story time...

Yesterday I went to a copy store to see if I could print and bind all of the curriculum I've been working on over the last year. And let me just say, the result was magnificent. Not only was it a hyper-efficient process (perhaps only appreciated after being in Honduras for 11 months), but it was so exciting to see all my work over the past year in these 6 booklets. I love them! Almost made a second copy for myself, but decided the cost wasn't quite worth it. I decided to give the office these course booklets as a parting gift. Since paper, ink, and working printers are continually lacking in our office, I thought a hard copy would be useful to them.

Of course, selfishly, I want them to continue to use the material because I spent a lot of time on it. But really, I want them to use it because we have such a good thing going...and because the clients of the bank can really use the info.

As I mentioned earlier this week, I wanted to share some stories of different clients within the Income Generation Program where I'm working. So here is story #2:

Maria Isabel

Maria Isabel, her mother and two friends had their own small businesses, but didn’t have enough income to support their families.  They saw the prosperity of other neighbors who were loan clients with SCM. Their neighbors’ businesses were growing, so they decided to investigate the program and see if they too could get loans to help their businesses grow.

The 4 women went to MCM and got all the information they needed through an introductory session offered by the bank program. The women learned how the loans work, including details about how and when payments happen, and about the various ministries MCM is involved in to help the community of Nueva Suyapa.

Maria Isabel became a founding member of the community bank Matthew 6:33, with an initial loan of LPS 3000 ($150 US).  She has been part of the bank for 18 months (a total of 4 loan cycles) and is just beginning her 5^th loan cycle.

Maria Isabel speaks openly about how the bank program has changed her life. She says that coming to MCM has enabled her to meet new people and make new friends. She enjoys how the women discuss biblical topics and other important issues at the bank meetings to help them with their families and their businesses. Maria Isabel has more cash flow to cover her household expenses and help her family.

Before, Maria Isabel only had a jewelry business where she would make a few items and sell them. With her loan she is able to grow her business and now has a second business selling bleach and disinfectant. Every loan cycle she has asked for a bigger loan to invest in her business and things have gone well. Maria Isabel says “I have learned to be a better mother and daughter than what I was. I learned how to move my business forward and I like [being part of the bank] because we always pray for each other’s needs.”

Currently, Maria Isabel continues in the Matthew 6:33 group and will be asking for a bigger loan in the next cycle because she would like to start a small ‘pulperia’ or corner store. She has also invited other friends to join their group bank. No longer a group of 4 women, they are now a community bank of 15. 

In the future, Maria Isabel wants to see the bank grow and have more in personal savings. In this way, she can use her own money to grow her corner store into a business that could offer employment to other people. She wants to see her daughter graduate and achieve the most that she can. Maria Isabel looks forward to a secure future, continuing to support her parents and children.

Dont know if this will work, but here is a video (in Spanish) if you want to hear her story...