happy bday58 to paul

Amazingly, I have the funds already for my third loan in less than a month.

Like the first of those three, this is also to celebrate a birthday, though this is for a man who is like a brother to me, rather than actual blood.

Like that first loan, too, this is for the 20th anniversary of an 18th birthday. 

Paul has been part of my life since we met in grad school in Tallahassee.

The 40th anniversary of his 18th birthday was on the 14th, so this gift is, admittedly, just a little belated.

That's because I was waiting to find a worthy loan, using the credit Kiva.org gave me after I made the second of the three loans I've made in less than a month.

That loan had been for the 20th anniversary of that charitable organization.

That's a lot of 20th anniversary dates being celebrated!

This third loan has been to Olusheno, a group in Namibia, and this is their second loan from Kiva.

Here's what the site said about them and this $100,000 ask.

"In partnership with d.light design, Olusheno... aims to bridge the affordability gap by providing high-quality solar light to thousands of “off-grid” families on affordable installments. Olusheno has already provided sustainable lighting to over 31,500 households across the country and is working to fulfill the government’s dream of bringing reliable electricity to its one million off-grid citizens by 2030.
This new loan will be used as working capital for Olusheno to purchase 5,000 solar home systems that will... help thousands of people light up their lives for the first time!"

I love that the description included that exclamation point!

(smile!)

The real attraction for me, though, was the photo of the woman standing in the doorway of her lit home, with the night darkness all around.
That spoke to me.

So I, in turn, left the above comment to encourage others to help.

I'm so glad that 21 other Nerdfighters have already added their support.

Paul, happy birthday, you're a man who lights up his community.

(smile!)

happy anniversary20 to kiva!

Hard to believe that Kiva.org has been around for twenty years!

I am so glad that I am part of its life-changing mission in the world!

To sweeten the pot, the site has offered a 20-dollar credit to all who help fund a loan today... so I made sure to do that!

I selected Yesica Leonor of the Dominican Republic.

She's a mother of two, and her loan is for construction materials to improve the rental properties she owns.

Note: this is the third loan the enterprising young woman has had with kiva!

Did I say "young"?

That's because she is 42, the same age as my first niece!

That was yet another reason to choose Yesica for my loan.

I even added a few words to encourage others to lend to her.

 

"She reminds me so much of my first niece! Same age, single mom of two, working hard to make the dream come true for herself and others! Plus, this is her 3rd loan - she's definitely a go-getter!"

I fully expect her loan to get fully funded soon!

And look at this: I've completed a badge on the website!

Without even trying, I've funded three loans that are classified as "Basic Needs".

I'm not sure just which ones those are, but I'm glad to have the badge!

Now, to decide who the recipient will be of the $20 credit that Kiva gives me for participating in their Anniversary funding drive...

happy bday58 to dood

Happy birthday to my youngest brother!!!

He is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his 18th birthday today.

I actually procured his gift a few days ago.

Kiva.org provided the perfect present: a loan to a man trying, like him, to make a better life for his family and community.

Kaboré of Cote D'Ivoire is the recipient of this $25 microloan from me as I celebrate my brother's birth.

Kaboré lives in the Daloa region of that African nation.

His $3475 loan through Kiva is for a solar energy kit, including a refrigerator, for his home.

In particular, he chose the solar project to provide electricity on cloudy days.
I totally agree with that rationale!

I'm sure his family will appreciate having electricity every night, too.

They will also appreciate being able to have cool drinks from the fridge, as well as being able to keep food fresh longer.

Oh, the things we take for granted in the United States!

she'll be walking, yes, indeed!

I have finally thought of a way to let Sherry Giddens know how much I appreciate her helping me with rides during the shifter cable debacle!

 

During the WNS dinner tonight, one of the announcements was about her upcoming walk on Saturday with the Alzheimer's Association.

 

Ah ha!

 

I would support her team, Savannah Memory Keepers.

 

How appropriate is that moniker, eh?

 

I'm so glad she was at Asbury Memorial tonight... and I told her so, too.

 

I do hope her walk goes well... and that my $30 helps her hit the goal!

 

(smile!)

full family meal for the Angells

I know, I've already donated to that food drive.

 

"I remember. I know you also said you wanted to take more food, though."

 

That's right, I did. But I've had to reconsider that, what with the government shutdown heading toward a fourth week now. If the weak POTUS Trump doesn't get that straightened out before month's end, then millions will have a trick putting food on the table, as SNAP will run out of funds. That will include yours truly.

 

"Heard. Still keeping the faith, though..."

 

Yes, exactly. That's why I've put together a meal in this bag that'll be going to Asbury Memorial with me tonight. I've included a healthy protein - a large can of salmon. Another can holds mixed vegetables. Plus, there's a box of pretty pasta - for those like me who like their food prettier than it has to be. (smile!) And I've included a can of peaches for dessert!

 

"Oh, that will make some family a wonderful dinner!"

 

Thanks, that's what I'm hoping.

computer access for all, still

Yes, I've done it again: donated 4000 AARP Reward points to help the over-55 set have online access.

Communication is vital for mental health. 

Thanks, Senior Planet, for making that possible.

local food for all, please!

Bwah ha ha... it's that time of year again!

What time of year is that?

"It's SPOOKY to be hungry" time, that's what! 

The Asbury Angells have set up this month for gathering non-perishable foods for a local food bank, so I'm definitely participating.

I'm regarding it as sharing the wealth of my Senior SNAP. 

I took a bag with six cans with me to Asbury Memorial Church today.

And guess what?

Mine was the first contribution on the stage in Holliday Hall!

I could just feel Miss Virginia beaming at me... (smile!).

This time was all beans, but I will bring soups next week.

I'm so thankful to have food to spare.