tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53076051840961033492024-03-13T13:36:45.054-07:00Adventures in Hope: Stories of DiscoverHopeWe invite you to experience the living layers of DiscoverHope Fund, an international development organization providing microcredit and social development support for women in poverty. Witness the organizational journey as Desireé, Peru Program Manager, shares insights from the field and and provides a window for you to participate in the growth of our nonprofit. Join us and be the change.NoraBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17745627532133757826noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-91109544622895614542013-08-08T16:24:00.003-07:002013-08-08T16:25:57.767-07:00HopeHouse Classes Revamped: Party Favors, Baking & Handcrafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Dear
DHF Family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This
year we have made it our mission to revamp the list of educational trainings
offered in the HopeHouse. Our mission has always been to teach our women new
skills and ideas to generate income for both themselves and their families. By
far crochet and knitting has transformed the face of our village banking
project. Approximately, 90% of our women are crocheters and knitters and
actively participate in trainings through our community and HopeHouse classes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzfTwedp6Po/UgQjpOWnd6I/AAAAAAAAAZM/DGgczICALv8/s1600/fotos+casa+esperanza+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzfTwedp6Po/UgQjpOWnd6I/AAAAAAAAAZM/DGgczICALv8/s320/fotos+casa+esperanza+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">In
March, I decided to visit all 26 village banks and ask women what they would
like to learn beyond our traditional classes. The first request on the list was
Information Technology classes. Women were interested in connecting with
friends, family, and the wider community through social media and desperately
wanted to help their children with homework assignments. As a result, we began
a Basic IT workshop. Our first class of ten students will be completing the
course in two weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whEXJ_L1KW4/UgQkN4-8E9I/AAAAAAAAAZU/jgq2CiaBStQ/s1600/fotos+casa+esperanza+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whEXJ_L1KW4/UgQkN4-8E9I/AAAAAAAAAZU/jgq2CiaBStQ/s320/fotos+casa+esperanza+063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second on the list were Event Planning and
Party Decorating. For many mothers, buying decorations and catering a birthday
or graduation party is really expensive. These past two month we’ve taught our
women how to create decorations with balloons and piñatas with cardboard and
poster paper. Through our culinary classes, we are teaching students how to
make appetizers, chocolate desserts, and dishes for special events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsCxxOwQupw/UgQnmbht2gI/AAAAAAAAAZo/7eS5auUrhIw/s1600/jhg+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsCxxOwQupw/UgQnmbht2gI/AAAAAAAAAZo/7eS5auUrhIw/s320/jhg+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly, handcrafts were the third most popular
request. Women are learning how to paint and stain jewelry boxes, paper towel
holders, tea bag holders, and much more. These items can be sold, used at home,
or given as a gift for birthdays and Mother’s Day. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3psp4yFYmU/UgQnFmEyy9I/AAAAAAAAAZk/qDlMQBjXRcw/s1600/100_4954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3psp4yFYmU/UgQnFmEyy9I/AAAAAAAAAZk/qDlMQBjXRcw/s320/100_4954.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Starting
in September, we will commence a pilot Leadership Series. With the help of
Psychologist Roger Huaman, we carefully selected 15 women from 10 different
village banks to take a three month course in Leadership. In July, each woman
participated in an aptitude test to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. I
am excited to share with you the results from the monthly trainings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">After
adding an assortment of classes to the line-up, both attendance and satisfaction
among participants has increased. Next month we hope to offer Tai-chi classes
and other courses aimed at teaching our women how to relax and mange stressful
situations. Please stay tuned!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Best,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Desiree<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-4974368332869297782013-07-04T14:28:00.002-07:002013-07-04T14:28:56.223-07:00InformationTechnology Classes Made Reality for Village Banking Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UqYLZIo2VY/UdXoEP0kcbI/AAAAAAAAAYs/HvId2f6ls6s/s1600/DSCF0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7UqYLZIo2VY/UdXoEP0kcbI/AAAAAAAAAYs/HvId2f6ls6s/s320/DSCF0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">As you enjoy the
4th of July, eat delicious food and spend time with friends and
family, I thought it only proper to get in on the excitement and share with you
an example of the wonderful work we are accomplishing here in Cajamarca thanks to
your generous support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Four months ago,
Board Members Maggie Miller and Hector Dominguez’s came to Peru on a mission to
begin discussing our future with local partner, MULTICREDIT, and identify ways
to improve our line-up of educational trainings in the HopeHouse. It was at
that time that Hector came up with a great idea to begin merging technology
with our women’s businesses and to also fulfill women’s desire to learn how to
use the Internet. Collecting donations from friends and family, DHF purchased
11 Kindles that have now allowed us to develop Information Technology Classes
at the HopeHouse so our women can become both technology literate and gain access
to social media sites to improve and promote their businesses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Once the Kindles
were in hand we now had to figure out a way to ship them to Peru and avoid the
red tape tap and fees associated with international shipping. Thanks to the
Texas-based association, Villa Milagro, a team of nurses and doctors in route
to Cajamarca for a 7-day medical campaign in June agreed to bring the Kindles
free of charge. Once we had the kindles in hand, the last piece of the puzzle
was to identify a qualified instructor with enough patience to teach our women
the ins-and-outs of Facebook and Internet browsing. Lucky for us, Charo
Yupanqui, our HopeHouse Community Education Coordinator and crochet teacher
extraordinaire, recommended her computer instructor as a candidate. Professor
Salatiel (as we call him) passed the interview with flying colors and helped us
develop a 6-week curriculum where women attend classes twice a week for two
hours. By the end of the course, women create an E-mail account, FaceBook Page,
and learn how to browse the Internet to help themselves and their children with
homework assignments.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This Monday we officially
commenced classes with a group of 10 women representing 6 village banks. Needless
to say our students were excited and arrived 20 minutes early ready to take on
IT 101. The demand for classes is extremely high, we’ve have a waiting list of
40 eager women lined up for the second round of classes in mid-August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I personally would
like to thank all the individuals who donated both money and/or Kindles to such
a worthy cause. Without you, this project would not have been possible a just a
mere idea yet to be realized.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Happy 4th
of July!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Des<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0Cajamarca, Peru-7.162099 -78.510628-7.2251185000000007 -78.591309 -7.0990795 -78.429947tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-4420820355740565102013-05-29T07:00:00.000-07:002013-05-30T06:47:55.836-07:00Village Bank Profile: Rosa Condor, Mother and Entrepreneur Extraordinaire <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nu5kJzArI3g/UaUdq4-MPxI/AAAAAAAAAYI/cxi-J5prNzw/s400/DSC_3467.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa selling her delicious potatoes and ceviche</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Petite in her blue coat, Rosa Condor navigates the streets
and markets in Cajamarca, looking for fresh produce to prepare her daily recipe
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ceviche</i> and potatoes. With help
from DiscoverHope, Rosa has achieved her independence and is able to provide
for her four children. She has a successful small business and even before Rosa
sets up her food, clients are already waiting for her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is for sure a success story, and one of many I have
heard since arriving in Cajamarca. There are hundreds of women whose lives are
being changed by the DiscoverHope/Microcredit alliance, which provides low
interest micro loans and complements them with capacity building. But Rosa’s story,
though I’ll share a bit here, is yet to be told. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She is a single mother of four – two girls and two boys. Her
oldest is 14 years old but when he has no school, he contributes to the family
income by working in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">combi</i>
(microbus). Tania and Nataly, 9 and 7 years old respectively, go to school
during the day. And there is Brian, about 2 years old. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Three times a week, Rosa wakes up at 4 a.m. and walks long
distances to catch a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">combi</i> that will
take her into town to make the purchases for her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ceviche</i>. On those days, she leaves her children sleeping and does
not return until 6 or 7 a.m. Already, this has presented grave problems. A few
years ago, one of the girls lit up the stove and caused a fire that almost took
the two girls’ lives. Now Rosa has her locale two doors from her home, but she
still must leave her children alone at dawn.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In her makeshift kitchen, small chores become harder. She
often squats to peel potatoes and corn; runs inside the living room to use her
blender; and has to haul her food two doors down to her small restaurant. In
the restaurant, she has no running water or a proper stove, so she has to
prepare everything at home and then carry it to the restaurant. Many buy Rosa’s
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ceviche</i> but few know the cost at
which Rosa is able to maintain her small business. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rosa’s profits have allowed her to put food on the table for
her own family. She has also acquired proper beds for her family and a few
commodities, such as a TV and a dresser. But she still has higher aspirations. Her
dreams are to have a locale with everything necessary to prepare her food in it.
