Our Two Cents Worth...

HI HO SILVER LINING

2012-06-06T17:11:07Z

Burkina-Faso Courtesy of Medecins sans Frontieres

Greetings All!!

This is going to be a short but informative entry. TP Foundation has hit a couple of cool milestones recently and I'd like to spread the word!

On March 21, 2012 - the Foundation made it's 100th Kiva loan. Recently, Kiva changed their reporting of statistics so here is how we stood at that time:

March 21, 2012 Statistics Courtesy of Kiva.org

Since the last loans, we've received enough repayments to make more. As of today (June 6, 2012), we have made an additional 10 - $50 loans across the globe. We do have $377.22 remaining in the Kiva account. Our stats are now:

June 6, 2012 Statistics Courtesy of Kiva.org

Our first loans equaled $200 on August 5, 2009 and look at what we've done to date. I can't say $7400 is too shabby! It's thanks to everyone who has contributed to the TP Foundation that have made this a very successful endeavor. A personal thank you to all of you!!!

In the process, we have also donated $225.00 to Medecin san Frontieres for hunger relief in Somalia and malaria vaccinations around the world. We recently received $113.44 in AdSense earnings, bringing our bank account to $123.32 total. We will be sending another $100 to MSF for use where humanitarian support is most needed. TPF donated $50 to the Passports with Purpose 'Room to Read' project to help build 2 libraries in Zambia too. (Hey, we're just trying to spread some joy. Everyone needs joy in their life.)

Please don't forgot our other areas of the Foundation. We'd love your contributions:

Travel Unravelled Blog

If you have tips and tricks for your fellow travellers, then join us in educating travellers worldwide. To get started, send our editors an email at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Let them know a bit about yourself, and maybe include some writing samples and ideas for entries. They will review your submission and, if you fit the bill, they will welcome you to the team. Each published article earns $5.00 for the TP Foundation and Kiva.

The Book Club

Have you read a book lately? Would you like to tell someone about it? It doesn't need to be travel-related nor a good review. If you have read something that was absolutely not worth anyone's time, say so. But, join the "Club" and say something because:

The Book Club is affiliated with the Amazon Associates Program. Follow a link in a review, make a purchase (books, products, gift cards, etc.) and the TP Foundation earns a percentage of the purchase price.

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

HI HO SILVER LINING remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I Know. I Never Write. I Never Call.

2011-11-07T18:14:32Z

Fountain of Old Town Portland Photo by Rhombus

It's Good News Week!

Well, let me put that another way... It's been good news on several levels and some 'okay' news too. But, the good far outweighs the 'okay' stuff. Can't beat that even on a bad day as far as I'm concerned. So, I'm now here, writing about the progress TP Foundation and the Kiva TP Team have made. (Please don't expect a phone call as I don't have everyone's numbers.) Anyway - here we go with some recent information:

WTPF Latest Local News Updates

Image courtesy of Kive.org

KIVA.ORG

Though this would now be considered 'old' news, it is still good news! At the end of September, TPF made it's 90th loan. This was in celebration of another milestone event. The Kiva TP Team (for which TPF is a member) passed the $10,000 mark! Congratulations to the Team! There are currently 33 members and obviously willing to share the wealth! As of right this moment, the Team has made 278 loans for a total of $10,750USD.

The TP Foundation has $1,839.49 outstanding with $518.79 in available credit. We have only experienced one default since the beginning. So, you will hear no complaints from me about such success! Plus, October marked Kiva's 6th year anniversary. Congratulations to all the people who have made this organization such a success!!!

To see what's been happening, here are the links:

Travellerspoint Foundation's Awesome Lender Page and the Awesome Kiva Lending Team: Travellerspoint Travel Community

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF)

If you are unaware of this organization, it is also known as 'Doctors without Borders' and has been helping people around the world since 1971. In an attempt to broaden our contributions a bit, TP Foundation combined an Adsense payment with money that was hanging out in our bank account. (All of $31.00.) With the combination of those two funds, we were able to donate $125.00 on August 11, 2011 in the form of a cashier's check. The money was specifically designated to support the Somali refuge food program. We have recently received a thank you and acknowledgment of our donation.

We have $50 from Travel Unravelled entries sitting in the TPF PayPal account with another AdSense payment of $104.96 being issued on December 1st. (AdSense takes 30 days to review their accounting before transferring the earnings.) The intent is to combine the money and donate once again to MSF. The chosen cause will be that of fighting malaria around the world. The funds will cover the cost of the malaria vaccines which will be administered to children in multiple countries.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Travel Unravelled earned the above-mentioned $50.00 through the Travel Unravelled's Q&A Project. The rules are simple can be found through the just-mentioned link or in the General Talk Forum. (Can't miss it because it's stickied.)

Additionally, If you have tips and tricks for your fellow travellers, then join us in educating travellers worldwide. To get started, send our editors an email at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Let them know a bit about yourself, and maybe include some writing samples and ideas for entries. They will review your submission and, if you fit the bill, they will welcome you to the team. Each published article earns $5.00 for the TP Foundation and Kiva.

THE BOOK CLUB

One book review was published:

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams - Reviewer: Deb Martens (Review posted by Isadora)

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

TP FOUNDATION FINANCIALS

At the moment, I am updating our earnings from the assorted programs and what is held in both the bank and PayPal accounts. It's coming close to that dreaded 'end of the year' stuff.

As for the 'okay' news I spoke of in the beginning - earnings from Travel Unravelled and the Book Club have slumped a bit. So, add a book review, write an article for TU or just reply to the TU Q&A question posted in General talk. I know I'd be a happy camper!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I promise to write again soon. Until then - THANK YOU ALL!!!!!

I Know. I Never Write. I Never Call. remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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We've Got a Groovy Kind of Love

2011-04-01T19:42:55Z

Celebration Photo by Isadora

A VERY HAPPY SECOND ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Yes, that is correct, we've been doing business for a full two years now. Life is good! Granted, the 'real' starting date was March 7, 2009, when the AdSense contributions were first put into play. But, April 1, 2009 was the launch of the TPF 'Our Two Cents Worth' blog. Which either date you choose - we've been going strong and have made some great investments.

In honor of this landmark, eight more loans have been made in the amount of $100.00/each. We have been fortunate in several ways. We have maintained our AdSense contributors, we have had zero loan defaults through Kiva, our loan potential has increased dramatically and we've gained several new members to the Kiva TP Team.

To see what's been happening, here are the links:

Travellerspoint Foundation's Awesome Lender Page and the Awesome Kiva Lending Team: Travellerspoint Travel Community

WTPF Latest Local News Updates

KIVA.ORG

TPF has recently made it 76th loan on Kiva. As mentioned, eight loans of $100.00/each were completed on March 30, 2011. That date also marked the anniversary of the TP Foundation joining Kiva. (Our first loans were not made until August of 2009 because we needed money. The original $13.50 wasn't enough to do the trick.) On the upside, we've made $4440 in loans over the past 2 years.

Currently, we have $393.87 remaining in the Kiva account and $1861.10 in outstanding loans. Only one Entrepreneur is still raising funds. Click the Awesome Lender Page link (above) to follow our progress.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Travel Unravelled earned $5.00 in February through the Travel Unravelled's Q&A Project. The rules for the project have been changed a bit so please check it out! The time limit restrictions have been removed and answers can be posted in question threads. (You'll be able to recognize them by their titles and that they are stickied in the General Talk Forum.)

THE BOOK CLUB

One book review was published:

American Portraits: 100 Countries by Michael Clinton - Reviewer: Isadora

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

ADSENSE PROGRAM

Currently, we have $35.08 in the AdSense account. On March 25, 2011, $121.91 was transferred to the TPF bank account.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

Currently, we have $0.63 in the Associates account. On February 27, 2011, $14.06 was transferred to the TPF bank account.

