Author Archive
A Kiva Fellowship in Liberia
My first thought upon arrival in Monrovia, Liberia, in August 2009 for my Kiva Fellowship was, “Wow, such colors and amazing stories! I should make a movie for those who aren’t as lucky as I am to have this experience.”
So what you have here is just that: an attempt to bring everyone along with me on my amazing 3-month journey to understand, at the most basic-level, exactly how microfinance works and the social impact it has on both borrowers’ and lenders’ lives. The toughest part was keeping it short, ultimately eliminating over 7 hours of footage, to share my thoughts in just 9 minutes.
Of course, the best way to really experience this is to go be a Kiva Fellow, so don’t hesitate to follow the link at the end of the movie in order to be the change you want to see in the world!
Comparing Malaria Solutions
Artemisinin: an ancient malaria cure for 21st century Africa
Liberian Highway Exorcism
I was in a 3-hour bush taxi (8 people crammed into a Hyundai) from Monrovia to Gbarnga, Charles Taylor’s former stronghold, when we hit a traffic roadblock. Curious to know what could cause a complete stoppage of traffic, I walked to the front of the line of cars to find a group of people doing an exorcism of the evil spirits that have caused so many accidents at this exact spot. It was fascinating to watch, mainly because of the apparent fusion of Christianity, Islam, and “local vodoo” (for lack of a better descriptor). Here’s a quick glimpse of the full event that lasted for over an hour. Make sure your volume is up to hear the inclusion of all the higher powers…
Charles Taylor’s Legacy – Perspective From Liberia
Charles Taylor systematically murdered 10% of Liberia’s population. The who remain walk the streets of Monrovia as his legacy.
Kiva in Liberia – What a Fascinating Country!
This place is like no country I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been fortunate to see over 130 in my 20+ years of adventure travel. (more…)
