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!

New Partner: Mujer y Sociedad

Today I met with a few women from Mujer y Sociedad. It is a fantastic organization here that offers local women help--from job training and microloans to internet access and sewing machines. It was an eye-opener and my first real meeting entirely in Spanish! (Phew, a little bit scary!) Not only did they give me advice, but they're actually letting me go to a micro-bank meeting Saturday (the one where the women pay back their loans), and then will take me to a different section of town next Tuesday where I'll see microfinance at work! I couldn't be more suprised or excited!

Suprises in Lima!

I've been suprised by a few things here, some good, some bad.

It is very safe and people are very friendly and accomodating about my lack of Spanish (although it's gotten a lot better in just 3 days with much practice!)--two welcome unexpected things.

A bad suprise, though, is the pollution. I've had a resurgence of asthma problems, and because of it, I will have to stay out of Lima as much as I can. That's very unfortunate, because I really like it here! I think the pollution is something that really should be dealt with because it is costlier not to, but I could be extra biased because it affects me in particular.

I am going to spend all of this week getting ready to go out to San Pedro de Casta and then next week my project will officially begin!

Estoy en Lima!

Hi! I've finally arrive in Lima! I've spent the day exploring Miraflores, my new home, and running errands...I've bought a Peruvian cell phone and my groceries. Can you imagine---only $6.60USD!

I love my room--my landlady is incredibly nice.

By far the hardest part is the Spanish. Reading it is one thing, but hearing people speak is another! Also, Peruvian Spanish is a little bit different than the Mexican Spanish I learned.

The Return of the Shining Path

Yesterday a mass grave of about 60 peasants killed in the 1980s was found in the Peru. The people were horrendeously killed by the military (the ones fighting the terrorist group the Shining Path) for their livestock--under the guise they were looking for rebels. The massacre was generally denied until now.

However, a worse development is the return of the Shining Path. Supported by drug money, they are now starting to recruit poor farmers who have suffered from rising costs. There are two groups of thought as to how to prevent the spread: address the poverty in the Andes (what Garcia is trying to do, and what I will hopefully do this summer) or crack down on the group violently. The latter was used by Fujimori in the 90s and basically destroyed the group. However, since the underlying problem--and thus the draw of the extremist ideology--remains, there has since been a return of the violent Maoists.

I'm actually a bit worried about encountering the group on my trip. It's sort of an irrational fear since they are generally limited to the jungle and the eastern part of the Andes....but somehow I feel someone might sense that I'm a Capitalist and go after me. Plus, as an American, I could possibly be a valuable hostage. Even if this is an overreaction, I am still getting a dog and bringing pepper-spray!