TPF BANK & PAYPAL ACCOUNTS

As of March 28, 2011, we held a bank account balance of $140.13. On March 31, 2011, a transfer to the TPF PayPal account, in the amount of $135.00, was initiated. Once completed, that money will be transferred to the Kiva account. (Yeah, PayPal transfers take a few days. Such is life.)

A VERY HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL!!

Once again, I thank everyone who has chosen to be a participant in the TP Foundation. We're only two years old but have done great things! Anyway, I'm personally impressed. We've gone from two digits to four digits in front of that decimal point when it comes to loans. (Meaning $13.50 to $4440.00, just to be clear.) To everyone who contributes, please take a moment to pat yourself on the back for being part of a great project. If I could, I would thank all of you in person. I'm afraid that's not possible at the moment but... You have my gratitude big time!! Thank you!!

ps: Thanks to the Mindbenders for a great title and great song.

We've Got a Groovy Kind of Love remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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IT'S A BRAND NEW DAY!!

2011-04-01T17:04:29Z

IMG_1646.jpg Photo by benji2020

IT IS DEFINITELY A BRAND NEW DAY! IT'S DEFINITELY A BRAND NEW YEAR!!!! WELCOME TO 2011 AND ALL THAT IT HAS IN STORE!!!

Yes, I'm quite aware that I have been very absent in recent months. I also know I said that would change. Try as I might, it did not happen in a timely manner. But, it does not mean that the TP Foundation has fallen by the wayside - it has not. I've just been delinquent in my posting duties. Sometimes real life just gets in the way, not allowing us to do the things that are the closest to our own hearts, but important all the same. I am no exception. With that said, I shall move on...

Where We Have Been

The TP Foundation was launched on April 1, 2009 and has been growing ever since. We began with a mere $13.50 from Google's AdSense Program. During 2009, Adsense earned $320.15 while 2010 brought in another $426.18 of usable revenue. Over the course of 2009, TP Foundation also incorporated in The Travel Unravelled and The Book Club blogs. Travel Unravelled produces $5.00 for every blog entry posted. The Book Club earns revenue via the Amazon Associates Program. (Follow a book review Amazon link, purchase something and TPF earns a few cents.) The 2009 Tour de France Competition and the 2010 $1 For Your (Accommodation) Review Drive brought in an additional $1350.00 worth of funds.

Overall, this may not seem like a lot. And, for most of us, in reality, it isn't. But, in that same reality, for those in need it means one hell of a lot. It means the difference between food on the table or going hungry. It means clothes for one's children, a roof over one's head and/or viable transportation. TP Foundation has tried to make loans to cover all of these needs and more. We have also tried to cover health care and education, though loan requests for those areas are few and far between. Our loans have spanned the globe.

Where We Are Going

The TP Foundation's goal is to be Goodwill Ambassadors - spreading "the wealth" to those less fortunate than ourselves. The main recipient of the funds is Kiva.org - a micro-financial organization. The funds from the Tour de France Competition were donated to the Hippo-Roller Project in Africa. As 2011 progresses, we will continue the Kiva loans. If another charitable opportunity arises, we will definitely take it under consideration. It IS all about giving and expecting nothing in return.

In the past, I have posted photos, links to the Kiva Entrepreneurs who have received our loans and connected them to the mapping system. As of January 4, 2011, TPF made it's 68th loan. Due to my delinquency, there are many photos and links to be made. Rather than spend the next several days doing all of that work and having poor Michael (Utrecht) double-checking the mapping, it will be easier to just direct you to the TPF page on Kiva. You do not have to join TPF or Kiva to view our accomplishments. You will be able to see who's received money and view their profiles. I will include the link with each new set of loans and blog posting. So, here are the links...

Travellerspoint Foundation's Awesome Lender Page and the Awesome Kiva Lending Team: Travellerspoint Travel Community

US Currency. Photo by classique

Bottom Line Stuff or WTPF Latest Local News Updates

Yes, this is the year end financial report you've all been waiting for - if you're an accountant. But, it's your money so you should be informed.

KIVA.ORG

As stated above, TPF has made 68 loans since we began in 2009, 28 of them during 2010. In that time, we have had a few delinquencies but no defaults. We did have one loan that was reimbursed because the lending institution was not up to the task. When they were re-approved by Kiva, the Entrepreneur had secured his funds from another source, withdrawing his loan request. Our repayments have equaled $1880.05 for the year. Our total being put back into Kiva (for 2010) has been $3121.07 with $1393.85 remaining to be loaned. That amount is now down to $593.85 after the 8 January 4, 2011 loans.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Between August and December, the Travel Unravelled blog has earned $35.00 in revenue, bringing the yearly total up to $50. Okay, it's been a slow year for TU. But, you can help out... (Yup, promotional plug here...) In November, TU began the Travel Unravelled's Q&A Project. Follow the link to find out more. It's just answering a simple question but it does have a time limit. Not only does it help out fellow travelers, you get to express an opinion in 200 words or less.

THE BOOK CLUB

Two book reviews were published, one in August and another in September.

Outwitting the Gestapo by Lucie Aubrac - Reviewer: Craggy

The Global Soul: Jet Lag, Shopping Malls, and the Search for Home by Pico Iyer - Reviewer: Greg Wesson

Again, info for new visitors:
Have you read a book lately? Would you like to tell someone about it? It doesn't need to be travel-related nor a good review. If you have read something that was absolutely not worth anyone's time, say so. But, join the "Club" and say something because:

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

ADSENSE PROGRAM

The AdSense Program saw total earnings of $426.18 for 2010. Pay outs took place in February, May, August and November. Our ending balance on December 31st was $56.77 which means 369.41 has made it's way to Kiva. Well, not exactly... It's more like $364.22 as the TPF bank account contains $4.16 and the TPF PayPal account contains a whopping $1.03. (Did I do the subtraction correctly? Yes, it appears I have. Just checkin'.) All in all, the program has been a success! It keeps getting better as more information is added to the wiki and new people join TP daily.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

The Amazon Associates Program may not be as prolific as AdSense but it has generated income. The total earnings for last year were $24.53 with payments received in January, February and October. On December 31st, the balance in the account was $14.06. The January and February payments were from earnings generated during 2009. The 2010 balance will be paid out shortly. As stated above, the Associates program earns a few cents when someone uses a Book Club link to purchase something on Amazon. So, shop early and often and follow the links. (Earnings are not limited to just purchasing books.)

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In 2009, TP held the Tour de France competition which earned $850.00 for the Hippo-Roller project in Africa. (A really good thing!) During the month of November (2010), TP conducted the $1 For Your Review drive to raise funds for Kiva. There were 481 reviews written so $481.00 for the Kiva coffers. In reality, the drive brought in $500.00 because Peter and Sam like 'nice neat round' numbers. TP Foundation is very happy they feel that way!! Thank you to all who participated and for the tidy contribution to the cause!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In retrospect, 2010 was quite a stellar year for the TP Foundation. Not in my wildest dreams did I think we'd have conducted as many loan transactions on Kiva as we have - it's amazing! Truly, they are gifts that keeps on giving, to use an old cliche. The Entrepreneurs who have been chosen are just as stellar - all repaying their loans so others can be made. It is with that sentiment that I thank each one of you who have been willing participants in this project. My sincerest gratitude to all. I do believe I can say that for the TP Foundation as a whole as well. Thank you!

IT'S A BRAND NEW DAY!! remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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$1 For Your Review - THIS CHARITY DRIVE IS NOW CLOSED.

2010-12-06T16:39:16Z

Our home in San Ignacio. Photo by Miss O

Time Is Fleeting...

The above photo is just one of the many budget accommodations that can be booked through Travellerspoint. Okay, maybe it isn't - I haven't checked - but, if it is, it will be under the "Camping" section. Anyway, let's get down to the business at hand as it's great stuff!!

The Important Part

Until the end of November, Travellerspoint will add $1 into the Travellerspoint Foundation's coffers for every review posted in our accommodation area!

