What Obstacles do you have to the Good Life?

This is a good news story !
This is why I keep telling you about Kiva !
This is why it is so important that we skip lunch today to send off another $25 !
This is someone's life !

I received a link today to a news story that will tear at your heart.

From Machete To Microfinance: A Double Amputee's Recovery

The story begins... "Yenku Sesay looks down where his hands used to be. He answers my question with a sickening quickness: '1998. May 6. 10am.'."

This is about a Kiva borrower Yenku Sesay and as the article states so well "Were it not for a microloan, Yenku is sure that he would still be begging today."

later man, jan

Living the Questions

I have problems editing posts that I do on YouTube - sigh - however...
You can view all 21 videos - please - take some time for the Spirit within you...

later man, jan

Living the Questions

An Intro to Progressive Christianity

A group of Living Spirit folk gathered together last year to stretch our minds with the study “Living the Questions”. I think I can safely speak for all the group when I say that the videos we watched and the discussions that followed opened our hearts and minds to the work of the Spirit abiding within us. Those who were part of the group now may enjoy the videos again on YouTube. Those of you who didn’t have the opportunity, now have a chance to check them out.

later man, jan

For all the world - and especially my daughter!

Struggling Students...

I have joined with a community called Education Generation. These young people have dedicated a website to providing access to education for students around the globe. They have used the Kiva.org idea for their site but these will be donations, not loans and there will be PayPal transaction fees taken from the funds before they are advanced. Take a look and see what you think...

"We bridge the gap between supporters and students in need using technology. We eliminate the high overhead of child sponsorship, partnering with existing not for profit organizations that understand the communities they work in, and have a track record of success.

This allows you to directly help motivated students, with 100% of your money supporting their studies. We bring communities of people together with contributions as low as $20, to collectively support individual students. These are real youth with real dreams and unlimited potential. You can unleash this potential and help bring these dreams to reality. "

later man, jan

Does your dog play with dangerous toys?

"On Sunday, June 22, 2008 my 10-year old lab mix, Chai, sustained a severe injury from a product that the company Four Paws Inc, produces. The toy I'm referencing is the pimple ball with bell. (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9) "



This is a link to a terrible tale sent to me by a friend (thanx Eli)...
Read the whole story here at... The Chai Story and decide for yourself...

later man, jan

Arrogant Worms - Happy Birthday

and of course - everyone knows tomorrow is my birthday - right ???

later man, jan

Generosity Knows No Borders...

My friend, Eli, at KivaFriends.org says "It is the generosity of others that will contribute to world peace."

This boy has a 12 pound tumor!

She pointed me to the CNN.com news today where they have this remarkable story of an Iraqi boy who has come to Jordan for surgery with help from a most unlikely source: an 85-year-old liquor tycoon living on the other side of the world.

This is truly what it is all about

"I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I'm 'Somebody.'" (Author Unknown)

later man, jan

HIV-Positive Women Talk it over...

Ever since I got involved with Kiva, I have become so much more aware of the problems of everyday people in countries around the world. A huge case of 'there but for the grace of God go I'. How could I have been so fortunate to be born in such a rich country?

This link was passed to me by a KivaFriend HIV-Positive Women Talk It Over in 'Mama's Club' and lately I find one link taking me to another and another... like this one... Ugandan women scoop award at Aids meeting.

John and I have Kiva loans in Uganda and other African countries where Aids is still spreading and hope that in some small way, we are helping someone just like these women. It's darn sure our government money is not getting where we need it to go.

later man, jan

Child Workers in the Mines of Tanzania...

This video will take up 8 minutes and 9 seconds of your valuable time - however, it could change a whole life for one child.



Drop in to Kiva.org and lend $25 to someone in the developing world. The success of their adult business might mean more education and less work for their children. One small loan can make such a huge difference.

later man, jan