For ChanuChristmaKah last year I was given a gift certificate to Kiva.
In short, Kiva is “a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.” I’ve been a huge fan of Kiva for years and I’ve always wanted to be a part of it. It’s one of those things on my “list” that I keep forgetting about. I’m not entirely too sure why, except that I had not yet made Kiva a part of my life routine and you know how taking that initial step goes…
Also, I have the attention span of a goldfish.
So last year when my aunt asked me what I wanted for the holidays I basically squealed, “a Kiva gift certificate!” It was the only thing I could think of that I truly wanted. Because not only was she gifting me the money to turn around and invest in someone who genuinely needs and deserves it, but she was giving me the platform to start my own Kiva portfolio. She gave me a gift that will continue to give as long as I continue to reinvest the funds. And she gave me the absolute joy of not only being able to help someone in need, but to be a part of the process as well. After seven months, I’ve finally been able to make a decision about where to invest the money and I couldn’t be happier about it. Sifting through all of the applicants, knowing you can pick only one (or two) in whom to invest is one seriously tough-ass decision to make. But I finally found a woman that I’m a little bit in love with and hope to some day visit her in Peru (after all, Peru IS on Rhonda’s and my bucket travel list). Meet Lesly:
- Best Part of Your Day: #photoadayjuly – *Click image to enlarge for better reading*
Today’s “Photo a Day July” (yeah, I’m attempting that again… let’s see if I can make it through an entire month this time!) is “Best Part of Your Day.” My day started off pretty crappy actually, and this** is exactly what I needed to not only turn it around, but pretty much make this the best week/month/year ever. Seriously. I’m more excited about this than I can adequately say.
A-hundred-million-lifetime “thank yous,” Robyn. One of the best gifts ever.
**I know it’s not officially a photo that I shot today. But it’s a screen capture that I cropped and made to look kind-of, maybe a little bit like a photo. Back off, I’m participating… that’s all that matters. Like I said, “attention span of a goldfish.” It’s a miracle I’ve made it THIS far.
Update: In the time it took me to type up this post, Lesly reached her goal and is fully funded! Color me happy. 
I’ve been doing Kiva for about since 2009 — I try to use my craft money and have given 13 loans, … and then a ton in reloaning. I try to look for crafty girls to give too … but when I had a little extra left over from a car repair I gave it to a mechanic etc … I joined the team of a podcast I listen too … and as a team we have raised over a million dollars … and I always feel good when I do it… so yeah, I’m into Kiva