Metal Meredith

For over a year, I have been participating on a site called Kiva.org. It is a place where I can lend a small amount of money, along with a group of other people across the world, to small business owners in foreign countries that otherwise wouldn’t be able to get funding. Over time, I have given to 13 people in 9 different countries; Bolivia, Iraq, Lebanon, Peru, Tajikistan, Cambodia, Pakistan, Tanzania and Uganda. I have funded both men and women in areas of construction, food, transportation and clothing.

I get email updates on my loans, mostly from the people that have received them. It is rewarding in a way that I can’t explain. With my $200, that I have consistently invested over and over again, I have helped so many. I love the way it feels.

Below is the most recent update from a woman in Cambodia. I hope it makes you smile, too.

This is an update on your loan to Sreydy Deab in Cambodia.

Mrs. Sreydy is working in a garment factory while her husband is a motor taxi driver and does construction work. In February, 2008 she requested a loan of $800 to purchase new motorbike for her husband’s business. Sreydy’s husband is able to save more money by using his new motorbike in the way that he doesn’t spend much money to fix it. Therefore, the living standard of Sreydy’s family is better then. In addition, she would like to say thank you to all lenders for lending her some money because it is very important when her ability cannot cope the high cost to buy a motorbike in which she really needs it immediately. Sreydy will request the loan again in the future.