Michael came in and quickly got to work without hesitation. He was not fluent in Swahili, but he learned
how to respectfully build relationships with those whom he worked with.
Michael came in to help our income generating projects to
move forward. There were several projects started in Tarime with the goal of
helping the ministries there become more sustainable, while also economically empowering
the communities around them. Unfortunately it is not as simple as bringing in
some equipment and starting a business. When the goal is a social enterprise
with a double bottom line it is important that those involved, who are usually
not business people, receive a lot of training and are truly prepared for the
work that they are being asked to do.
Michael was a huge asset to the chicken, sewing, and brick
projects as he developed financial templates and outlined manuals to assist in
making things more viable for the future development of those projects. Michael succeeded in helping the leaders
involved in these projects to move their thinking from simply making things
move from day to day to really looking into the future and how these projects
can be successful in transforming their communities and providing a sustainable
income to the projects themselves.
It was a great experience for everyone involved including
Michael who blogged throughout his time here and said,
“I have learned how to do with so much
less than what I am used to in the United States or even other mission sites
and I know I am better for it. I have learned about and respect the
missionaries and their family and see how their impact is really helping the
people here. And I know when I leave I will miss it. And the random smell or
sight or feeling will bring me right back here and I will long to come back.”
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