The time has come to leave the “Spice Island.” Manka just ran off to grab us our last cup of Masala, Cardamom and Ginger Tea (with milk, please).

I couldnt sleep last night.
Had an interesting conversation with one of the employees of the hotel last night. It was interesting because we continue to find out about various organizations who mask themselves in noble missions but are actually exploiting the poorest of poor. While walking to the sea, after a mini discussion in world economics, Ms R. (employee) tells me:

She: I am nearly 30! I want to do something with my life!! I cant work here forever and I have a family to raise.
Me: What is stopping you?

She: Well, there are many things. How? What? I have ideas and need help but dont know where to go.

Me:  Have you looked into microfinancing (named a couple of organizations that we are researching)

She: (rolling her eyes) Oh please!! Those places?? If (big IF) you get a loan from those organizations they charge you so much money that they cause debt and make people poorer than before. And besides, we need direction! We have ideas but dont have a complete understanding of how to make our dreams happen. As a result, there is not enough work.

Me: Hmm… Have you considered getting a group of your friends together and maybe starting a business as a team.

She: The women here choose one of two things: if they are married, they stay home. If they are not, most are not educated and do not speak english. Unless they find help, they either beg in the streets or become a prostitute.

Our conversation carried on for a little longer before she had to run back to work…
I sat there for some time, tears rolling down my face and then hurried to Manka, full of excitement!

Me: Manka!! Manka!! We are not dreaming big enough!! Our plans are not large enough!  We must expand our vision!!

A long conversation ensued - more laughter, more tears, more truth and then more hope.  We’ll tell you more when we have time to articulate it ourselves!

amanda This entry was posted on Friday, December 8th, 2006 at 5:35 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.