She also wishes to learn more recipes so she can provide a wider variety of
foods for her clients. </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As Rosa sits outside her locale, during the rare moments when
she has no clients, she barely stays awake. Her mornings are tough. But twice a
week, her afternoons are filled with joy as she visits her communal bank for
knitting classes. The morning version of Rosa, tired and overwhelmed, becomes
alive at the knitting sessions. Surrounded by her peers, she is less shy, has
an easier smile, and a quicker laugh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Alexandra</span></div>
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-34059004114434715382013-05-27T07:48:00.000-07:002013-05-27T07:54:43.557-07:00Alfajores Recipe is Income Generating for Peruvian Women<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhLmhK9YH10/UaJrqtBxepI/AAAAAAAAAX4/Ard6VR_0N8o/s1600/alicia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhLmhK9YH10/UaJrqtBxepI/AAAAAAAAAX4/Ard6VR_0N8o/s320/alicia.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“Alfajores
de maicena” are soft and delicious pastries in South America made with
cornstarch and filled with “dulce de leche”, but in Cajamarca, Peru, they
are filled with the delicious “manjar blanco,” a variety of “dulce de leche”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Alicia
Yupanque, a 15-year old instructor, taught women how to make alfajores at the
Hope House last Wednesday, May 15</span><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">. Alicia started her own
business baking alfajores on weekends and sold them to street vendors and local
stores in Cajamarca. She shared her baking skills with 25 women and her
students got excited with a new business opportunity that triples their
investment. It costs about $6 to make 50 alfajores in Peru, but they are sold
for 0.40 cents each, leaving a net profit of $14. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Below
is Alicia’s recipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Recipe
for Alfajores de Maizena (Peruvian Pastries)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">To
make 50 units<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">4
cups of all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">1
¾ cups of butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">½
cup of powdered sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">4
cups of corn flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">1
cup of corn starch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">2
eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Filling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">1
½ cup of manjar blanco (dulce de leche)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">1
cup of grated coconut<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">¾
cup of powdered sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">1.
Sift the all-purpose flour, corn flour, corn starch, and sugar. Then, use a
bowl to mix flour, corn flour, corn starch, sugar, eggs, and butter until
mixture is soft and uniform. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">Place the
dough into a plastic bag and wrap it tightly. Place it in the refrigerator for
about 30 minutes.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator,
unwrap it, and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Lightly flour the
top of the dough. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness (the dough will crack but can be
easily patched back together). Stamp out 50 circles using a plain or fluted
2-inch round cutter, rerolling the dough as necessary until all of it is gone.
These will become the outside cookies.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F and
arrange a rack in the middle. Line eight baking sheets with parchment paper and
set aside.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">4. Place the cookies on the prepared baking
sheets, 12 per sheet and at least 1/2 inch apart. Bake one sheet at a time
until the cookies are firm and slightly golden on the bottom, about 20 minutes.
(The cookies will remain light colored on top.) Transfer to a wire rack to cool
completely.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">5. Flip half of the cookies upside down and
gently spread about 2 teaspoons of the dulce de leche on each. Place a second
cookie on top and gently press to create a sandwich. Dust outside circles with
grated coconut on top and bottom layers with powdered sugar.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> Best,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Tania</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-5177836081901033482013-05-22T10:51:00.003-07:002013-05-22T11:59:31.277-07:00In Peru, Witnessing the Power of Microcredit Loans in the Lives of Driven Women<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzQ4z7mU3GE/UZ0VSWVt4cI/AAAAAAAAAXo/9npKvNtfixU/s1600/IMG_7224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzQ4z7mU3GE/UZ0VSWVt4cI/AAAAAAAAAXo/9npKvNtfixU/s320/IMG_7224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila with the women of Village Bank "Las Azucenas"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was an honor to meet the joyous women of the Azucenas village bank. Rosario Yupanque “Charo”, a DiscoverHope instructor, who travels to the village banks outside the city, invited me to one of her classes. I was greeted with a glass of yellow Inca Kola as the women prepared their yarn for their lesson. This was going to be both a knitting class and a repayment meeting. It didn’t take long before the women welcomed me and soon the room was filled with laughter. It was obvious that the women were more than just members of the same village bank. They were friends, supporters, and teachers to each other. They laughed together, shared stories and exchanged tips. I heard tips on what to do when a baby is sick, how to knit a specific pattern, how to heal a cut using spider webs, and most importantly how to price a knitted creation. <u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u> <u></u></div>
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On this occasion, I would be able to see the many aspects of DiscoverHope. It started with the lesson where the women asked Charo many questions. As we arrived, everybody had their yarn out and many hands were already hard at work. Within the hour, I was able to see the transformation of a ball of yarn into the formation of a sweater-magic. The women proudly showed off their creations. Some of the women were making clothes for their kids and others had presold their knitted items. <u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u> <u></u></div>
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Next, I was able to see the repayment meeting that was guided by the “Promotora” Maricela and the village bank treasurer. The women were called up for their monthly repayment one by one. It was exciting to see how sharp the women were during the accounting and record keeping. It was also impressive to see many women choosing to leave additional savings.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u> <u></u></div>
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Overall, in one evening I was able to see and hear about the translation of hard work and drive into results. I am very grateful for the visit because it reminded me of the fighting spirit of women and the power of self-reliance. The Azucenas bank will continue to inspire me even after I leave Cajamarca.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u> <u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u></u> Mila</div>
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-39044788526317079752013-05-20T10:10:00.000-07:002013-05-20T10:10:47.775-07:00Introducing the 2013 Meadow's Fellows
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hello DHF Family,</span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-std8B4_ZeTg/UZpX6mVm-pI/AAAAAAAAAXY/WgqrNyS2Sr0/s1600/blog+foto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-std8B4_ZeTg/UZpX6mVm-pI/AAAAAAAAAXY/WgqrNyS2Sr0/s320/blog+foto.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mila, Sarela (HopeHouse Assitant), Alexandra & Tania</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ve been extremely busy here in Cajamarca and I’m glad to
say we survived Mother’s Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here in
Peru, Mother’s Day is one of the most important and celebrated holidays. Most
Peruvians travel home to be at their mother’s side and in most schools, plays
and musicals are organized in honor of mom’s hard work and dedication. This
year most schools and state institutions were given a 4 day weekend! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On May 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>, DHF and Multicredit
organized our 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Annual Mother’s Day Event in which more than 200
loan recipients were in attendance. Moms danced, played, and laughed forgetting
for a moment the endless list of chores that typically consume their day. We
raffled food baskets, high quality yarn, amongst other goodies. We also organized
once again our Bi-Annual Uniform Contest in which village banks crocheted
outfits demonstrating their skills, creativity, and sense of style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year Village Bank “Fuerza y <span lang="ES-PE" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-PE;">Bendición</span>” (Strength and
Blessings) took home first place for an elegant white blouse and skirt
ensemble. Seeing the countless smiles made me reflect on how inspiring our
beneficiaries are to me. Besides taking on the task of starting a business,
most raise 2 or more children and even extended family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In other news, I am proud to announce the arrival of three
Meadow’s Fellows from the University of Texas at Austin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alexandra, Mila, and Tania are graduate
students hailing from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the McCombs School of
Business who have come together to help DHF design two promotional videos of
our work here in Cajamarca and help us revamp our social media sites to keep
donors tuned into our important<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>project
updates. It was a full-circle moment when the fellows arrived a week ago. Back
in 2009, then a first year LBJ student, I was selected as a Meadow’s Fellows to
help DHF conduct an internal audit of the village banking project. Thanks to
the fellowship, it landed me my job here in Cajamarca and the rest is history.
