On this day Mom and I visited two of our groups - Upendo and Mwangaza. In the photo below the leaders of the Upendo (love in Swahili) group are tabulating the loan payments and savings deposits, updating passbooks, then passing them on to Virginia (in the foreground) who is entering the information on a receipt. One copy of the receipt is left with the chairperson of the group and the original is brought back to the office to be entered into the computer.
Meetings are also a time for discussing group issues, receiving new members and approving new loans - alot happens in one hour! Most groups start with a word of prayer and even praise songs.
I made a new friend - I found out her name is Anne. She spoke no English and I speak very little Swahili, but we enjoyed our time together anyway :)
One member clarifying something in his passbook.
Babies are my favorite...and I just love that they attend the meetings :)
Lots of activity
Sweet face...
Another cutie!
Overview to give you an idea of what group meetings are like - this one meets in a nice room that is actually pretty comfortable, and even has some light (from a square of white fiberglass inserted into the tin roof)
And of course we were asked to speak - here mom is sharing about our ride to this meeting on the bus.
I think she's done...and this is the end of the Upendo meeting...all the records from the secretary of the group must agree with the receipt before Virginia can leave the meeting.
The Upendo group members left the meeting and members of Mwangaza, who were waiting patiently outside come in to meet in the same room.
This man is the chairman - Mighty John Kamande. He has asked one member to read God's word...
...to prepare for his word of encouragement.
He speaks with his hands...even though it was in Swahili, I knew people were being blessed.
I know they do not look like they are paying attention, but they really are!
Now down to business!
This group also received a new member on this day - actually a transfer from another group that is ending...
Virginia knows I don't like to be idle, so she has enlisted my help - I love to help!
A shot of the room from my new vantage point!
Mom and I also talked to this group...she introduced herself and I explained my role with the department and stressed the importance of keeping accurate records.
Talking with his hands again, he keeps the atmosphere in the room light and fun!
Members are encouraged to bring whatever they sell in their business...one lady makes these awesome samosas...
...others sell fabric, bags and all sorts of goods. They even like to promote merchants not even involved with our ministry, but who operate in the neighborhood - I so respect that attitude! Blessed to be a blessing!
This is Monicah...a single mom whose husband left her about a year ago. She struggled for months during a difficult pregnancy and lost much business. Due to the support, encouragement and help from the group she has been able to rebuild her business and is able to now support her family - just one of many success stories!
On the way back to the office, I remembered why I love going into the field with the Loan Officers - our clients are truly inspiring to me! This helps to remind me of why I do what I do.
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