During my time off in early December in Beirut I met with the Director of Al Majmoua, a Lebanese NGO whose primary focus is microfinance. I came across Al Majmoua while learning more about Kiva.org, the world's first person-to-person mico-lending website.
I'd like to talk more about the project in future posts (when I'm not in the middle of getting ready for a new tour), but for now, since Christmas is around the corner I have a last minute gift suggestion for all those who have vetoed the conventional Christmas (or just haven't gotten around to shopping for it yet...). Rather than spending money this Christmas, why not try lending money instead? Everybody wins. Check it out at www.kiva.org.
Meanwhile, me and my friend here wish you a Merry Christmas from the Middle East!
