As I write this, my wife is finishing up her 13th trip to Tanzania. She coordinates an annual medical/surgical mission trip through the auspices of both the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Tanzania Lutheran Church. Primarily, they serve the working poor in and around the city of Morogoro, Christian or Muslim, without regard, without even asking. This year’s trip has eleven in the team, both helpers and medical professionals like herself. You can read more about their work at here.

I went with her some years back. I saw the weight of poverty and lack of access to capital that causes their economy to struggle. This is why I am so excited about the work that Kiva does.

What is Kiva? Some copy from kiva.org website says it best, “… by lending as little as $25 on Kiva, anyone can help a borrower start or grow a business, go to school, access clean energy or realize their potential. For some, it’s a matter of survival, for others it’s the fuel for a life-long ambition. 100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes to funding loans. Kiva covers costs primarily through voluntary donations, as well as through support from grants and sponsors.”

The management of Pennie Works Studio (that would be Cindy and I) want to put more skin in the game, so we have decided to promote Kiva and the great work they do. All or part of PWS design fees can be paid through Kiva.
The funds still go to Pennie Works Studio, but only after they help first some people all over the world. It is a little complicated but still doable. Let’s talk about it.

Here is where I give a shout-out to Mark Perry, Bunny Hous3 Records, for being the first client to use Kiva. Rashidi in Tanzania, Eva in El Salvador, Valentina in Columbia with Edison, also in Columbia, have an opportunity for a better future.
Thank you.