This week the girls will be writing blog entries about their time here in Peru
and provide more insight into our important labor of love with the women of
Cajamarca. So please stay tuned!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best,</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Des</span></div>
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-85575426324902925652013-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:002013-04-24T12:05:10.801-07:00YEAR IN REVIEW: CELEBRATING 2012 WITH ABUNDANCE & GRATITUDE!<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Hello DHF Family,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg-s4o3tuzc/UXgq9anAWjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/xk4Y8JZpRn0/s1600/2012AnnualReportCover_Screenshot-232x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg-s4o3tuzc/UXgq9anAWjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/xk4Y8JZpRn0/s1600/2012AnnualReportCover_Screenshot-232x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This is an exciting time for all of us
here in Peru and back in the United States. With so many new and motivating
things occurring right here, right now, I think it’s only fair to rewind and
reflect on our amazing accomplishments in 2012. With that said, I am excited to
announce that our <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/what-we-do/2012-annual-report" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2012</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DHF ANNUAL REPORT</b></a> is ready for
review! As you peruse the report, please realize that this document is a living
testament of our incredible labor of love due in part to your generous time,
talent, donations, and unwavering commitment to bring opportunities of
abundance to the women of Cajamarca.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since 2008, we’ve provided more than
1,200 loans and funded over 2,400 development trainings related to business
assistance, literacy, computer skills, family wellness, culinary, and
artisanship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the 2012 highlights
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">510
ADDITIONAL LOANS BORROWED – 30% increase over prior year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">$65
AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS PER CYCLE – 71% increase over prior year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">942
TRAININGS OFFERED – a 20% increase over prior year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">$11,886
IN REPORTED EARNINGS FROM TRAININGS –163% increase over prior year</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">100% LOAN PAYBACK –
maintained since 2008</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr9n26_Xx8s/UXgrd5jaGlI/AAAAAAAAAW8/0Yuy49ZxWSY/s1600/IMG_2263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr9n26_Xx8s/UXgrd5jaGlI/AAAAAAAAAW8/0Yuy49ZxWSY/s320/IMG_2263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit to Village Bak "Friends Forever" with Maggie, Des, and Hector</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The past month has also brought us plenty of insight
about the direction of our village banking project here in Cajamarca. Our
vision has always been centered on building a path to sustainability in which
our partner, MULTICREDIT, has both the knowledge and the autonomy to run a
local project incorporating our unique MicrocreditPLUS Model. During Maggie and
Hector´s 10 day visit in April we spent a majority of our time in the field
visiting village banks and in the office developing a roadmap for success that will
allow us to slowly transition over project power to our partner and ensure that
the HopeHouse, our educational center, maintains a long-term local presence in
Peru for years to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a part of this plan, a decision was made to bring
in additional support in the form of two new local positions held by two of the
strongest, most inspiring Cajamarcan women I know: Sarela Tirado Vasquez, our
new HopeHouse Administrative Assistant and Rosario "Charo" Yupanqui
Linares, our new Community Education Coordinator. This decision moves us two
steps further to fulfilling our goal of </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">giving total power to the local
community.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Both women started out as active village bank members serving on their
bank´s internal committees as both president and treasurer. Now they are our
newest addition to the project helping me identify new instructors, affordable
materials, new class ideas, and new markets for our loan recipient´s products
and services. With their help this year we are going to revamp our class
line-up incorporating new themes like nutrition, leadership, technology, parenting,
and business assistance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So as we begin this exciting new chapter I invite you
all to get on board and witness HOPE in action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Best,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Des<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://www.lendhope.org/what-we-do/2012-annual-report" target="_blank">http://www.lendhope.org/what-we-do/2012-annual-report</a>Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-74951426698347602502013-01-31T10:22:00.001-08:002013-01-31T10:22:44.525-08:00Crochet and Computers
Hello DHF Family,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2aXbOol8pI/UQqzVNUUyqI/AAAAAAAAAU0/NBf6Pna6E64/s1600/100_4429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2aXbOol8pI/UQqzVNUUyqI/AAAAAAAAAU0/NBf6Pna6E64/s320/100_4429.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">January has come and gone….REALLY FAST! During the past
three weeks I’ve had the chance to visit 13 of our 26 banks asking our women
about their progress. You can see the glimmer of hope in their eyes and the happiness
they feel to be a part of a group that encourages growth and abundance. What
always amazes me is how popular our crochet classes are. Although we are on
hiatus until March 1st the majority continue to manufacture an assortment of
clothes from ponchos to sweaters and baby blankets. Although it’s technically
summer here in Cajamarca the temperature can drop easily to 30</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif";">º</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">F at night making
warm clothes a necessity and in really high demand. The most common questions I’ve
been asked is when do crochet classes begin and will the same instructor join
them for the year.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0stJIlvejQ/UQqzkviJnJI/AAAAAAAAAU8/PGQiDDC_weg/s1600/100_4401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0stJIlvejQ/UQqzkviJnJI/AAAAAAAAAU8/PGQiDDC_weg/s320/100_4401.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to
crochet, I’m currently strategizing how we can offer basic computer classes for
members. I’ve received so many requests for classes because women want to be
connected to the Internet and social media outlets like FaceBook but more
importantly, they are eager to help their children complete homework assignments.
