Hooked on Microlending

I read about Kiva loans this February, not long after I returned from a volunteer vacation in Nicaragua, helping in a reforestation project.  I was about to be part of a Habitat for Humanity house-building team in western Guatemala.  I went on-line out of curiosity and hope (the article had made it sound like an idea that would appeal to me).  I immediately put in money for a loan and became “hooked on microlending.” I love the feeling of connection I have to the people to whom I lend money via Kiva.  I support these people wholeheartedly in their daily struggles to meet the needs of their families. I was fortunate to have been born to a good family in a country in which we have many advantages.  I’ve had a loving family and a good education and never have experienced real need.  Now I am almost 67 years old and am a widow.  I am by no means a rich person in the United States, but I do not need all the money that I have.  Nor do my children, who are quite capable of taking care of themselves.  I have made the decision to spend the rest of my life helping people who have not had the advantages that I have had in life.  I have more than I need, and there are many thousands of people all over the world who have far less than they need.  I just want to equalize things a little before I die.  It’s as simple as that.