Microfinance Buddy: Winston the Beagle

Anticipating that I'd be a bit lonely on my trips, I arranged to get a dog--a cute, 2 month old beagle named that I named Winston. Not only was a he a good and warm companion on those freezing nights in the Andes, he also helped me befriend the townspeople. Everyone in Casta kept asking me, "How's Winston? Where's Winston?" when I walked around meeting people. They all thought he had a silly name--they didn't know who Winston Churchill (his namesake) was, and pronounced it "Weenstone", giggling. It was really cute. Winston helped break the ice immediately on the bus on the way to the town, so I already knew several people before I arrived. In all, having a puppy with me was very useful and fun.

What's in a name?

"Why don't you call it Acacia International"? That's what my mother said when I was trying to name my charity. I didn't give it that much thought until she explained to me what an Acacia tree is. It is a very special species of tree that thrives all over the world, but is closely linked to Africa. It can grow in very harsh conditions, provides food for giraffes, and serves as a meeting place for the Masai.

These characteristics make it a very good symbol for microfinance in general: hope for poor areas, prosperity, and communitarianism.

Countdown to San Pedro de Casta!

Only 5 Days until Monday--the big day, where I make the 7 hour trip out to San Pedro de Casta! It involves 2 bus rides, one of which I hear is quite bumpy. I'm very excited! I've gotten almost everything prepared for the trip...really the only thing left is to pack and hope I don't take the wrong bus!

My first microbank is just a little over a week away!

Wish me luck!

Gift from God: Churros

One of my favorite things about Latin America is the Churro. This delicious, doughnut-type pastry is actually Spanish is origin, but so popular here that you can get them 24 hours a day. Street vendors (maybe helped by microfinance?), gas stations, restaurants, everywhere. I hadn't had one before I came her, but I find myself sneaking off to buy one late at night for dessert.
Perhaps this isn't entirely related to my project, but they are so good (or I am so obsessed), I thought it was worth a post.

Mujer y Sociedad Parte 2

Today was my second visit to Mujer y Sociedad, where I watched a class in business. It was a great experience being an observer! The women (and a few men) were being taught how to make shirts to sell. This got me thinking: should I also offer some sort of class? Not in how to make any one thing, but in business or strategies. My problem with it is this: do I really know more about business than these people? Isn't it a bit arrogant of me to think I can do what they do better than them? To reconcile the need for training with my lack of experience, I have decided to ask successful people in the community to give classes to my microbanco. I'll keep you posted!

The South American Explorers' Club!

The South American Explorers' Club is an oganization that has been very useful in planning my trip as well as providing various resources (I took a Spanish class there, they have a library, I've made a few friends there, etc....). Most importantly, the SAE collects trip reports where people who have been to the place you want to go write about their experiences. Luckily for me, a few people had been to San Pedro de Casta, and they had all had a good time and gave me some good advice. One thing that scared me: no running water in the hotel!

Below are a few pictures!

My Microbank Toolkit!

What is in my Microbank toolkit?
-Knowledge of microfinance (of course)
-Cash box
-Notebook and Pens
-Money
-Calculator
-Enthusiasm!

Yes, today I went shopping to buy the things I'll need to bring with me, and I've also arranged to wire the money here. Probably the most important thing, though, is enthusiasm for my project. If I didn't believe in it, the cold showers (if showers at all....), uncomfortable living quarters and inevitable parasites would be too much. But I think that I can make a real difference, and so I'm going to suck it up and have an adventurous summer.

Meeting with those women from Mujer y Sociedad yesterday really energized me. I could tell how much they really believe in it, and they told me that they have seen how it improves the lives of the women they help! And lucky for me, I get to see this first hand on Saturday and again on Tuesday, when I'll have the opportunity to watch a repayment meeting and talk with women who are applying for loans. I am incredibly excited!

Watch this space!