One idea would be to rent an Internet Café three times a week in the afternoons
for a month at a time. The second would be to collect used or new laptops and
organize a small computer lab here in the HopeHouse for 10 students at a time. In
twelve sessions, women could learn basic computer operations, how to navigate
the Internet, create an e-mail account and use basic social media. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we now move into February I’ll be hard at work developing
our program of activities and revamping our PLUS
component. I’ll be sure to fill you in on the changes.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best,</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Des</span></div>
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-30539333500301885532013-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:002013-01-15T13:11:38.639-08:002013: The Year of Sustainability and Adventure Stories<br />
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mn6b795AhsM/UPXD0tJeEHI/AAAAAAAAAUk/k1IvlfLih4c/s1600/IMG_4354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mn6b795AhsM/UPXD0tJeEHI/AAAAAAAAAUk/k1IvlfLih4c/s320/IMG_4354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Des outside of the HopeHouse. Just a small piece of a gigantic puzzle<br />
called "Sustainable Village Banking Project".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Greetings DHF Family!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Almost two years
and four months ago to the date, I began an incredible journey that lead me
back to Peru and eager to discover what life would be like helping women “RE”-discover
their paths to spiritual and financial abundance. Boy what a journey it has been to say the
least. Our village banking project has grown from a bouncy baby girl to a rambunctious
preteen and into a spirited, strong-willed señorita ready to spread her wings
and fly. I personally have grown both professionally and psychology and feel priveleged to now be a honorary member of the Cajamarcan community.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Now 26 village
banks, 264 loan recipients, 1,200 loans and 2,000 educational trainings strong,
our local partner (MULTICREDIT) and staff are even more committed to making
sure our women receive the resources and the “know how” to become successful entrepreneurs
and leaders. 2013 marks a pivotal year for all of us. As DHF begins to ever so
gently hand over project leadership to MULTICREDIT, we hope that all of you will
take an active role witnessing what true sustainability can look like and
become over time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past our “Adventure in Hope” blog was a
portal that allowed you to experience a typical day-in-the-life of our village
banking project in Cajamarca. Starting today I’d like to rekindle this practice
and have you see first-hand what your support albeit donations, volunteering,
prayers, and well wishes have done for the women I now call family. Let’s make 2013
an OUTSTANDING year! I encourage you all to share our adventure stories with your friends and family and get the word our about our very important labor of lover here in Peru.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Best,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
DesDesirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-79055132165547884842012-10-12T08:39:00.003-07:002012-10-12T08:39:57.854-07:00Reflection<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello DHF Family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s been almost a week since Maggie, John, and Hector left Cajamarca and not a minute passes when one of our loan recipients taps me on the shoulder and asks, “When is the team coming back?” Here in the HopeHouse our entire staff feels re-energized and ready to bring on the New Year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m so grateful to the “CREW” (as I call them) for taking the time out of their busy schedules and traveling over 4,000 miles to visit the village banking project. My personal philosophy has always been that there are no coincidences in life but rather a Divine Order to our lives and the choices we make. After working here for more than two years, I truly believe that the fabric that ties all of us together-our local staff, the Board, DHF donors, volunteers, and blog readers- is this project and the countless people we serve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I also believe we all understand the importance of providing impoverished women with microloans, education, and access to opportunities that enable these same women to become self-reliant and abundant; but when you see it firsthand, something magical happens. Little girls sitting side-by-side with their mothers witnessing a repayment meeting. A village bank member holding her new loan money in hand contemplating her next purchase for her business. A student proudly displaying a new sweater she crocheted in community classes for her daughter when five months ago she didn’t even know how to use a crochet needle. A woman with her children crying tears of joy and appreciation for being given the opportunity to dream and create a vision for herself and her family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was truly a pleasure and an honor to bear witness to the hundreds of “light bulb” moments John, Maggie, and Hector experienced while in Cajamarca. Seeing their special moments gave way to my own and provided me with a sense of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>validation that yes, indeed all the hard work, the countless office hours, the dozens of guinea pigs and potatoes eaten, the hundreds of miles walked, and the thousands of personal conversations has been worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m looking forward to meeting firsthand the countless DHF donors and supporters on October 25<sup>th</sup> that make this project a reality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope you all enjoy your weekend and know how truly grateful we all are to have you in our lives. You are truly appreciated!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Best,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Des<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-43762229114934926182012-10-05T10:37:00.001-07:002012-10-05T10:37:08.943-07:00Gratitude.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are the reminders and gifts given to me on this
journey. This is a pocket of time in my
Heart I will never forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ0KS2W9ZEE/UG8amiThmnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/4GG1Mm9VFj8/s1600/IMG_5072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJ0KS2W9ZEE/UG8amiThmnI/AAAAAAAAAIg/4GG1Mm9VFj8/s320/IMG_5072.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am deeply energized about our work and the power of local
women leading their charge. Watching
village banks function with joy and integrity, it is obvious to me this notion
of “DiscoverHope” has a life of its own.
I guess it’s as close as I know to watching my child grow. Seeing the women in their groups with their
wings of strength…well this makes every second of every year worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you all get to join us on <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/">Oct 25 at our gala</a> for several reasons. Desiree, our Country Director here in Peru,
will be with us. She is a living,
breathing example of courage and positive power. Her everyday is spent giving women
opportunity. To be with her alone and
hear her is a gift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bringing John and Hector to this special place has been the
best possible thing for me personally and the movement of our project. They are both incredible thinkers and
empathetic Hearts. Knowing that they are
part of the fabric of moving our work to a level where it can sustain itself
here in this community…well this is a contribution to the lives of families
that will never be the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This journey I’ve gotten to see them witnessing the valor of
women. To watch them watching and
participating in this work and to see us all changing before our very eyes is
just something I can never ever forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My commitment to giving women doors of opportunity through
microcredit and education is as formidable as ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the greatest teachers of everyday have been the
community of love and Presence the women give to one another and us. This is a level of loving I hope to achieve
in my lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blessings from the Heart, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maggie</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-39881373446399165162012-10-05T06:00:00.006-07:002012-10-05T06:00:50.680-07:00Ojos (eyes)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have left Cajamarca for my return trip to Austin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maggie and Hector are staying a couple of
days more for a few more bank visits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I sit here in the Lima airport, reflecting on my trip, I struggle for words.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It’s impossible for me to describe my experience here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as anyone tries to describe a
watershed moment in life, words are inadequate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So </span>I thought I’d share a few photos and an observation that Hector made our
first day in Cajamarca.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We were greeted on our first night at the Hope House by a
group of women from different village banks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They stayed late after a sewing class to share some of their creations
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each in turn told a bit of
their personal story and their experience of the DiscoverHope program.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hector observed later that the women who had been part of
our program for several loan cycles were more confident and looked us in the
eyes as they were talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the
women in earlier loan cycles were more uncertain and
looked at the floor while they spoke.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I became much more aware as the week went on, who would
look me in the eyes when we met or spoke.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of our bank officers, Carina, repeated the familiar
phrase several times this week, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i><span class="hps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Los ojos son la</span></i></span><span class="shorttext"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"> </span></i></span><span class="hps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">ventana del alma.” or </span></i></span></span>
</i></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The eyes
are the window to the soul.” </i> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">I
will try again in the coming days to describe my experience here, but right now,
I am at a loss.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">Instead,
I’d like to share a few photos from the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="hps"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;">I hope their eyes convey
some of what we experienced this week.</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In gratitude,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">John</span></div>
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John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-71504584894287554682012-10-03T11:10:00.000-07:002012-10-03T11:10:31.034-07:00Generations<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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Today we had the opportunity to visit with the incredible women of the village bank Bendicion de Dios (God’s Blessings).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This bank is sponsored by Hart InterCivic through our Legacy Program, which provides funds for loans and trainings to our village banks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What an incredible impact these training programs and loans have had on this group of women and their families. Only in their fourth loan cycle, the bank is successful and thriving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the women in the bank did not know how to crochet before joining this village bank. After training programs provided by DiscoverHope, the women are very accomplished with their crochet. They were very proud to show us the blankets, sweaters, and shawls that they’ve created with their new-found skills. This provides them another source of funds if they sell their creations in the market; however, many of the women now make these clothes for their children. It is truly a special gift to give someone a new skill that provides them with a creative outlet as well as a source of income.</div>
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Today we watched a loan repayment meeting, where the women members come together to make payments against their outstanding loan balance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how banking happens with the poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gather in homes to meet, share food, crochet, and perform the business of banking. It’s a joyous celebration as the women approach the table to make the payment, they dance or strut to the table to break the ice and get them out of their comfort zone. So much of this process is about increasing their confidence and self-esteem and helping them realize that they are powerful and capable business-women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most inspirational images of today was a little girl sitting at the bank table next to her mother who is one of the bank officers. She held one of the bank cards in which the women record their payments and keep their bank balance. This is an extremely important document and a great source or pride for these women. The booklet documents their path from the roles of the unbanked poor to micro-entrepreneur with a credit history and a track record of successful borrowing and repayment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What incredible role model that this young mother was for her daughter, providing an example of responsibility, initiative, and hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>I am incredibly humbled to witness the impact on future generations of women in this community.<o:p></o:p></em></div>
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These women were so genuinely grateful for the loans and trainings provided by DiscoverHope through the Hart Legacy sponsorship of Bendicion de Dios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Many thanks to Hart InterCivic for its generous support in sponsoring this village bank and transforming the lives of not only these bank members but also future generations of aspiring women entrepreneurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sponsorship has touched the lives of these women in a profoundly powerful way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John<o:p></o:p></div>
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John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-54912578558920237062012-10-01T18:49:00.000-07:002012-10-01T18:49:20.835-07:00The Question Game.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the first time I blog for DiscoverHope. It is very fitting that this writing is
happening exactly on the anniversary of the very first event I attended for
this wonderful organization: <i>Band Together For Hope</i>. A year later, I am typing
away from the courtyard of a hotel in Cajamarca, Peru, DiscoverHope’s birth
place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why am I involved with this organization? As a Latino, I was very moved by the fact
that the founder and all its “Boardies” were not. How could a woman that had no connection to
the Latino culture be so dedicated to empowering women living in poverty in
Latin America? I had to learn more about
it and I had to get involved. I thank
Maggie for inviting me to witness the progress of the program and to meet the
women we are empowering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first item on the schedule was a visit to the Hope
House. This is the development center
where all the education and support happens for our women. There are many Microcredit organizations
around the world, but DiscoverHope goes a step further and provides education
that teaches women real world skills that they can apply to starting their own
businesses. This is our Microcredit Plus
model, pioneered by Maggie Miller.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We walked in to a sewing class where women were learning the
necessary skills to start their own businesses.