The Travellerspoint Foundation in turn lends this money through Kiva to Entrepreneurs in developing countries.

For those of you unfamiliar with the TP Foundation, you can follow the "money trail" at Kiva Lender: Travellerspoint Foundation. To date, 56 loans have been made with many more to follow. We have seen great success with the loan repayments and no Entrepreneur has defaulted on any of our loans. You can also follow the activity via this blog. (Please bookmark it. Thanks!)

To leave a review, head to the budget accommodation area on Travellerspoint, seek out the properties where you have stayed and at let the community know what you thought of them. Here are examples of other TP member reviews: The Blue House Guest House (R) Jodhpur, Jodhpur, India.

At the end of the month Travellerspoint will tally up the number of reviews and donate that amount to the Foundation!

The Travellerspoint Foundation and the Entrepreneurs at Kiva thank you in advance for your participation! Now, go! Write a review! And, don't forget to laugh and be happy!

$1 For Your Review - THIS CHARITY DRIVE IS NOW CLOSED. remains copyright of the author Peter, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Post tags: reviews kiva

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Sun, Sun, Sun, Here It Comes...

2010-07-28T16:12:09Z

Pretty In Pink. Photo by Isadora

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces.
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here.
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun and I say it's all right.

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Thank you to George Harrison.

Greetings Happy Campers

Yes, I'm back. (Didn't think it would be so soon, did you?!) Little secret - I pop in when least expected just to keep everyone on their toes! The sun is shining brightly. The birds are singing (loudly) and there is the slightest soft scent of freshly mown alfalfa wafting in through the windows. Smiles are returning to some faces too. (Thought I didn't notice?) I believe it's going to be a fine day in the TPF neighborhood. So, let's take a stroll around the grounds, as it were, and see who else may be out and about....

It does appear several people you really need to meet are on their way to work. Come on, let me introduce you. It won't take long at all.

Please Say Hello To:

Bukiro Women's Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

José Armando Tzoc Velásquez, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Olga Virginia Menchú Casía, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

La Pomarrosa (Flat) Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

Oh yes, my friends, there is new news to be shared. Why not take a seat on the park bench which just happens to be under that big old shade tree...

KIVA.ORG

June came to a close with $495.80 in the Kiva coffer. The month of July has seen repayments of $153.32 from loan recipients (so far). The $100.00 in the PayPal account was also transfered to Kiva on July 24th - making for a grand total of $749.12 - WOOHOO! No, wait. That's wrong. We really have $549.12 as a balance. Why, you may ask? Well, you have just met the latest 4 Entrepreneurs on their way to work.

I do have some "not so happy" news too. We have 2 Entrepreneurs who have been delinquent in their July repayments. They have not defaulted, just haven't had the money to make this month's payment - yet. I am sure the sun will smile down on them soon. They deserve our patience.

To follow the TPF loans, checkout: Travellerspoint Foundation on Kiva.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Nada. (Which means no earning for July - still 4 days left...)

But, now is a good time to let new readers in on the secret of the Travel Unravelled Blog.
It's very simple! And, it's an excellent project! Once upon a time, someone (we'll just call him Peter) had the wonderful idea of starting a blog where travelers (or travellers, depending on your whereabouts) could help other travelers be better travelers. Great concept! What we're lacking - travelers willing to write an article or two - okay, one (article, that is) would be grand. We've all learned something useful while wandering around our chosen parts of the world. Write about it! Submissions are easy and we make links and stuff back to you. Here's all that's required:

If you have an idea for a TU entry, please send an e-mail to unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Include your subject, a short description of the material you would like to cover and a request to be added as an author. If possible, send a short sample of your entry. The TP Foundation earns $5.00 from every published submission.

THE BOOK CLUB

There has been one new submission to the Book Club during the month of July:

Letters From My Windmill By Alphonse Daudet - Reviewer: Irise Rain

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

ADSENSE PROGRAM

Our current balance in the AdSense account (since last pay out up to this very minute in time) is: $114.92 and counting. The day ain't over.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

We're rollin' in dough on this one. Okay, I kid. A lot. We have a current balance of $0.46 for July. It will grow. It's $0.46 more than we had before. Someone go shopping, please!!!

A Space In Time

Yes, more loans will be forthcoming. Until then, I have a date with Ten Years After (Alvin Lee), played on the real record player that still plays old vinyl, while I do the whole mapping the photos thing. Thank you for spending this time with us. And, that's just my two cents worth...

Sun, Sun, Sun, Here It Comes... remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Post tags: volunteer

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Reflections In A Mirror

2010-07-26T19:56:31Z

Monument Valley in the mirror. Photo by Utrecht

I Should Learn to Shut Up...

Back in April, I made an apology to everyone involved with the Foundation and it's workings. Little did I realize then I would be repeating myself a second time. But, here we are. I will spare you the repetitive rhetoric and simply say "I an very sorry for the many days between posts".

WAY Past Due

The following are Kiva loan recipients from May 1, 2010. So, please welcome:

Gborbaah Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Flor De María Díaz Sosa, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Djikiya Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Julius Khamalishi Imbali, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

With these 4, TPF has made a total of 44 loans of $50.00 each. Currently, 16 recipients have repaid in full and we have 28 outstanding. There have been no defaults. Again, not too bad!

Following these distributions, $211.96 remained in the Kiva account. The month of May saw repayments of $104.76 and $179.08 was repaid in June for a grand total of $495.80 in the account.

To follow the TPF loans, checkout: Travellerspoint Foundation on Kiva.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

There has been one new submission to the TU blog during the months of May and June:

Returning Home by Jon Shapiro (jonshapiro) of Vagabonding at 60.

THE BOOK CLUB

There has been one new submission to the Book Club during the month of May:

Madam Bovary By Gustave Flaubert - Reviewer: Irise Rain

If you would like to contribute a book review, please contact Peter, Eric or Gretchen (me). You can also get in touch with me through foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] com.

ADSENSE PROGRAM

On May 1, 2010 - AdSense released $103.86 and deposited that amount into the TPF bank account on May 25th. On June 9th, $100.00 was transferred to the TPF PayPal account. The current TPF bank account contains $13.86 with another AdSense payment to be deposited very soon.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

During the months of May and June, no one purchased anything. So, no money in the TPF coffers this time around.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyway, stay tuned as another update is forthcoming. Yup, more loans and money talk. But, to pass the time, please enjoy this little concert by Los Lobos (from Los Lobos Goes Disney):

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do

Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true

Thank you for stopping by and that's just my two cents worth...

Reflections In A Mirror remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I Wish I Could Give...

2010-04-20T19:44:13Z

Charco Verde Lagoon. Photo by marlis

It's Been Awhile

I feel the need to take this time and apologize to all of you. It's been several weeks since our last Kiva contributions - for that, I am truly sorry. I realize most of us have "real world" things that get in our way sometimes and I am no exception. Unfortunately (for TPF) my "real world" stuff demanded my attention longer than anticipated. But, we're back in business. As of April 17th, four more Kiva loans have been made. I hope you like my choices this time around.

*On that note, if anyone has suggestions for the types of loans they would like to see, please let me know: foundation [at] travellerspoint [dot] org

PLEASE WELCOME:

Pahuichi Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Bilma Bonilla Cruz, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Selepa Falesa, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Javier Alvarado Rojas, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

As of April 17th, TPF has made 40 - $50.00 loans to Kiva Entrepreneurs. Of those, seven have been repaid in full. The remaining 33 recipients are in repayment mode at this time and, again, we've seen no loan defaults. In just over a year, we have been able to make loans totaling $2000.00 USD. Not bad for "a penny here and a penny there" project. (Okay, that's simply put but that's exactly how we started out last year.)

