I have probably mentioned this before, but field visits are my favorite part of this job. That is because when I go on these visits I get to see the transformation that is taking place in people’s lives. One of my recent visits was to a group of disabled people who have a food processing business. They are processing cashews and also drying fruits and vegetables. One woman had no feet. Another man does not have use of his legs and has to walk with his hands. Each member in the group had a reason to say “I can’t” and go beg on the street corners like many other people with disabilities do here in Tanzania. But they didn’t. They weren’t begging for money to support themselves and their families. Instead they were showing us that they CAN have a successful business. The look of pride and satisfaction on each member’s face as they demonstrated how they process the food said it all. They didn’t see themselves as disabled, but as able to do something to make a positive change in their lives and able to work together.
The only thing that they were asking for was assistance in growing their business faster. They want to buy 6 more cashew shellers and also want to buy 2 cassava chippers so they are able fill that huge available market. They want to build a second solar dryer so they can dry more fruit and vegetables. They were also asking for a loan to help them buy the most cashews possible during the harvest season that is coming up. There is only a 3 or 4 month window in which they can buy the cashews that they will process during the next 12 months. They have to lay out a large sum of money now, but the returns will be even greater later. Through CRWRC and our partner, HOPD, some of these wishes will be met and they can continue to expand their business. Hearing stories of God’s work and transformation in people’s lives like this one are what motivate me to keep going in this work.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers! I appreciate them and I need them, so please keep them coming!
- Please pray for this group and each of the groups and people that we work with. Also pray for patience as these changes often do not happen quickly or easily.
- Please pray for safety, especially with vehicles, and continued good health.
- Please pray for safety in travel as I have several trips coming up in the next few months and as my parents come to visit!
