Where’s my parachute!
14 August 2008
Hello all! My name is Mark Disston and I am the newest Kiva Fellow to head to the field. I am writing this on my flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia where I will be joining Maxima Mikroheranhvatho. Maxima is one of the smallest MFIs in Cambodia but has ambitious plans to expand their services. I have the fortune of teaming up with Amy Killian, the current Fellow at Maxima, whose work most of you have likely already read about (if not, see Straws and Sandpaper – my favorite post).
The past week has been a whirlwind. In quick succession I bought my ticket to Phnom Penh, quit my job, packed and subletted my apartment, and sprinted to my plane. Whew. However the upside was that in not sleeping for the 50 hours before my flight I managed to be devoid of all jet-lag when I landed. I just slept the whole flight.
Since I haven’t done anything as of yet, there isn’t much to post. But this is what I’m excited for (no particular order):
1. Meeting the borrowers and hearing their stories – not only those about how Kiva loans helped them, but really any story they feel is important enough to share. I think these small interactions will help me learn the most about the people of Cambodia.
2. Understanding the mechanics of how Kiva loans are implemented on an operational, financial, and technical level.
3. Seeing first-hand the impact, positive and negative microfinance has in people’s lives.
4. Living in a developing country with a scary past – definitely a learning experience.
5. Meeting others who share my passion.
6. Having time to consider my own path in the future and whether living and working in the developing world is something I want to continue.
7. Discovering when I’ve returned to the U.S. how much this experience has changed me in ways I didn’t notice day-by-day until I was re-immersed back into New York culture.
Well here I go! 10 minutes out and descending into Phnom Penh. I’m really not sure what to expect in the months ahead. I wish I had done more research! My thoughts are stuck on the half-completed to-do list sitting in my pocket and the myriad of things I forgot to pack. Oh well. The safety of home is behind me. I’ve made the leap – nothing to do now but enjoy the ride. I just hope I remembered to pack my parachute!
Entry Filed under: Cambodia, KF5 (Kiva Fellows 5th Class), MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.. Tags: Amy Killian, Mark Disston.
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1. Zack Turner | 14 August 2008 at 11:48
Welcome to the field Mark. I must say that I resonate with you in regards to the suddeness of your departure as well as the half finished to-do list, ah the life of a fellow.
Good luck haggling for a good deal on a sweet motorcycle and great post.
2. Susan Disston | 14 August 2008 at 18:52
Your list looks good. Hope you are making progress accomplishing your goals. How’s the food? My friends who were in Cambodia recently said the traffic is challenging, but maybe you’re making your way around the city now. Keep posting!
3. Charles | 14 August 2008 at 21:15
He,
I like your list. You will change in a lot of ways. I can’t wait to hear all the good work you are doing.
Don’t forget to call!
Wear a helmet with your motorcycle!
4. Asawari | 15 August 2008 at 00:32
Welcome Mark !!! I’m sure you are going to have an absolutely fabulous experience and you are right – its going to change you in subtle ways that you won’t even recognize till you get home. I’m looking forward to working together over the next few weeks…..and can’t wait to hear about all your fun stories from the field.