The Kiva project has truly become self-sufficient. Our loan repayments equaled $167.76 for Feb/Mar and $131.03 for Mar/Apr. (Repayments are made on the 15th of each month - in case you were wondering.) Between the repayments and funds received from AdSense and Amazon, our Kiva balance was $591.35 - that was until the last four loans were made... We're at $391.35 now. Oh look, we can make four more loans in two weeks! WooHoo!!! Seriously!!!! WooHoo!!! (I'm jazzed, what can I say... I know - shut up and get on with it.)

To follow the TPF loans, checkout: Travellerspoint Foundation on Kiva.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

I am sad to say there have been no new submissions to the TU blog.
Someone please send an article. I hate having to cry in public. Our editors are really, really, really bored. Send two or three. We'll make them look pretty. Pictures and everything. Include your own photos. We're easy - and at the moment- free!!!

If you have an idea for a TU entry, please send an e-mail to unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Include your subject, a short description of the material you would like to cover and a request to be added as an author. If possible, send a short sample of your entry. The TP Foundation earns $5.00 from every published submission.

THE BOOK CLUB

There has been one new submission to the Book Club:

The Blue Sweater By Jacqueline Novogratz - Reviewer: Eric Daams (dr.pepper)

HIPPO ROLLER CHALLENGE

The Hippo Roller Challenge was hoping to have 20 million characters added to the Travel Guide (Wiki). That would have donated 63 rollers to villages in Africa. Alas, that goal was not reached. (We also had the offer of 2 rollers being donated by Michael Burn (Utrecht), out of his own pocket, had we reached the goal.) But, 17 million characters were added and now 7 Hippo rollers will be donated to the Hippo Water Roller Project.

Let's give all those who participated in the challenge a round of applause as they deserve our recognition!!!!

ADSENSE PROGRAM

On February 24, 2010 - AdSense transfered $124.45 to the TPF account. Since that pay out, the account now holds $90.22 and growing quickly.

AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

On february 24, 2101 - Amazon transfered $96.52 to the TPF account. Since that pay out, the account now holds $6.88 and growing slowly. Could someone please click on some Book Club links and buy a few things? Please? Pretty Please???

IN THE END

Regardless of all my whining for more TU submissions and Book Club reviews, the Foundation has been doing a phenomenal job at earning funds and making Kiva loans. The Hippo Roller Project has also been a huge success. Thank you to everyone and that's just my two cents worth...

I wish I knew how, it would feel to be free
I wish I could break, all the chains holding me
I wish I could see, everything I had to see
Sing it loud, sing it clear, for the whole round world to hear

I wish I could share, all the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars, that keep us apart
I wish you knew, how it would feel to be me
Then you'd see, and agree, everyone should be free

Thank you to the Derek Trucks Band for being my inspiration on soooo many levels.

I Wish I Could Give... remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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IT'S A CELEBRATION!!!!

2010-03-06T22:03:43Z

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO TRAVELLERSPOINT FOUNDATION!!!!!

Okay, so I've picked really obnoxious disco music for this one but I happen to like the song. Plus, at this particular moment in time, it fits. We have things to celebrate!

As I write this, it is still March 6th in my time zone. But, for the person who originally asked me to become involved in this project, it's already March 7th. (Thank you, Peter! And, I can't leave out Sam and Eric either as we all know TPF came about through Team Daams.) ;-)

For those who are not familiar with the background of the TP Foundation, March 7th marks the day the first Adsense earnings were contributed to the cause - a whole $13.50 - woohoo! It wasn't much but it's what we had to work with at the time. Since then, the Foundation has grown and prospered in many ways. Over time, funding through the Amazon Associates Program (via The Book Club), and the Travel Unravelled blog have been added. We also have earned a certain amount of income from competitions, such as generated by the Tour de France wiki article contributions. All in all, we have been able to make 36 - $50.00 (USD) loans over the past year. It took awhile to see the funds actually available for those first 4 loans, but it's been on-going process ever since.

Anyway, let me introduce you to our latest Kiva Entrepreneurs. I will finish with some really awesome stuff after the picture show. (Don't go away!)

Edward Chuula Akanga, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Chyibylova Aysalkyn's Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Sour Mok, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Pen Ra, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

Here comes the awesome news!

As stated above, TPF has made 36 - $50.00 loans over time. Of those, we have had 4 completely repaid and 32 are in repayment stage. We have not had one default, refund or any other hiccups. In fact, of the 4 who have finished their repayments - all were completed ahead of the scheduled time frame.

I have made a point of not choosing just those who would be the "safe bet" on repayments. Instead, I have made the choices across the board in regards to sector (agriculture, services, etc), region and need. The "ability to repay the loan" became a non-issue for me early on - a non-issue I plan to continue following. Having failed myself at times, I believe everyone (at least in my mind's eye) deserves a chance to succeed.

To follow the TPF loans, checkout: Travellerspoint Foundation on Kiva.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

There has been one new submission to the TU blog:

The Art of Shared Sleeping by Maaret Virtanen (Ofelia)

THE BOOK CLUB

There has been one new submission to the Book Club also:

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba - Reviewer: Eric Daams (dr.pepper)

ALL AND ALL...

Over the last two weeks, TPF has received funds from Travel Unravelled, AdSense and Amazon Associates. A total of $275.00 has just been transferred to Kiva. We have a balance of $292.56 and will be making 4 - $50.00 loans again on March 13th. Stay tuned to meet the next recipients!!!

Until next time, that's just my two cents worth! Now, go and celebrate!!!!!!!

IT'S A CELEBRATION!!!! remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Brother Bought A Coconut...

2010-02-07T18:48:17Z

I do realize that I have food-related themes going with my titles once in awhile. That's what happens when you like to cook, you like to eat and the shoe fits. Well, shoes aren't always edible. Okay, never met an edible shoe but it doesn't mean they aren't out there somewhere. I'm sure some celebrity has a pair sitting in their closet. But, that's not why we're all here today...

Welcome To A New Year!!

So, I thank you all for gathering here together to usher in a new year and a new set of Kiva loans. We have been exceptionally fortunate to have received $160.30 in loan repayments during the month of January. These have brought our total up to $244.30 in the Kiva credit account. Without additional "outside" contributions, we've been able to assist four new Entrepreneurs this morning (or afternoon or evening, depending on your time zone). We have also had one of our earlier recipients repay their loan in full though I'll get to that shortly. But first, please say hello to our newest partners in business around the world.

PLEASE WELCOME:

Qamet Samadov, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Hassan Namatsi Ayoyi, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Maria Doroliza Camacho, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Warlito J. Quidet, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

As stated above, we do have great news about one of our previous Entrepreneurs - Ben Ruhinda's Group in Ibanda, Uganda. Their full loan request was $4700.00 to purchase additional drugs and supplies for a veterinary pharmacy, which services the local farmer's livestock. Their repayment period was over 6 months beginning November, 2009. The Group began payments in October and the debt fully repaid by January, 2010. Thanks to the Ben Ruhinda Group!!!

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

Since my last report on new blog entries, three articles have been posted:

How to Plan an Epic African Bike Ride - Part 2 by Rob and Polly Summerhayes (robandpol)

Let The Milk of Human Kindness Flow by Kris Kalav (beerman)

Finding the Right Bag... by Rich Perkins (Gelli)

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS!! If you have an idea for a TU entry, please send an e-mail to unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Include your subject, a short description of the material you would like to cover and a request to be added as an author. If possible, send a short sample of your entry. If things don't pick up soon, our Editors are all going to go traveling themselves and I'll never find them again. Please keep them busy so I know where they are... Just a thought...

PS: The TP Foundation earns $5.00 from every published submission.

THE BOOK CLUB

Only one book has been reviewed recently:

Don't Stop The Carnival by Herman Wouk - Reviewer: Me (Isadora)

I know people are reading books. It says so in The Book Club thread in the Off Topic forum. Hey guys! Come on over to The Book Club blog and review what you've read. We'd love to read about your selections. Really! We like reading! A lot!

