Tuesday, August 16, 2011

New Chapel in Pilancon

The current chapel in Pilancon

My anniversary gift to myself was completing the structure of the new chapel in Pilancon.
We still lack doors and windows, which will cost about $1000.

Front view of the new chapel in Pilancon
Then with the grace of God, we will have the funds to purchase pews, an altar, a lectern, a and celebrant's chair, which will like cost about another $1500.
Bit by bit we will get there.

Inside view of the new chapel
Prices here continue to climb with the outrageous cost of transportation. Diesel fuel, which is the cheapest fuel here, now costs more than $5.10 per gallon.

Our first Community Bank

Our first Banco Comunitario is off the ground with its Directive Board elected and its first three loans made!
A Community Bank is a form of micro credit but differs in this important way, it insists on participants having savings accounts and saving each week. Loans are based on a formula that is a multiple of what they have saved.

Directive Board Members

First Loan: Rosalia Rodriquez was loaned $211 to buy supplies to make sweets and snacks as street vender.


Second Loan: Margarita Castro was loaned $264 to buy supplies and more cooking utensils to make snacks and personal articles to sell to schoolchildren on the break.

Third Loan: Emperatriz Carrasco was loaned $400 to buy a small generator to keep working as a beautician when there is no electricity, which is about half the time.