A LETTER TO MY READERS....

Dear friends, family and all those who visit my blog,

I want to let you know about Kiva , a non-profit organization that allows you to lend as little as $25 to a specific low-income entrepreneur in the developing world. The web site is http://www.kiva.org/. I am sure you have some questions and am also sure they will all be answered by a visit to this site.

You choose who to lend to - whether a baker in Afghanistan, a goat herder in Uganda, a farmer in Peru, a restaurateur in Cambodia, or a tailor in Iraq - and as they repay their loan, you get your money back. It's a powerful and sustainable way to empower someone right now to lift themselves out of poverty. Generally lenders just re-lend those funds to another entrepreneur but you can certainly elect to have them returned to you. No, this is not about "making interest" on your loan. This is about helping hard working people help themselves.

After searching the site I selected a lady who touched me with her smile. She buys and sells fabric where she lives in the African country of Togo. I was drawn to her beautiful fabrics! Please meet Mery Tidjani. She is married and has 2 children and has been selling fabric and sewing supplies for four years. She is needing a loan of $500 to purchase additional inventory.

I am giving you the information here for your consideration. Although we should be of a mind to offer help all year long, it seems particularly appropriate during the Christmas season.

I end this letter with a wish for all of you to have a most Merry Christmas, or whichever holiday you celebrate at this time of year. Thank you again for reading my blog and living my life with me!

(hey)Jude