PS: Just as a reminder, The Book Club is affiliated with the Amazon Associates Program. Follow a link in a review, make a purchase (books, products, gift cards, etc.) and the TP Foundation earns a percentage of the purchase price. Valentine's Day is just around the corner...

A Final Word...

I shall end here and let you get back to your regularly scheduled activities. Mine is working up the end of the month earning for January so I can report back soon. Thank you all again for being excellent contributors and followers of the Foundation. Enjoy and that's just my two cents worth...

Brother Bought A Coconut... remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Sunny Side Up, Please...

2010-01-20T12:09:15Z

Offering coins, by monkyhands

So, I said I would be back and here I am... Though, only for a few brief comments and to show off a bit of math. No, you don't have to do the math. I had to do the math. I hate math. But, I did it anyway because our accountants threatened me with bodily harm if I didn't do the math. Luckily for me, the calculator didn't die halfway through.

For those of you who really like numbers, or just have an strange curiosity about how well I can add and subtract, I shall now try to make the end of the year financial report interesting. (Well, I did say "try"... I make no promises...)

THE MONEY TRAIL

ADSENSE ACCOUNT

TPF officially began it's financial career on March 7, 2009 with a grand total of $13.50 as seed money. Basically, it was all I had earned through Adsense up to that point. It was a start. As of December 31, 2009, contributions totaled $320.15 with 2 pay outs of $117.15 (July) and $109.27 (October), respectively. The remaining $93.73 is just waiting for more friends to arrive during 2010. (Actually, we'll be due for another payment at the end of January. WOOHOO!!)

AMAZON ASSOCIATES ACCOUNT

The Amazon program has earned a grand total of $119.18 since July, 2009. We received an $11.02 pay out back in October. But, December was a very profitable period and we have $108.16 in that account awaiting release. Amazon works in mysterious ways. Maybe not as mysterious as time-consuming. But, we have the time.

PAYPAL ACCOUNT

The poor lonely PayPal account has $3.42 in it. That's okay. It'll see an influx of funds in the very near future.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED BLOG

We have had 15 entries published for a total of $75.00 in earnings. We received $40 in September and have $35 still waiting on Peter. Okay, can't blame Peter as the last blog entry wasn't published until December 31st. Hey, it's January 6th so we can blame him! (Mwahahahahaha!!!!! Just kidding Pete!!! Take your time. We're not goin' anywhere.) ;-)

COMPETITIONS & FREEBIES

Back in early March, both AdSense and PayPal gave away free money. We saw $0.98 in earning just for testing the bank transfer system. Hey, that's $0.98 we didn't have in February. (That's the freebie part in case you were curious.)

In July, we received $850.00 from the Tour de France Wiki Competition. (Oh, how I like these competitive sports and those who write about them!!!)

KIVA.ORG

Currently, we have $84.00 in our Kiva credit account. We have made 28 - $50 loans which means $1400 has been put to good use. Contributions from TPF's outside earnings has totaled $1125.00 and we have used $275 from loan repayments. Our loan repayments have equaled

BOTTOM LINE

(Here comes the math part...)

From March 7th to December 31st, TPF earned a grand total of $1365.31. We have $240.31 still sitting in various accounts. We have made Kiva loans with $1125.00 of the total. So, if you add $1125.00 and $240.31 together you should come up with $1365.31, if I'm not mistaken. Yup - just checked my calculations one more time and it worked. I even did it backwards (using subtraction - a highly useful formula) and it still works.

Now that my calculator's battery has finally decided to give up the ghost, I shall make my exit and that's just my two cents worth... Happy New Year to all and to another year filled with good deeds!!!!

Sunny Side Up, Please... remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Oh, The Questions Of A Thousand Dreams

2009-12-31T22:03:48Z

My Friends (June, 1985), Photo Courtesy of Randy Martens Photography

A NEW DAY AND A NEW WAY

The above photograph was taken in Niger by my brother-in-law back in 1985. He, along with several other "adventurers", toured Africa by traveling in the back of old trucks, using local buses and other assorted forms of transportation. Like many of you, he chose what is commonly considered the traveler's (versus tourist's) version of experiencing the world. He has since visited countless other countries (well, I quit counting them years ago) but his journey through the various African nations has been the one trip he's held closest to his heart. The walls of my house are home to many of the photos from that sojourn.

I have chosen this particular image to make a very simple point. Over the past several months TPF has made 28 loans to assorted global regions for assorted global reasons. We have covered agriculture, food production, housing, clothing, health care, transportation and most recently, retail sales. All of the Entrepreneurs are adults. Almost all of the Entrepreneurs are parents trying to provide for their families or young adults trying to provide for aging parents. Either way, the above photo (in my mind) depicts the true benefactors of our efforts - the children, as they are the way of the future.

They say the ringing out of the old year and the ringing in of the new is also a time for reflection. I've not always held to that belief as I usually choose to look forward rather than back. I do have my "nostalgic" periods but rarely for the 365 days that have just come and gone. Today is a different story. Today, I am more than willing to do the "2009 Year In Review" because, through the Travellerspoint Foundation, all of us have tried to make a difference in our world. Okay, I'm almost done with the sentimentality thing but please bear with me...

A VERY LARGE THANK YOU

Thanks for sticking around and bearing with me!!

I take this time to express my sincerest gratitude to Travellerspoint, Sam, Peter, Eric and everyone single member who has supported the Travellerspoint Foundation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know that I can speak for the TP Overlords with this show of gratitude. We have had such great participation in this project that it has brought me to tears. Okay, it's made me almost weepy. Keep up the good work and I will be in tears. Between the AdSense contributions, Amazon Associates contributions and the Tour de France Competition, TPF has been able to do wonderful things. Come the end of February, the Hippo Roller Project will just be the cherry on top of that luscious (pick your favorite) dessert.

PLEASE SAY HELLO!!

I will bypass all of the commentary and just say four more $50 loans were made on December 26th. We received several repayments which allowed us to add to our portfolio. So, without further ado...

Evelyn Rosaura Soch, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Mohamad, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Joyitas De Cosmos Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Rezel Paderas Group, Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

This is where I would usually give the "bottom line" for each of the TPF accounts and projects. But today, you have been spared. Okay, I just don't have the tallies for the end of the year yet. By my clock, I still have 10 hours left to go before year end. And, since California is still 2 hours behind me - make that a good 12 hours or better before we have an accurate accounting. I'm even going to give it until January 2nd before making a report. All I can say - 2009 has been an exceptionally profitable year for a project that was just a spark in someone's mind not that long ago.

ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE

A very giant THANK YOU to everyone involved in this project and to those of you who have supported TPF along the way. We couldn't have made 28 loans and created the Hippo Roller Project without your help!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all of you who have been AdSense Contributors. Without you, this project would never have come to fruition!!!!

Thank you to the "Gang of Four" (Greg, Derek, Tina, Brendan and Kris) for your editing expertise with the Travelled Unravelled blogs. (Yes, there are 5 names there but sadly we had to say good bye to Brendan and happily said hello to Kris as Brendan's replacement.)

Thank you Michael, for being my mapping genius. I've learned how to map but there are 6 unconnected points that need connecting. Help!

Thank you to the Book Review contributors. Please keep reading and writing reviews. The written word has power.

Last, but certainly not least... Thank you Sam, Peter and Eric for creating such wonderful opportunities where members of this website can make a difference. You have my round of applause.

With that, I'm done pontificating for 2009. Let the decade roll over and that's just my two cents worth...

Little Accordion Player (Sept, 1999), Photo Courtesy of Randy Martens Photography

As her father looked on, this little girl was playing accordion on the sidewalks of Krakow to help support her family

A VERY PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!

A special thanks to Randy Martens (my brother-in-law) for the use of his photographs and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young for the lyrics used in the title.

Oh, The Questions Of A Thousand Dreams remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Have You Ever Seen A Hippo?

