Tis the Season for Giving

I'd like to apologize for not being a daily blogger as promised - but I think I may have been too optimistic on how exciting my daily life is. But, the last few days I have been working on getting back mentally and physically in shape, and I'm proud to share some of my achievements and give you all some ideas as well!

Kyle's brother, Tyler, gave his sister and Kyle gift cards to Kiva as a Christmas present. Kiva is an organization that does micro-lending. Basically, you donate $25, $50, $100, etc to an entrepreneur abroad who will repay you over the course of a little over a year. It's one of the best ways to donate, because you pick a specific person whose job inspires/interests you, AND you get paid back. I donated almost 8 months ago to a woman who weaves quilts and drapes and she has repaid me $15 of my $25. This morning, I thought I should use that $15 and add $10 more to a different entrepreneur.

Meet Marlenis from Nicaragua.

She makes and sells jewelry and has requested $700 to help her purchase gold-plated anklets, earrings, men's perfume, and hair straightening cream. She has had 3 previous Kiva loans and repaid them all on time (not that I'm worried if I don't get my $25 back in 14 months...but I like the principle of the matter).

I chose Marlenis because I wanted to help someone making jewelry and someone in Central America, so Marlenis was a great pick!

Kyle's sister, Becky, now donates regularly to Kiva through her blog Better Life Bags. If you're interested check it out!!

I love being able to give back, and I find that when I start thinking of others that I truly am my happiest. I hope that this holiday season, people take the time to give back - whether locally or internationally.