Why Africa?

Micro-what?!

Microfinance! (aka microloans, microcredit, micro-lending...)

Now I have you thoroughly confused, right? What am I talking about and why? What does it have to do with me, you, or Uganda? Good questions, all. I'll explain.

A friend recently gave me a book called "Banker to the Poor" by Mohammad Yunnus. The book tells the story of Yunnus, who came up with a simple but revolutionary solution to end world poverty - micro-credit. His solution to world poverty, founded on the belief that credit is a fundamental human right, is brilliantly simple: loan poor people money on terms that are suitable to them, teach them a few sound financial principles, and they will help themselves.

Making sense yet? Another way to put it is like this; when we hear the word "loan" in America, we thousands of dollars, right? Not so when you live in a 3rd world country. For someone living in a 3rd world country the capital needed to start or improve a business idea (that will create a sustainable income) may only be a matter of dollars (thus the term "micro"; if I'm not explaining it well, read more about it and the Grameen Bank )

Ok, now the connection (which makes me super excited!). Hope Live! also participates in creating opportunities through microcredit:

"Instead of giving money to caretakers, Hope Alive! provides opportunities for small businesses. Hope Alive! comes alongside family members and provides micro-finance loans. These small businesses allow the caretakers to develop a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

The goal is to enable families to become financially independent so they no longer need Hope Alive! to assist them. Instead the caretakers will have the joy and dignity of being able to provide for their own families. Micro-finance loans are also available to students who have completed vocational training."

As video-happy as I've been lately, of course I found a related one. The article and video are a bit lengthy but well worth your time and I hope you'll check them out: Uganda: A Little Goes A Long Way

Transportaion, continued....City Mode.

I've been some what of a fanatic lately watching videos on youtube of Kampala, where I will be living. I came across this one which I thought would round out my latest video on transportation...lest you think all of Uganda is dirt roads.

What's it like there? Part Two....The Roads

Found this gem of a video on youtube .... careful, you may need your dramamine just to watch the whole thing. I think you'll be able to relate if you've done any sort of 3rd world country traveling:

Also, wanted to give you my weekly support status update (I'm working on finding a cool visual that will show my progress). As of today I have 45% of my one time/outgoing expenses and 8% of my needed monthly/ongoing expenses for two years...so, still a ways to go.

Spreading the Word.....

My new "business" cards!! Let me know if you'd like some to help me spread the word...
 

And now, a message from your sponsor.....

I got this message today from Catharine Coon, the director of the Hope Alive! Program and thought it might be insightful for you to read:

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Hope Alive! needs Kacie here! We have almost 500 children and youth enrolled in Hope Alive!, as well as over 40 staff, most of whom live in the same tough conditions as the children they mentor. Currently, no medical program exists for Hope Alive!, not even records of students’ and staff’s past and current health situations. We don’t know who has been vaccinated, who might have sickle cell anemia or be HIV+, who is wrestling with asthma.... Our staff needs basic health training, which can then be passed on to the students, their families, and their communities. So much do (and this is only a beginning) and no one to do it! Hope Alive! needs Kacie here! Will you be part of the team that sends her out?

Catharine Coon, Executive Director, Hope Alive!

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What's it like there? Part One

From The Economist, Feb 12, 2009, "Uganda: A country adrift, a president amiss"

So Uganda Came to Me....

This is the choir that was in San Jose: Watoto Children's Choir. They are absolutely fantastic to watch (and you can find their offical info online). I had a hard time keeping the tears out of my eyes because it felt like I was meeting long-lost family for the first time.

By way of update to the ever-pressing questiong of "WHEN?!" there have been some changes. Origianlly I needed to leave in May or wait until November....This week, however (due to some changes for the missionaries there) I found out I can now leave anytime between May and October (although ealier is still preferred).

I so much want to thank many of you who've joined me through your financial support. I can't tell you how much it means to know that I'm not alone on this journey -- you're coming with me (so to speak)!!

As far as being ready to go...well, I was ready pretty much yesterday, but I still have quite a ways to go in terms of the financial goal I need to reach to get clearance to leave.

Questions? Comments? I'd simply love to get together, chat, have coffe....anything really and tell you more about the Why's, What's, and When's of my Uganda saga.

Oh and by the way, my ministry profile just got updated on WorldVenture's website so take a look (you can also make a donation from this spot): Kacie's Ministry Profile

Until next time....

Serving the God Who Exceeds Our Expectations,

kacie