2009-12-03T12:45:37Z

Green Park Chairs stretching to infinity, by GregW

Yessireebob! That time has come again where I am allowed to pontificate about whatever strikes my fancy. Well, within reason. Guess what?! It just so happens I have a reason (maybe even two or three) and I am oh soooooo willing to share. I'll give everyone a couple of minutes to grab a beverage of their choice, pull up the easy chair and get comfy... (Insert "Girl From Ipanema" music here.)

ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER

Everyone situated? Excellent. Let's rock and roll...
According to Robert's Rules, this "meeting of the minds" should begin with old business. Makes sense. Especially if we were holding a bona fide committee meeting. We're not. So, into the circular file goes Robert's Rules of Order! (It was boring stuff anyway.)

Have You Ever Seen A Hippo?

Hippos, by Sponte

No! I don't mean THOSE hippos!

(Are you sure those aren't rhino butts? Just checkin'...)

I mean THESE hippos:

"Collecting water can be fun!" Photo Courtesy of hipporoller.org

For those of you who have not been following the Wiki Travel Guide Forum (shame on you for that), a "new" (now not so new) competition was launched November 2, 2009. Aptly, it is The Hippo Roller Challenge:

"This simple technology has already transformed the lives of over 200,000 people.
A safer water supply system that has an immediate and measurable benefit."

Those words are taken from the Hippo Roller Project website and they speak volumes all on their own. It's a great cause and one that the TP Foundation is proud to support. But, it will take you, the members, to make this a success...

"The way this challenge works is very simple: The more people contribute to our wiki travel guide, the more hippo rollers we will donate. There are six milestones along the way, and whenever we reach a milestone, we'll donate a designated number of hippo rollers. The challenge will run from November 2 to February 28. If we reach 20 million characters in the wiki travel guide, we will have donated 63 hippo rollers (at $105 per barrel, a total donation of US$ 6615)!"

Not only has TP thrown down the gauntlet, so has one of our favorite members, Michael (Utrecht):

"I will add one more hipporoller IF we reach 20 million before or on the 28th of February. That's a promise! Anyone else wants to join me on that one?"

So, who's up for it? The wiki is just begging for more contributions!!!!!

Kudos to the TP Overlords for creating this challenge! I would also like to thank a couple of members named Rob and Polly for being the inspiration behind the scenes. You can read about their incredible volunteer work and bicycle journey across Africa on their blog: LONGWAYHOME. They are also contributors to the Travel Unravelled blog (see link below).

Money talks, by Magonia

MONEY TALKS

KIVA.ORG

The current Kiva Account tallies out at $161.84. Hey, not bad since we were at $49.44 on the 6th of November! We have received $112.40 in repayments - which is ~10% of our total loan amounts. To date, all of our Entrepreneurs (who are in repayment mode presently) have paid their monthly amounts in full and on time. We still have a few that will begin their repayment cycles in December and January.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

The month of November brought with it two new TU Blog entries!

Anyone Have A Stamp??? by Lil (lil_lil)

Lil has written a very good entry on the various ways one can stay in touch with friends and family while adventuring in exotic places. From postcards to mobile phones and most things in between are covered in this article.

How to Plan an Epic African Bike Ride - Part I by Rob and Polly Summerhayes (robandpol)

Rob and Polly have covered some of the important tips and tricks they have learned while touring Africa on bicycles. They are also involved with the Hippo Roller Project and Lulisandla Kwmtwana, which is an outreach program for orphaned children. You can read more about both projects on their personal blog.

How to Plan an Epic African Bike Ride - Part 2 is currently in the editing stages and slated for TU publication December 7th. So, stay tuned for more!!

Presently, we are working very hard to have one TU article published each week. But, we do seem to be having a bit of a problem with that master plan. We need some articles! (Here goes that shameless begging.) Please contact us at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com with any (and all) submission ideas you may have. As always, our Editors are ready and waiting.

A SIDE NOTE:
Sadly, our editorial staff has had to bid farewell to one of their members this week. Brendan Harding (zaksame) has stepped down to concentrate on his own novel and other personal commitments. We are sorry to see him go but do wish him much success in his own endeavors. Thank you, Brendan, for being part of the team and we'll miss you.

On an upside, Kris Kalav (TP's illustrious beerman) has agreed to follow in Brendan's footsteps. So, please welcome our newest member to the TU editorial staff! And, by all means, send in some article submissions to keep them all busy!

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

THE BOOK CLUB

November also brought two new reviews for The Book Club:

Korea: A Walk Through The Land Of Miracles by Simon Winchester - Reviewer: Rebecca B (bex76)

Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell - Reviewer: Dave (TLWH)

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

MONEY TRAIL

KIVA ACCOUNT: $161.84 ($112.40 received in repayments.)

ADSENSE ACCOUNT: $69.96 (Earnings since last pay out on October 27th.)

AMAZON ASSOC. ACCOUNT: $3.32 (Awaiting $10.46 payment for August - October earnings.)

PAYPAL ACCOUNT: $3.42 (It's just waiting for friends to stop by.)

TU BLOG CONTRIBUTIONS: $15.00 (Earnings from October and November entries.)

TOTAL TPF EARNINGS TO DATE: $1234.24 (WOOHOO!!! Not bad at all!!!)

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

It does appear that my time is up and they want me off the stage. I've been informed I've overstayed my welcome and Disney's "Dancing Hippos Revue from Fantasia" was to begin half an hour ago. Who knew? (I just work here.) Not wanting to be crushed by a hippo in a tutu... That's just my two cents worth and enjoy your adventures!

Have You Ever Seen A Hippo? remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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HELP WANTED

2009-12-01T16:22:11Z

I'm sure some of you have been wondering why there haven't been Kiva loans made recently. I'm also sure those of you following this blog will have read the The Primrose, Pine Nuts and Post-It™ Notes entry explaining the Foundation's dwindling resources. Whether you read that entry or not, doesn't matter in the long run - we were fund challenged for a short time. It's going to happen again. It's just the way the game is played at this time. In a nutshell - we earn money, wait for the release of that money, transfer that money and finally get to use that money. It's a process that takes time and patience. I have the time and I know all of you have the patience. So, let's move on to the good news, shall we?! Yes, there is good news! There's always some good news!

THE GOOD NEWS

On November 6th, we were once again able to make 4 - $50.00 loans to Kiva Entrepreneurs. The Foundation received earnings from both the Google AdSense Program and the Amazon Associates Program. The Kiva account has also seen several repayments from previous recipients which have helped fill the coffers for this round of loans. (Please keep in mind, Kiva Entrepreneurs repay loans as we would - a certain amount per month.)

Without further ado, let me introduce you to our latest Entrepreneurs! Take it away Gang of Four!

Ayandiji Ayamakinde, Nigeria Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Mrs. Srey Mao Srun Village Bank Group, Cambodia Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Sabouratou Owatunde, Togo Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Isabel Sanchez De Vargas, Peru Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

In case anyone is wondering about the "WTPF" thingy - it's TP Foundation's FM radio call letters - or would be if we actually had a radio station. I like pretending we do...

KIVA.ORG

When last reported, we had a whopping $46.54 in the Kiva account. With the influx of funds from Adsense, Amazon and loan repayments, we had a grand total of $249.44. We're now back down to $49.44 with several loan repayments due around November 15th. We may end up having to skip another loan period but as I stated above - it's the name of the game. To view our Entrepreneur repayments, please click here.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

Sadly, we've had only one entry published in the TU Blog this month. Sadder yet - it was written by me. But, if you want a scintillating read - check out The Scoop on the Poop. Hey, it's everything everyone wants to know and it earned TPF $5.00. (Now you understand the HELP WANTED sign up at the top.) We need help!!!!! Submissions good and they aren't that hard to write. Really! Please contact us at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com with an article. We have 4 editors who really, really want to read your stuff!!! No, really!!!

THE BOOK CLUB

My, my, my... The Book Club has seen only one review this month also. But, it's another good one!

