Kiva

I love the concept of micro loans. Small loans given directly to poverty stricken individuals or families in 3rd world countries who cannot get loans elsewhere. As a rule, these people could lift themselves out of poverty if just given the chance. While there are many groups that will take your money and put it to good use in a micro loan capacity, usually you do not know who you are loaning to. A while ago I stumbled upon an on-line organization which matches donations with those needing them in a wonderful way. At Kiva, you pick the specific person or group you want to help. Each has a profile so you know who they are, where they live, what their life is like, how much they need and what they need the money for. You can donate in increments of $25 and even see how much they have raised so far. And here's the best part. The loans are due within one year, you can watch as they repay, and you get your money back! While you always have the option to take that money out, I believe the exciting part is that you can use those same funds to simply re-loan to another person.

This year our family voted on what to do with a small jar of charity money we had accumulated throughout the year. We chose to give it to Kiva. Together we read through many deserving candidates and voted to sponsor an industrious single mom in Tanzania. 26 different lenders helped raise the $825 she needed to buy a second sewing machine and supplies for her small tailoring business. It will be exciting for us to watch as she succeeds in moving forward and repaying her loan. We look forward to using that same money to sponsor another next year. I love how this is connecting my children to someone across the world in such dramatically different circumstances than ours. For us, this is win/win!

For more information about Kiva, go to http://www.kiva.org/.

Simple Family Home Evening

Have you ever noticed that there are usually 13 steps on a staircase? Well, that is the case at my home. A simple and fun family night is to practice the 13 Articles of Faith. Everyone starts at the bottom step and you go step by step reciting the articles of faith. This is fun and helpful for primary aged children, not to mention it is always a good refresher course for mom and dad. :)

It's the lights, baby!

I'm sure all you Utahns (and probably all you out-of-staters if you're visiting) already do this. And, I'm sure everyone has enough to do by way of activities in December. But I'm gonna mention it anyway! Go see the lights downtown! Temple Square and surrounding area are gorgeous all lit up and festive this time of year. It is fun, easy, exciting for even the smallest of children, and free. Our family usually waits to go on the Monday night after Christmas. It gives us something fun to look forward to after the holiday, and it is usually less crowded then. So enjoy!

Wise man / Foolish man

A great time to discuss the wise man / foolish man scenario is while making a gingerbread house. (You know, building your spiritual house on rock or sand....) It's easy to get in to some deep gospel principles while gluing candy to cookie with frosting. I love it when great teaching moments just present themselves. Sweet!