Internet cafés aren't always the most reliable, so I'm attempting the email-post. This might be a new favored method in the future because I don't have to load a java application to type an entry.
We started getting intot he details of what we might be doing at our sites. We had an entire session, several actually, devoted to microfinance. I thought I wanted to devote my life to this and consider myself to have done a fair amount of research on the topic. But I've always been a little confused on exactly what people who are involved in microfinance actually do. Well, I'm finding out first-hand from some other volunteers.
This type of microfinance involves 3-hour hikes to surrounding villages, aldeas, and teaching basic math skills so people can calcuate interest and savings rates. If there is electricity, then it usually involves setting up complex Excel spreadsheets and training someone to use them. The "micro" picture of microfinance is certainly a lot smaller than I had anticipated. From the "macro" perspective, having read books like Banker to the Poor, it sounds awesome and inspiring and everyone wants to do it. But I've had some moments of reckoning with myself: Is this really what I want to devote myself to? It's a harsh reality for a lot of people, and probably not so harsh for me. But still, having my passions and desires faced with the long dirt road of reality has caused me pause.
Then I remind myself, none of us showed up to Peace Corps because we thought it would be easy. I know I certainly didn't. So what does it take - referring back to my previous post on how to live a good story - to finish a difficult task. I am a character. Who wants something. And I have to overcome an obstacle (or several) to get it. That's what makes a good story. However, I'm still determined that the price is worth it, so I'm going to continue to learn what I can and see how I can get involved with this industry at the grass-roots level. (Does that analogy still apply if there isn't very much grass around?). Despite the obstacles, the reality is that people need opportunities - not American apparrel, nor Nabisco Oreos, nor free food or aid money. Some people feel that America has all the solutions, or all the problems, depending on who you talk to. I am of the persuasion, however, that people hold these abilities within themselves and merely need the opportunities to realize them. We'll see how my opinion changes over the course of these 2 years, but as for now, that's the story.
Next week we move to a different site for another 7 weeks, so internet access will change. No telling what will happen, but I'll be sure to update when I can! Thanks for reading, and don't forget I love reading the comments perhaps more than you love reading my posts!
Peace Corps Volunteer, Honduras 2011-
International MBA Candidate,
Monterey Institute of International Studies
International MBA Candidate,
Monterey Institute of International Studies
Thanks for the explanation. I had no real idea what microfinance was or how one "did" it--probably why I was an English major:-) We are enjoying your posts and the snapshot glimpses into your new life and are looking forward to tagging along for the ride in the coming months. As for being a "microfinancier" for the foreseeable future, the effect(s) you will have on those lives you touch and the effect those people will have on you--now and ultimately--the potential growth spiritually, emotionally and mentally you are and will experience--I can't wait for "the rest of the story!" :-)
ReplyDeleteLove and Blessings,
Linda
Living your life as a story gives a whole new meaning to the "choose your own adventure" books. Except this time, you won't be able to go back and find out what would have happened if you turned left and went to page 49.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am looking forward to reading the rest of your story. I know God is going to be a big part of this story, and He will take you into places you never before imagined.
As you live your story, you may find yourself asking a question I, and probably many others, ask, "What is God's will for my life?" Well, I've got an answer for you - 1 Thessalonians 4:3, "God's will is for you to be holy."
So whatever decision you make should be leading you to becoming more like Christ. Whether you turn left and go to page 49, or if you turn right and go to page 62; be holy as He is holy.
How funny that Drew should bring up those "choose your own adventure" books. I recently explained those to a student whom I was helping to "write" her story for a counseling session. It's always exciting to have more than one adventure to choose from! That way there's no bad decision, just a different ending. Enjoy the journey. Love you mucho!!! ~mom
ReplyDeleteAdam, reading your blog while being cooped up in a library cubicle doing writing and reading that I don't want to do has given me a breath of fresh air this morning. You are especially lucky to wake up with that beautiful view from your window each morning.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more.
Praying for you,
Chris
We talked a little about Microfinance in chapel today! I thought of you! I am patiently waiting for an update! I hope things are going well! :)
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