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi - Reviewer: Kris

We received a transfer of $11.02 on October 28th. Currently, we have $10.46 in the Associates account which will be released at the end of November. Please keep in mind that Amazon funds take 60 days processing time. We will see that money in January, 2010. So, until then - shop early and often for the holidays and don't forget to follow an Amazon (book review) link. All purchases, including gift certificates, made through one of our links adds funds to the TPF account. You don't need to buy just books. Honest. It says so in the fine print.

ADSENSE

Google Adsense transferred $109.27 on October 27th. We have $43.52 currently in the account. It's going to take a few more clicks to reach our next $100.00 threshold. As with Amazon, AdSense funds have an approximate 30 day processing time. It's gonna be a bit before we see another transfer. (Patience.)

PAYPAL ACCOUNT

With the transfer of the Amazon and AdSense funds ($120.29), we had a total of $128.42 in the account. A transfer of $125.00 was made to Kiva so our ending PayPal balance is now $3.42. WOOHOO! Hey - beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick (eeewwww) and more will be joining that small amount before too long.

END OF STORY

Now that I have introduced you to our new Entrepreneurs, made my pitches for our assorted money-making "schemes" and given you the financial report - I think it's time to just shut up and finish with "That's just my two cents worth".

Oh wait - here's a little song for you too. It'll help pass the time while we wait on the "A" lists to give us more money. Take it away Bobby McFerrin!

Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy...... ;-)

HELP WANTED remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The Primrose, Pine Nuts and Post-It™ Notes

2009-10-16T18:55:05Z

Shadow Walk Photo Courtesy of Isadora

WELCOME ONCE AGAIN

Okay, you caught me. The title of this blog has nothing to do with it's content. But, admit it. You were curious. I can see the look on your face. What is this crazy woman talking about now?! To be honest, I'm here to talk about the TP Foundation once again. If you'd prefer, I could launch into my best rendition of "Let Me Entertain You" by Gypsy Rose Lee. Who is Gypsy Rose Lee, you ask? Well, I'll let you look that one up for yourselves. (Natalie Wood portrayed her in the 1962 film Gypsy".) But, I digress and now will return to the topic at hand. (Just thought I'd throw a little teaser in here for fun.)

For those of you following this blog, you will notice we do not have pictures of this week's Kiva Entrepreneurs. There's a reason for that. Yes, this was to be a "loan" week but we're a little shy on funds presently. Our objective was to make 4 - $50.00 loans every other week. We've done wonderfully so far - 20 loans given since August 5, 2009. Hey, that's nothing to sneeze at and a round of applause is given to all participants!! I know I say thank you a lot. Guess what - here it comes again... Thank you all!!!

Sands of Time Photo Courtesy of Isadora

THE LOWDOWN

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

Our Kiva Credit Account had held steady at $46.54 until yesterday (Oct. 15th) when we received 18 loan repayments totally $73.74. We now have a grand total of $120.28 just waiting for some more friends to arrive. We need $79.72 and we'll back in business. Luckily, we should have that and a tad more by the end of the month. To view our Entrepreneur repayments, please click here.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

During the month of September, the TU Blog had three blog entries published for a total of $15.00. YAY!!!!!!!!! Since that time, nada. Not nothin'. Not nowhere. I'm bummed. I seriously have 4 subjects pending (H1N1, Prescription Drugs & Travel, Entering The US With A Criminal Record and (the most important - trust me) Dealing with Diarrhea.) Now, I could write articles all day long but the blog isn't called Gretchen's Gallery of Goo or Isadora's Inn of Important Information. (It could be - but it's not.) PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Someone contact us at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com with an article. Our editors are really starting to nod off big time. They're even thinking about traveling themselves. We can't have that!

THE BOOK CLUB

The Book Club has two new published reviews for your reading pleasure:

Take Me With You by Brad Newsham - Reviewer: Rebecca B

The Lost Continent: Travels In Small-Town America by Bill Bryson - Reviewer: Me

Amazon should be depositing $11.02 into the TPF bank account at the end of this month. To date, we have earned a total of $14.33 through book club clicks. (Basically, we can thank Peter for ordering all those gift certificates for the photography competitions.) Again, Christmas is coming so follow a link, shop early and often!!!!

GOOGLE ADSENSE

We have reached out second $100 threshold through the AdSense program. In fact, there will be $109.27 that will find it's way to the bank account in the next few days.

PAYPAL ACCOUNT

There is a sum of $8.13 waiting patiently for company.

BOTTOM LINE

Everyone likes knowing the bottom line figure so I thought I'd include it. Between March 7, 2009 and September 30, 2009, the Foundation has earned a grand total of $1,142.06. This does not take into account the October Adsense donations. (It's not the end of the month - yet.) Add another $15.35 (as of this exact moment) for a total total. (The day ain't over yet either.)

ENDING STORY

Well, I don't really have an ending story so I'll just say thanks again and that's my two cents worth...

The Primrose, Pine Nuts and Post-It™ Notes remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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THE FOUR CORNERS

2009-10-03T17:36:52Z

"If service is the rent you pay for your existence on this earth, are you behind in your rent?"
Robert G. Allen

Okay, you caught me. I'm stuck in "quote" mode this week. If Robert Allen isn't your cup of tea maybe a little Andrew Carnegie might work..

"I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution."

Or, perhaps a touch of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe...

“Don't say that you want to give, but go ahead and give! You'll never catch up with a mere hope.”

I could continue on with some witty repartee or even a few more quotes for the day but I don't think that's why you are here. I'm betting you'd rather get to know our latest recipients instead. We have just completed loans 17-20, covering construction, food, transportation and clothing. (I chose a little of everything this time around.) So, instead of boring you further with my banter, I will let our newest Entrepreneurs introduce themselves.

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

Mikayil Heydarov, Azerbaijan Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

La Paz Group, Nicaragua Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Soronzonbold Banzragch, Mongolia Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Together As One Group, Sierra Leone Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

As stated above, we have completed 20 loans to date. We had an ending balance of $42.37. We have gained an additional $4.17 from Aminata Ndao's repayment today bringing us to $46.54 in available funds. Thank you, Ms. Ndao!!

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

The TU Blog has published two new articles:

Get Lost! by Maaret Virtanen (Ofelia)

Maarat has written a great article on choosing your travel destinations when you just don't know where to go.

Do I Need a Visa? by Greg Wesson (GregW)

Greg has also written a great article and covers the important issues surrounding visa applications.

Again, each published article means a $5.00 donation to TPF. (Thank you Maarat and Greg for the $10.00!!!!!)
If you have an idea for a TU entry, please send an e-mail to unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Include your subject, a short description of the material you would like to cover and a request to be added as an author. If possible, send a short sample of your entry. Yup, our Editors are still bored - happy, but bored.

THE BOOK CLUB

The Book Club has also seen two new reviews published:

Europe on a Shoestring by Lonely Planet - Reviewer: Dave (TLWH)
Paradise Updated by Mic Looby - Reviewer: Me (Isadora)
Stay tuned as there is another review just waiting for the reviewer to click that magic publish button!

I could give you all a taste of the book reviews but that would take all the fun out of it! Besides, if you check out the reviews themselves, you may just follow a link and make a purchase on Amazon. (Hint, hint!!! Our Amazon balance is still $13.31. Oh look - a numerical palindrome!)

THE END

The Google AdSense account has reached it's second $100.00 threshold and awaiting review (before release of funds). Since March 7th, we have raised $212.66 - all done one click at a time. Keep up the good work and thank you all!!!!

Last quote of the day (promise):

"Anyone who works is a fool. I don't work - I merely inflict myself upon the public."
Robert Morley

And that's just my two cents worth...

THE FOUR CORNERS remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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An Apple A Day...

2009-09-16T18:09:34Z

SAY HELLO!!!!

By now, you all know what time it is! So, pull up a comfy chair, sit back, relax for a bit and I will tell you this week's tale of good fortune!

