A Healthy Dose of Optimism
19 September 2008
From the first time I happened across the Kiva Fellows website, I knew I had to apply. Here was an opportunity to witness first-hand the successes and challenges of microfinance (the most promising poverty alleviation strategy I’ve come across), become fluent in French, and be a part of the cross-cultural, astonishingly successful microlending revolution that is Kiva!! I generally tend to be somewhat pessimistic – my personal motto is “Expect the worst, and you’ll never be disappointed.” This time, however, against my better judgment, I let myself get excited.
A year and a half later, that excitement has paid off. I am now at the Kiva Fellows training in San Francisco, spending hours showering Matt and Premal, Kiva’s Founder and President, with every question I’ve ever had about the organization. At the week-long training, 29 other Fellows-to-be and I are cramming our heads with everything there is to know about Kiva before jumping on planes to work with Field Partners all across the globe.
As I said, my high expectations coming into the training conflicted with my standard self-preserving pessimistic attitude. But this time, counter to my personal motto, high expectations left me far from disappointed. On the contrary, learning more about Kiva and meeting the staff has reinforced my enthusiasm for Kiva’s mission and potential. These days, it’s hard to believe in anything for fear of being naive, but the entire staff at Kiva seems to have conquered that fear – along with the 300,000-plus people who lend on Kiva’s site!
On November 3rd, I will leave the US to serve Kiva for 3 months in Togo and 3 months in Senegal. Inevitably, no matter how many questions we Fellows ask and how much training we receive, we won’t be prepared for what we are about to experience in the coming months. All we can do is pack our bags and – dare I say it – hope for the best.
Entry Filed under: KF6 (Kiva Fellows 6th Class), Togo. Tags: Abby Gray.
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1. Jan & John, KivaFriends | 19 September 2008 at 20:06
Our best wishes go with you – be well – and know that every word you write or photo you post will be anticipated in advance and appreciated immensely by those of us rooting for you and your team.
2. Candy | 20 September 2008 at 01:49
Here’s my chance to say again to you–Expect Good!! It sounds as though that may be more appropriate at Kiva.xo
3. Vickie | 20 September 2008 at 14:22
Your spirit is so refreshing and full of generosity. So go forward on your path and plant the seeds of generosity…because through your acts of giving, you will grow the fruits of abundance for yourself and those around you. Bon Chance!
4. Jamal | 24 September 2008 at 22:09
Abby,
I agree with your mom and your recent experience, expecting and hopeing for the best many times leaves you way more than satisfied….
good luck and as soon as I figure my life out i´ll be donating in TOGO!
ps. your an awesome blogger…seriously
5. Mary Ann | 30 September 2008 at 15:21
I am so excited for and proud of you. I can’t wait to hear all about your experiences. What lucky people in Togo and Senegal to be able to have the Abby experience!
6. Uncle Terry & Aunt Joyce | 1 October 2008 at 13:16
pessimist or optomist – is cup half empty or half full. As far as we’re concerned, you’ve always been a “cockeyed” optomist. Not only are the people in Togo and Senegal lucky to have you, so are the staff at Kiva. The more you give, the more you receive and your cup will runneth over. You are such a special lady. We are so proud of you and we love you. GOD BLESS
7. Bethany Ehlmann | 3 October 2008 at 03:19
Hi Abby,
My Aunt Sue told me about your upcoming position in West Africa with Kiva and I’m so excited for you. I’m a huge fan of Kiva and will be interested in hearing how things work on the ground. Best of luck and keep posting!
Bethany
8. Heartburn Home Remedy | 15 April 2009 at 04:25
If you ever want to read a reader’s feedback
, I rate this post for 4/5. Decent info, but I just have to go to that damn msn to find the missed pieces. Thank you, anyway!