I must say that nothing could have prepared me to deal with the emotions
that flowed within me. All of the
sudden, I knew exactly why I needed to make this trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The class was waiting for us with their new sewing machines
that they had purchased by fundraising on their own. The machines will allow them to create
clothing they will sell in their businesses.
The pride that the women showed in their faces was very moving. A lot of these women deal with domestic
issues and discrimination on a daily basis.
Machismo in this country, as in many others around the world, is very
much alive and a harsh reality for women.
On paper, it is easy to understand why these women benefit from a
program such as DiscoverHope. The reality, and real value in my opinion, is
what a chart or report can’t show you.
These women are full of pride, perseverance, strength, and hope. One by one, they introduced themselves to us
they told us about how DiscoverHope gave them the tools to learn skills that
sparked their own businesses. What I saw
is their confidence to look at our eyes and speak with pride about their
accomplishments: This is priceless. Their kids, and especially their daughters,
can grow up knowing that they can have their own power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everybody that knows Maggie knows that she is an amazing
human being. Spending time in Cajamarca,
witnessing the impact that she has had in this community is a truly humbling
experience. Those of us lucky enough to
be close to her know that she challenges us to grow every day. You can count on having a “Daily Question”
from Maggie right before the end of any day.
While at dinner, John and I got our “Question” for the day. Her question was, “After your first day in
Cajamarca, what is one thought you would like to share?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSR_nIBppaQ/UGpHN2Kg-qI/AAAAAAAAAF4/kImSsYyhTHE/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSR_nIBppaQ/UGpHN2Kg-qI/AAAAAAAAAF4/kImSsYyhTHE/s320/IMG_4704.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After a day full of mixed emotions, I actually had been
thinking about my answer to her question right after we visited The HopeHouse. My answer was: After talking to the women we
help, after listening to their stories, after witnessing the impact that we are
having in their lives, … how could life, for me, could ever be the same? We all have problems in our own lives. It all seems so insignificant compared to the
challenges that these women live with every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I definitely know why I am part of this organization. I know why I had to make this trip. But, most importantly, I know why I was
afraid to come here. I have been
“asleep” for so long, worried only about myself. This trip, already on the first day, awakened
me into reality and purpose. I welcome
you to dig deep and realize that, if you are even reading this note, you are a
very fortunate person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I look forward to sharing more from my experience in
Cajamarca through this blog and in person at the <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/">Gala on October 25<sup>th</sup>.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Con mucho amor,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hector</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-65550960904452205102012-09-29T17:38:00.000-07:002012-09-29T17:38:10.887-07:00Spirit of Partnership...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We’ve had an amazing start to our journey in Cajamarca. The women of the DiscoverHope village banks
have greeted us with unbelievable openness and generosity. As we settle into our journey this week, we
have much to do in addition to visiting the women of the village banks and
taking in local sights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the objectives of our visit is to continue to ensure
the long-term sustainability of the program in Cajamarca. Sustainability is a critical component of our
<b><i>Loan
– Learn – Lead - Legacy</i></b> model. By transitioning the local
administration of training and loans to local partners, we create a Legacy of
the MicrocreditPLUS infrastructure in Cajamarca. As our clients complete each loan cycle, they
build their credit history. Once they
have reached their 9<sup>th</sup> loan cycle, they will “graduate” to more
traditional banking service organizations with a history of consistent savings.
We’re currently in our 6<sup>th</sup> loan cycle with 5 of our banks, so our
first banks are only a few years from graduating!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During our visit, we are meeting with our local partner,
Multicredit, to monitor the progression of our clients in their loan and
savings path. We are working with
Multicredit to continue to assume additional ownership for the program as it grows.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLpKaL-yRL8/UGeSiyifdjI/AAAAAAAAAFo/QSvGc02rV70/s1600/IMG_4409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLpKaL-yRL8/UGeSiyifdjI/AAAAAAAAAFo/QSvGc02rV70/s320/IMG_4409.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enclosed is a team picture at our kick-off dinner with our
Mutlicredit partners. We’re also meeting
with our village bank officers (promotoras) and Desiree, our Field Manager, and
other key staff contributors to make sure they continue on the path of
advancement. These are important tenants of the <b><i>Lead</i></b> and <b><i>Legacy</i></b>
pillars of our model. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We appreciate your continued support as we help create a
sustainable Microcredit PLUS infrastructure in Northern Peru!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">John, Hector, and Maggie</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-4005789714775950282012-09-26T07:45:00.001-07:002012-09-26T07:45:55.330-07:00Final Preparations for Cajamarca Trip!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">Only a few days until Maggie, Hector and I travel to Cajamarca to visit the incredible women of DiscoverHope Fund! </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">We’ve been preparing for this trip the past couple of months. Over that time, I have had the opportunity to talk to people about our trip, why we’re going and who we’re going to visit and I occasionally get the question, “Why Peru?”, or “Why not somewhere closer to home or <i>in</i> the U.S.?” Good questions. Peru <i>is</i> a long way from Austin, TX. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">While we do have roots in Peru because Maggie lived and worked there for 2 years, that doesn’t answer the question of why we stay there. We could have moved or chosen a different location to develop our MicroCredit PLUS model, but we didn’t. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">We’re there because we have the ability to facilitate huge change in people’s lives with a relatively small investment. We’re there because a loan of just $100 to a women who lives on less than $2 / per day is <i><u>life changing</u></i>. It’s a place where $25 provides a training course for a room full of our clients who are <i><u>eager to learn</u></i>. It’s a place where there is <i><u>no other microcredit alternative</u></i> for the poorest of the poor. And it’s a place where women want and need what we provide.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">DiscoverHope -- this tiny little grass-roots non-profit in Austin, TX, that is <u>continually lifted up by <b><i>you</i></b>, our steadfast supporters, generous donors and tireless volunteers,</u> is literally <b>changing the lives of thousands of people for the better</b>. We’re developing and perfecting a model that can be used again and again in any part of the world. And our first site is in the northern highlands of Peru where we can support our clients in making a huge impact on their own lives and those of their families.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">In a few days, Maggie, Hector and I will be ambassadors for the entire family of DiscoverHope supporters as we visit the towns and villages where lives have been changed. Having been involved with DiscoverHope for almost 5 years now, I am humbled and honored to make this trip and very excited to see the faces or our clients, hear their experiences, and share in their hardships and successes, if only for a few days.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="st"><span style="color: #376092;">I think the famous quote by Margaret Mead embodies the spirit of both our DiscoverHope supporters and the incredible women we serve:</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="st"><span style="color: #376092;">"</span></span><em><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Never underestimate the power of a small</span></em><span class="st"><span style="color: #376092;">,<i> dedicated </i></span></span><em><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">group of people to change the world</span></em><span class="st"><span style="color: #376092;">;<i> indeed, that is the only thing that ever has." </i></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">In gratitude,</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #376092;">John</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-14365328210076674962012-09-13T09:04:00.000-07:002012-09-13T09:04:05.824-07:00Voyage to Peru & Annual Gala on Oct 25
