Visiting Mrs. Thu

We spent most of yesterday in a small village south of Dong Ha visiting recipients of microcredit loans. A long-time PeaceTrees partner, the Quang Tri Province Women's Union, manages the program. Each $200 low-interest loan goes to a woman-headed family (the women may be married, but have primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the household). By investing in a pig, or a cow, or a sewing machine, these women have managed to significantly increase their family incomes.

One stop was at the tailor's. Last August she was given a microcredit loan that enabled her to purchase two sewing machines. She and her daughter set up shop. Within a few months they made enough to purchase a serger. Now they run a successful business: their monthly income has increased from $60 to $100, and it's still growing.






Outside the tailor's shop, by the way, Jim was making friends with about 30 village schoolkids. They practiced their English and he practiced his Vietnamese, and the laughter was gloriously bi-lingual.



We also had the joy of meeting a pig farmer and her mother-in-law. They welcomed us warmly into their home, poured us cups of tea, talked about their family and about the pig-rearing business. The mother-in-law, Mrs. Thu, didn't speak much - but her 73-year-old face glowed with kindness. Her hug made my day. That's Mrs. Thu in the middle of the picture, being serious for the photo. What a privilege to meet her -- a little tiny woman with a great big heart. And how exciting to see the positive impact of the loans: a little bit of money, but a great big impact on the lives of the recipients.