Off to India!

It seems like something exciting always happens the week of my birthday!

2004: Left to Study Abroad in Ecuador.
2005: ok...maybe this is the exception...
2006: Left to live in Japan.
2007: Came back to the US.
2008: Got married!

2009 is continuing the trend! As you all know (that's why you're reading this blog) I'm heading to India for about a month to observe/study microfinance in action! With a group of 9 other women, I am going to visit a few NGOs who use microfinance as a tool for women's empowerment. The leader of our trip, Dr. Suzanne Feeney, is one of the authors of this book:



This trip is a study program for which I will receive graduate level credit - so we will be looking at microfinance & women's empowerment through an analytical lense. During this trip I hope to more fully understand the nuts and bolts of implementing a microfinance program - strategy, training, implementation, evaluation, and the challenges and successes.

What is microfinance you say? Google it. If you're too lazy, here's a quote I particularly enjoy from Kofi Annan:

"Microfinance recognizes that poor people are remarkable reservoirs of energy and knowledge. And while the lack of financial services is a sign of poverty, today it is also understood as an untapped opportunity to create markets, bring people in from the margins and give them the tools with which to help themselves."

Three things I like about this quote:
1) many people lack access to financial services.
2) microfinance gives people the tools with which to help themselves.
3) microfinance is an untapped opportunity to create markets.

Of course, while we are there we'll also be enjoying the history, culture, and food of India. Food! I am particularly excited to load up on some fresh Darjeeling and Chai Tea!

This blog will be my personal reflection on my experiences while in India - I hope you'll engage with me by leaving comments when you feel inspired. Thanks for reading!