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 10pt;">Dear
DiscoverHope Family,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
we prepare for the annual </span><a href="http://www.lendhope.org/"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">DiscoverHope gala on
October 25</span></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">,
I wanted to write you personally as I prepare for a return trip to Cajamarca
Peru from Sept 27-Oct 7. This time, I am honored to share the journey with my
fellow Board superstars, incredible Board Chair John Thornborrow and new
Boardie positive powerhouse Hector Dominguez.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
truly hope you can<a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" target="_blank"> join us </a></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" target="_blank">at the gala</a></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> where we will be returning
from fresh inspiration and community building in the northern Andes. I am so privileged to take this voyage
with these two mentors and friends.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.lendhope.org/who-we-are/board" target="_blank">John has been at the Heart of DiscoverHope since shortly after our formation as a nonprofit in 2006.</a> He is one of
the most committed and compassionate people I know and has led our Board with
absolute vision for many years. John and his family are <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/get-involved/legacy-sponsors" target="_blank">Legacy Donors</a> who support an entire
community village bank of women to receive several loans a year as well as
customized business support to maximize their education and resourcefulness. <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>I am truly excited for John to be greeted by their bank of
women (El Girasol “The Sunflowers”) and their families out in the field. We will be sure to capture the
beautiful images for the gala!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.lendhope.org/who-we-are/board" target="_blank">Hector entered our Board family with absolute dynamism this past spring.</a> He brings the core leadership of a
practiced and successful entrepreneur who marries his passions of technology
and social impact. There’s nothing
more inspirational than learning from a World Changer who sees tech as a
solution to give power to help people globally. It will be quite an experience to watch him in our computer
classes and marvel at effect that $100 microloan can have for an entrepreneur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For
DiscoverHope, this trip is about the beginning of a discussion about transition
into local sustainability. <b>Our view is that good international development
means you give the power to people to use facilitate their enterprise. Sustainability for us is not only about
finances; it is about community well-being and leadership</b>. We will begin the conversation with our
local partner to hire a local woman organizer to take the helm of HopeHouse
program development in the field. Des (our Program Director from US who lives
in the field) will step out of this role into more of a governance role and
train the locals to begin to assume coordination and management. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">My
very first days in Peru were accented by powerful women making the most
unselfish of choices to raise their children on $2 a day. One unmistakable pattern I will never
forget in the hundreds of life-changing conversations was that <b>every woman
spoke of her absolute willingness and desire to give her family a future. </b><i><b>Give a handUP, not a handout. Give the power
to make a sustainable life for children.</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
here we are! I can’t wait to write
you from the field. Stay tuned and
so hope you can <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" target="_blank">join us on Oct 25 to celebrate women entrepreneurs both inAustin and beyond.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Loving
Always!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maggie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;">DiscoverHope Founder</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-60801782109108693542012-08-29T09:30:00.000-07:002012-08-29T09:30:00.667-07:00You Are Invited to An Evening in the Andes - Oct 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/PpuDrQ" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWd_LxpgJAs/UD2Hyv0r2KI/AAAAAAAAAFA/6M-Xcd8IHto/s640/dhfGalaInvite-v1r3.jpeg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lendhope.givezooks.com/events/an-evening-in-the-andes-a-celebration-of-women-entrepre" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="learn more" height="60" src="http://www.givezooks.com/images/buttons/buy_tickets/200x60.png" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>We are so grateful for the generous support of our Presenting Sponsors</b></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UFDJRzRgsI/UD2IKPGZViI/AAAAAAAAAFI/8lWdYAaGS3w/s1600/HartLogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="51" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UFDJRzRgsI/UD2IKPGZViI/AAAAAAAAAFI/8lWdYAaGS3w/s200/HartLogo.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: cyan;"> </span><a href="http://www.hartintercivic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">www.hartintercivic.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tdTsZX3dfE/UD2IR1UzX7I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/TCtM19cgH-o/s1600/Verdtek+Logo+-+white.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="42" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tdTsZX3dfE/UD2IR1UzX7I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/TCtM19cgH-o/s200/Verdtek+Logo+-+white.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.verdtek.com/"><span style="color: black;">www.verdtek.com</span></a></span><br />
<h4>
<strong>Thank you to the many <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/thank-you-auction-donors" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">organizations and individuals</span></a> who support DiscoverHope through their donations to our live and silent auctions.</strong></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-53260192279304026562012-08-24T13:50:00.000-07:002012-08-24T17:11:22.419-07:00Success, Sustainability, and Smiles<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Hello DHF Family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';"><o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Greetings from wintery Cajamarca! Its times like these that I long for a day in the warm summer sun back in Texas with a cheesecake snow cone in hand. Here in the HopeHouse we’re currently in our 6<sup>th</sup> month of educational trainings and I thought it would be great to highlight our greatest achievements to date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">*100% Payback Rate Maintained<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">*26 active village banks, 5 founded earlier this year<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">* </span>266 loan recipients <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">*305 educational trainings in the HopeHouse and in Community</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">*199 Business Assistance activities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">*$6,304.00 recorded profits due to educational trainings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">*$1,920.00 recorded savings due to educational trainings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8v8mPxMrdY0/UDfhKCrFRaI/AAAAAAAAATs/S-YXnvBBv6c/s1600/100_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; height: 223px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 267px;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8v8mPxMrdY0/UDfhKCrFRaI/AAAAAAAAATs/S-YXnvBBv6c/s320/100_4088.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing Students presenting their handmade skirts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">None of these achievements would be possible without the support of our local partner, Multicredit, and our hardworking staff, Berth and Karina. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now in our third year, not only have the number of village banks, loan recipients, and trainings doubled, but our commitment to long term sustainability and ownership is more solid than ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B30LzkA08CU/UDffSgnQS_I/AAAAAAAAATk/iFNX3LVNvjw/s1600/USE_HusbandryBiz-Guti%C3%A9rrez+Chunque,+Natividad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B30LzkA08CU/UDffSgnQS_I/AAAAAAAAATk/iFNX3LVNvjw/s320/USE_HusbandryBiz-Guti%C3%A9rrez+Chunque,+Natividad.