I got an email from my EA, Isabel, who is in Tanzania as advance team scouting out venues, etc for our September board meeting. She sent me this email. This is the kind of thing that keeps me going:
Hi Rupert,
Went to a craft market today. A guy saw Ryan’s backpack and asked me if I was with FINCA. When I said yes, he proceeded to tell me his mother was a long time client and how thankful he was for us and what we do. I told him I worked with the president and he went crazy happy. He couldn’t believe we were in his shop. He gave Ryan a good deal and asked me to bring you to his store when we come back. He said he wanted to do something special for you. Maybe we can set that up on your next trip or with the Board.
I wanted to thank you for doing what you do and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it. This has been quite the humbling trip. I have seen beautiful things and extremely sad ones. Seeing the way people live here is changing the way I look at things. We complain so much when others have so little. I’ll never forget the look on the guy’s face this morning. FINCA makes a difference. It was plain on his face. Thank you.
See you next week.
Rupert