click here to see our complete "portfolio" of loans.
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I checked with the kids, and Patrick has completed one loan but they forgot to include your info in order for you to receive updates. He has checked back but since the TV story ran he's been pretty disappointed in the selection (mainly people building a house or selling livestock)so hasn't made the other loan yet. Claire starts at the Capitol today and Patrick has one week off before work starts. Love, N.
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