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natividad proudly displaying her business</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">As we approach 2013, DHF will begin planning our most important step thus far in which we will slowly begin to hand over administrative and financial responsibility to Multicredit. Doing so fulfills our mission of providing local <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>institutions in Latin America with the knowledge and “know-how” to sustainably manage village banking projects utilizing our Microcredit PLUS Model. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">To make this goal a reality, I’m excited to announce that Founder, Maggie Miller; Board President John Thornborrow; and our newest Board Member, Hector Dominguez will travel to Cajamarca, Peru at the end of September to witness first-hand the power of microloans and education. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">I continue to be amazed at how our family of donors and supporters continue to grow and inspire me on a daily basis. Thanks for your prayers, well wishes, and unwavering belief in our mission. Such positive energy keeps me strong and proud to be part of this amazing labor of love.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zRIv7FtC_4/UDfj7eqlsTI/AAAAAAAAAT8/IerZlnQvbPc/s320/USE_EmbroideryTraining.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" yda="true" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa finishing her embroidery.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Happy Friday and Well Wishes to All!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Des<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-29200166698168699682012-08-10T12:24:00.003-07:002012-08-10T12:35:51.152-07:00Save the Date: Gala & Auction, October 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1p23KG-7G5M/UCVfxjaZYoI/AAAAAAAAAEw/4YSLhZbtrYE/s1600/2012GalaSaveTheDate-v2r1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1p23KG-7G5M/UCVfxjaZYoI/AAAAAAAAAEw/4YSLhZbtrYE/s640/2012GalaSaveTheDate-v2r1.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
<br />John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-54286505910075432632012-07-19T16:27:00.000-07:002012-07-19T16:27:07.471-07:00Celebrating the Red and White<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Hello DHF Family,</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wn33KUyo0Rs/UAiTYtWRWhI/AAAAAAAAATE/JFrcS5bzaU8/s1600/Photo+United+Women+Q1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wn33KUyo0Rs/UAiTYtWRWhI/AAAAAAAAATE/JFrcS5bzaU8/s320/Photo+United+Women+Q1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yanet is located in the center with the pale blue sweater.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Here in Cajamarca everyone seems to be counting down to Fiestas Patrias or Peruvian Independence Days. Yes, you read correctly—DAYS. Peru celebrates both the 28<sup>th</sup> and 29<sup>th</sup> allowing Peruvians to plan much needed vacations and spend quality time with friends and family. In every small town and big city municipalities organize parades, arrange fireworks displays, and adorn the streets with Peruvian Flags.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"> In honor of Fiestas Patrias, I would like to celebrate the spirit of solidarity, dedication, and resolve by sharing a quick story about Village Bank “United Women” (aptly titled). Two weeks ago the bank’s youngest member, 18 year-old Yanet, suffered a horrible tragedy. In the early morning hours of the 6<sup>th</sup>, Yanet’s three month-old baby girl, Sayuri, was severely burned in a house fire. Due to the severity of the burns, Baby Sayuri faded into a deep coma and passed away on July 13<sup>th</sup>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oviea3_w6Rs/UAiVp6qBXxI/AAAAAAAAATQ/LAGw5aI8rvA/s1600/100_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oviea3_w6Rs/UAiVp6qBXxI/AAAAAAAAATQ/LAGw5aI8rvA/s320/100_3785.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village Bank Promotora Bertha frying picarones.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">Yanet was devastated. Her village bank knew she would be unable to pay her loan and cover burial expenses at the same time. So in the spirit of hope and solidarity, they rallied together and decided to organize a series of fundraisers in Sayuri’s name. This past Tuesday, in collaboration with the entire Village Banking Staff, we held our first “picaronada” in the famous Plazuela San Pedro, located a mere block from the HopeHouse. Picarones are delicious fried doughnuts made from flour, sweet potatoes, yeast, and lots of sugar. Once fried, a sweet syrup made from sugar cane juice and cinnamon is drizzled on top. From 2:00Pm until 10:00PM we sold more than 300 portions of picarones and raised over S/. 300, enough to cover her loan payment for July. The group is planning a second fundraiser after the holidays. That night we all left motivated, relieved, and in high spirits. As we draw near the end of the month, keep Yanet and the entire Village Bank “United Women” in your thoughts and prayers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1A1b4NXqR1g/UAiXD7mHjkI/AAAAAAAAATY/AteL7WcSrdA/s1600/100_3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1A1b4NXqR1g/UAiXD7mHjkI/AAAAAAAAATY/AteL7WcSrdA/s320/100_3777.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sale of the day!</td></tr>
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Best,<br />
<br />
Des<br />
Desirée Ledethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423977558968717336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-73103032810661973632012-07-05T12:28:00.000-07:002012-07-05T12:47:31.217-07:00Legacy Sponsorship = Sustainability, Personal Connections & Lives Changed<span style="background-color: white;">Incredible advances in technology have been invented and
become ubiquitous entirely in our lifetimes. From advent of the internet, to the introduction of instant
communications, to Mobile phones, YouTube, social media, iPads, personal
computers, and countless other connected personal devices – it’s all happened
in the last 30-40 years. Sometimes
the flood of information from a myriad of media sources can feel overwhelming. But today’s technology continues to
bring the citizens of the world closer together and allows us to share
experiences with family, friends and also total strangers all over the world –
instantly.</span><br />
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As I enter my 5<span style="font-size: x-small;">th </span>year as a supporter of DiscoverHope and my 3<span style="font-size: x-small;">rd </span>year as <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/who-we-are/board" target="_blank">BoardPresident</a>, I am forever grateful that <b>the technology explosion has actually allowed
us to create a very personal connection to the work we do and to the women we
serve.</b><br />
<br />
I am especially proud of the
launch of our new<b> <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/get-involved/legacy-sponsors" target="_blank">Legacy Program</a>, which allows donors to fund a village bank of
10-12 women for an entire year through a $5,000 donation.</b> This sponsorship provides funds for all
of the trainings, bank loans, and administration for the entire year and allows
for <b>complete sustainability for the village bank. </b> In return for the sponsorship, the donor receives quarterly
updates, letters, pictures and videos on the bank’s progress. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO67nvRBXhQ/T_XEErfPp6I/AAAAAAAAAEY/_ZBGy4kD9Ao/s1600/crochetcircle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aO67nvRBXhQ/T_XEErfPp6I/AAAAAAAAAEY/_ZBGy4kD9Ao/s320/crochetcircle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> El Girasol Village Bank, Sponsored by the Thornborrow Family</td></tr>
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<b>My family and I are proud to be the sponsors of </b><b style="background-color: white;">El Girasol V</b><b style="background-color: white;">illage Bank (The Sunflower) for 2012.
</b><span style="background-color: white;">These powerful and glorious women work very hard to create a better life
for their families. Their
businesses range from creating specialty crochet clothing to animal husbandry
to the sale of beauty products.
We’re proud to support their efforts and to share in their experience as
entrepreneurs and business-women. </span><span style="background-color: white;">We especially appreciate our regular updates on the bank
members’ progress, successes, and sometimes setbacks. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span style="background-color: white;">The connection we gain through the Legacy program with the
women of El Girasol goes well beyond a sponsorship. </span><span style="background-color: white;">It allows us to also experience their experience.</span></i></b></blockquote>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SyZMSIAxUXU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It reminds me every day of how similar we are -- the humans on
this planet.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">We all want the best
opportunities we can create for ourselves and our families. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Mothers want their children to be fed, loved,
and to get the best education possible.
