We are happy to report that ALL of the enterprises funded in 2007 reported a good Christmas season, evident as well by 100% on-time payments of loans in January. This also allows us to recycle funds to new projects, and there are 25 ready for funding.
This does not mean that operating a successful business is easy. For example, for our clients in the bakery business, the cost of flour has doubled in the past months, but the price of bread is controlled by the government.
Our trip to the U.S. for Christmas with our children allowed us to present to some of you the possibility of finding U.S. markets for some of the products made here. We know, for example, that products made with the special woven straw called "caña de flecha" are being exported. Many of our clients are in this business, and if we can find better prices for them, we can help them to be successful. If any of you are interested in helping with this, please write us at david.robert@telecom.com.co. We would be happy to send you pictures, and samples.
We also want you to know that we are hosting a work team from a church in Boston in February. If you know of churches looking for great places to send "short term" teams, please consider us!
Connie, who continues as the LAM director of member care, is at the LAM new candidate orientation this month in Miami. David is in Colombia, but also has a trip to Honduras for a training conference on "Kingdom Business."
We are excited about all that is happening in this new year.