Fathers want a better life for their children than they had. Everyone wants the opportunity to
express themselves through their own creations. And given the opportunity, most people will work very hard
to make that opportunity a reality. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_885545476"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap0dKX_CRVo/T_XuLumbcCI/AAAAAAAAAEk/odXQOo95ayk/s320/El+Girasol+Village+Bank+Profile_Q1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lendhope.org/get-involved/legacy-sponsors" target="_blank">El Girasol's Village Bank Profile</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">I am grateful everyday for the incredible gifts I have been given in my
life and it makes me want to invest, in whatever small way I can, in another
person realizing their dreams, no matter how far away they may be. </span><span style="background-color: white;">If technology has shown us anything,
it’s that we’re all connected in more ways than we think. And that we’re not really as different
as we sometimes think we are.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>There are many more village banks awaiting sponsorship
through the DiscoverHope Legacy program. </b>
You can read about them all <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/get-involved/legacy-sponsors" target="_blank"><b>on our website</b></a>. I hope you’ll consider joining my family in supporting a
village bank for a year. I know you’ll experience joy in watching the steady
progress of these women on their journey from poverty to prosperity for their
families, and future generations. If you are interested in joining us on this
journey, I’d be happy to talk to you personally about the Legacy program. </div>
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In gratitude,</div>
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John Thornborrow</div>
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Board President<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">DiscoverHope Fund</span></div>John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-757485306341257832012-06-22T10:11:00.000-07:002012-06-22T10:11:14.281-07:00Band Together for Hope SuccessHey Again Friends!<br />
<br />
What an incredible time we had last weekend at Band Together for Hope! We could not have been more impressed by the turn out. Thanks to your support, we raised over $10,000 for women in poverty and packed out Ruta Maya with nearly 250 in attendance. <br />
<br />
Couldn't attend? Here's a little recap of the night to help you get inspired to donate at <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/">www.lendhope.org</a>. Please help us share hope to women in poverty!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHx7uSvLF80/T-SeAnw1_eI/AAAAAAAAADU/TLEc7rwT-Ts/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHx7uSvLF80/T-SeAnw1_eI/AAAAAAAAADU/TLEc7rwT-Ts/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b> We Rocked Out...</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5CyH24D3QE/T-Sdpv-LCUI/AAAAAAAAADM/SDDtmXler1Y/s1600/IMG_8194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5CyH24D3QE/T-Sdpv-LCUI/AAAAAAAAADM/SDDtmXler1Y/s320/IMG_8194.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>...We Sang</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wome5sI0yV0/T-Sew3y0shI/AAAAAAAAADc/384dxCiOHDE/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wome5sI0yV0/T-Sew3y0shI/AAAAAAAAADc/384dxCiOHDE/s320/18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>We Danced...</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWZiE5F3zQ/T-Sfe4iFqRI/AAAAAAAAADk/hLVit75pxCk/s1600/IMG_8124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWZiE5F3zQ/T-Sfe4iFqRI/AAAAAAAAADk/hLVit75pxCk/s320/IMG_8124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>...We sold our women's jewelry </b><b>at the Hope Market</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHWMM8SC-T8/T-SgJkwYyWI/AAAAAAAAADs/7cl_qNFIkEs/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHWMM8SC-T8/T-SgJkwYyWI/AAAAAAAAADs/7cl_qNFIkEs/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>...And most importantly, we had a</b><br />
<b></b><b>rockin' time with great friends!</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.lendhope.org/photo-gallery" target="_blank">Check out our Photo Gallery</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We are so grateful for our amazing Presenting Sponsors, Consuela and Verdtek. We could not have done this without you!<br />
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Also, we want to say a huge THANK YOU to our bands, Del Castillo and Soniquete Duet, for their support and the energy they brought to Band Together for Hope 2012.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2xk-4keE3M/T-ShLOyvNiI/AAAAAAAAAD0/d2B2i7NpQfw/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b2xk-4keE3M/T-ShLOyvNiI/AAAAAAAAAD0/d2B2i7NpQfw/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally, we would like to thank the Band Together for Hope Volunteer Team! Y'all are AMAZING!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-995NHnsco98/T-SimyHGSvI/AAAAAAAAAD8/8lVx-FBFvx4/s1600/IMG_7960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-995NHnsco98/T-SimyHGSvI/AAAAAAAAAD8/8lVx-FBFvx4/s320/IMG_7960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This truly was an inspiring event. We'll see you again next year at our 6th Annual Band Together for Hope! P.S. Save the date for our Gala and Auction, October 25, 2012 at the UT Alumni Center. <br />
<br />
Thanks for your support,<br />
Hannah<br />
Social Media and Web Intern<br />
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<b><br /></b>John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-28848191530763239462012-06-13T13:56:00.000-07:002012-06-13T13:56:58.020-07:00Band Together for Hope is Friday!Hey DiscoverHope Friends and Family!<br />
<br />
Anybody wanna dance?! Help us rock out microloans for women in poverty with Del Castillo and Soniquete Duet in concert this Friday night. Get your tickets in advance at www.lendhope.org. Online sales end Thursday night so be sure to buy your tickets soon! Missed the deadline for online ticket sales? No worries, you can also purchase tickets at the door on Friday (credit card, cash and checks accepted). <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irle6k_IMt0/T9j9o5INlUI/AAAAAAAAAC4/f5kaqBpiWDE/s640/BTFH_Invite_ConstantContact.gif" width="442" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdPKHbKbyjk" target="_blank">here</a> for a little taste of what Del Castillo has in store for you Friday!<br />
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See you Friday,<br />
Hannah<br />
Social Media and Web Intern<br />
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<br />John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5307605184096103349.post-46517173686924632752012-06-11T10:35:00.001-07:002012-06-11T10:35:08.101-07:00Band Together for Hope This Friday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hello Again DiscoverHope Friends and Family!!</span><br />
It's finally the week of Band Together for Hope and we could not be more excited. Besides our obvious thrill for our rockin headliner, Del Castillo, we are most looking forward to seeing each of you Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_q39QpfWOI8/T9Yk1bvzHOI/AAAAAAAAACs/ES2YqzbmsNE/s640/BTFH_Invite_ConstantContact.gif" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We would love for you to help us spread the word about Band Together for Hope to your friends and family. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Cambria;">6 WAYS TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT BAND TOGETHER FOR HOPE, JUNE 15:</span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Cambria;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Forward the Constant Contact Invite on to friends, family & co-workers.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">If you are subscribed to our e-newsletter, then you should have already received your invitation. Please take a moment to forward it on.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Cambria;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Tell your friends, family, and colleagues: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-weight: normal;">That’s right! Have a face to face conversation & tell them to go to <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.lendhope.org</a> to see our event information, purchase tix and make donations. </span></strong></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Cambria;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Facebook</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Share our Event Page with all your Facebook friends: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/459452260750865/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>events/459452260750865/</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">LIKE DiscoverHope’s Facebook page and SHARE our updates</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">with your friends.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Do frequent shout outs on your Facebook page and/or Google+.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Sample text: “Please join me for DiscoverHope’s 5<sup>th</sup> Annual Band Together for Hope fundraiser on Friday, June 15<sup>th</sup> featuring Del Castillo with Soniquete Duet. Help us rock out microloans for women in poverty! <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">100% of proceeds go towards providing microcredit and training for women in poverty to create their own prosperity.</span> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Buy your tix at <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.lendhope.org</a> or purchase at the door. </span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Cambria;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Follow DiscoverHope’s LinkedIn Page & share posts on your LinkedIn profile:</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/discoverhope-fund" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.linkedin.com/<wbr></wbr>company/discoverhope-fund</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Cambria;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Tweetleedeedleedee, Tweet, Tweet!</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-weight: normal;">Tweet your own or retweet our posts. Make sure to include <a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.lendhope.org</a> & #bandtogetherforhope. Follow us at <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/discoverhope" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/#!/<wbr></wbr>discoverhope</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: Cambria;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Tell people they can still support DiscoverHope’s efforts with an ONLINE DONATION </span></strong><span style="font-family: Cambria;">at<a href="http://www.lendhope.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.lendhope.org</a>, <strong>even if they can’t come to our event </strong>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Also, we'd like to let you in on the <b>Inside Scoop</b>. Click "I Like It" on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://do512.com/event/2012/06/15/5th-annual-band-together-for-hope-benefiting-discoverhope-fund" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Do512</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">for a chance to win a free pair of tickets. Don't miss out on this opportunity!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">See Y'all Friday,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hannah</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Social Media and Web Intern</span></span>John Thornborrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294560239359823094noreply@blogger.com0