Tada! We have just completed the fourth set of loans to Kiva Entrepreneurs and as luck or fate or whatever you would like to call it prevailed, a light from above shone down on the Foundation this time around. I'm goin' with aliens from the star system Baba Ganoush or maybe the worms from Men In Black 1&2, but that's just me. Okay, I got it, on with the story. Anyway, as laid out in earlier entries, the category of health was to be the "Pick of the Week". It wasn't lookin' good for the home team and hadn't been for over a month. No Entrepreneurs. Not one. It appeared that Plan B (education) or even Plan C (transportation) would have to take health's place...

Au contraire!! Whether aliens or the worms, some little voices said to check Kiva on September 14th so what did I spy with my little eye - our first two Entrepreneurs. Mr. Djumakhoni was just $50 shy of his $500 request. By the following morning, Dr. Chanthy was fully funded and Ben Ruhinda's Group had made a request. (Being formally trained as a veterinary technologist, I had to definitely go with that one. They will be using the loan to purchase medications and supplies for Mr. Ruhinda's veterinary pharmacy.) With no additional (health) loan requests and none available under education, our fourth loan did indeed go towards Plan C - transportation for the delivery of fruits, vegetables and consumer goods in Lebanon.

Now, with having said all that, I shall leave you to become acquainted with our latest Entrepreneurs. I also take this time to say thank you once again for everyone's participation and support of the Travellerspoint Foundation. Oh, Don't forget to keep reading. I'll meet you back at the bottom of the pictures for more Kiva, Travel Unravelled and Book Club updates. Hey, there's news to share down there. Stop by.

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Dilshodi Djumakhoni, Tajikistan Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Vith Chanthy, Cambodia Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Ben Ruhinda's Group, Uganda Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Ali, Lebanon Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

TPF has made 16 Kiva loans revolving around food, clothing, shelter, health and transportation. Of those 16 loans, 6 have begun repayments totaling $42.37, to date. Only one loan is still in the funding stage. Our current Kiva account balance is $242.37. Four more loans are scheduled for September 30, 2009. (Maybe something under education will come along between now and the 30th.) The Kiva account also received an additional $50 from the TPF PayPal account.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

The TU Blog has seen 8 entries so far, the latest being: I GET THE HEX! - by Gretchen Wilson-Kalav (Isadora)

Again, each published article means a $5.00 donation to TPF. Peter recently transfered the TU Blog earnings ($40.00) to the PayPal account for a total of $58.13. As mentioned above, $50 has now been moved over to Kiva leaving $8.13 in PayPal.

TU Blog article submissions are open to everyone. If you have an idea for one, please send an e-mail to unravelled@travellerspoint.com. Include your subject, a short description of the material you would like to cover and a request to be added as an author. If possible, send a short sample of your entry. One of our very happy (and bored) editors will gladly work with you on getting an article published. (Hey - see your name in lights!!! As soon as we find that damn switch!)

THE BOOK CLUB

A new entry has been made in The Book Club Blog by Rob Atkins (magykal1). Please check out Secrets of the Red Lantern: Stories and Vietnamese Recipes from the Heart. This book is going on my Christmas list (and hopefully, I'll be able to find tamarind at my local grocery).

Along with Rob, I've been able to add 3 additional authors so stayed tuned for more reviews!!! No, I'm not going to say who they are. You'll just have to check the blog to see what is recommended (or may not be recommended) for your reading pleasure. And yes, I will have Paradise Updated (Mic Looby) reviewed soon too. I'm not a slow reader, just a busy one.

To date, The Book Club has earned $13.31 for TPF. Of that, $11.02 should be coming our way at the end of October. (Amazon Associates works on a 60 day release cycle.) So, read a review, click on a link and make some purchases. Christmas is coming. Nothing like getting a head start on the season! Really! TPF will thank you!!

THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

Yup, and that's just my two cents worth...

An Apple A Day... remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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A House Is A Home

2009-09-03T19:03:32Z

Thank you Phillip Moffitt for a fitting title.

ROUND THREE

As stated in previous blog entries, we're spreading the "wealth" around and this week's contributions have been made in the name of housing and construction. All four of the recipients are using their loans to improve their living conditions - from installing an indoor bathroom to adding a room for their children to building a new house large enough for their family to purchasing equipment to accommodate their rental rooms.

Since I don't have much else to say until the end of this entry - please say hello to out newest Entrepreneurs!!!

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

Marcos Antonio Cardenas Medrano, Nicaragua Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Laurice Enomar, Phillippines Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Mohammad Yousef Abdul Rahman, Afghanistan Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Jackeline Argentina Mairena Carache, Nicaragua Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.” - Mahatma Gandhi

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

Since out last update, two more entries have been published. This brings the TPF contributions to $35.00 with another entry waiting in the wings for editorial input. (Funds are only contributed upon entry publication.)

Please check out:

A Few Ways to Avoid Getting Robbed in Central America - by Marina K. Villatoro (mvillatoro)
This entry will give you some tips and tricks for keeping you valuables (documents, jewelry, money, luggage, etc.) safe while in transit. Marina shares her experiences (and those of some friends) as "victims of theft". Along the way, you will also be given sound advice on how to avoid the same fate.

TAXXIII!!: THE ART OF GRABBING A CAB IN THE BIG WIDE WORLD. - by Derek Logan (Piecar)
Travel along with Derek as he takes the cab rides from Hell. Okay, not all of them - but some. Learn which drivers can be trusted and which can not. You'll never look at a cab driver the same way again.

Stay Tuned for: I GET THE HEX! - Mwahahahahaha!!!!

THE BOOK CLUB

I'm afraid nothing has changed since the last blog entry. We're still sitting at $11.02 and we won't see that come available until the end of October. (The Amazon Associates Program takes 60 days to release funds.) So, until that time - somebody please read a book and write a review! I'm begging! Really! On hands and knees!

Oh, on that note, another review will be in the works shortly. Thank you Dr. P. (Eric) for having a book sent to me by a Affirm Press. It arrived a few days ago and I have begun the journey through it's pages. It is Paradise Updated by Mic Looby who is a former Lonely Planet guide book author. I'm 50 pages in and it's proving to be an interesting ride through the guidebook industry. (Now, if a review on a book such as this doesn't garner some interest...)

END OF MONTH STATS AND WHATEVER

To date, we have the following funds waiting in the wings:
AdSense: $71.54
Amazon: $11.02
Travel Unravelled: $35.00

To date, we have made twelve loans to Kiva Entrepreneurs. Of those twelve, nine have been fully funded and most repayments begin October 1, 2009. For more information about our funding, please check out:

Travellerspoint Foundation - Kiva Entrepreneur Recipients

Havana Good Day, Evening, Night - depending on your time zone - and that's just my two cents worth...

A House Is A Home remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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"The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of."

2009-09-03T19:21:22Z

Cloth Maker 1. Photo by Daver141

Questions Asked - Questions Answered

Not long ago, in the Join the Travellerspoint Foundation, I was asked certain questions about the funding. These questions are worthy ones and definitely ones of import. In case you missed the thread, I am posting the information here.

THE "WHAT IFS"

Quan Zhang asked:

Hey, in the links to the individual applicants, there's a "days left" field on the right hand side. What happens when that time expires? Just out of curiosity. Do the individuals just get what's been donated ? Does Kiva make up the difference ? Do they get nothing?

My reply:

Good questions, Q! And, I think I have the answers for you. (Just went back over Kiva's site and the Kivafriends forum section to verify.)

According to Kivafriends, no loan request - to date as of the end of June - has gone unfunded. That may have changed but it doesn't appear that it has - yet. There is a group of lenders who are literally searching for Entrepreneurs who's time is in the "red zone" (2.5 days or less to go) and they come to the rescue. They are quite pleased with their success rate.

If an Entrepreneur is not fully funded by the end of the 30 days, the request is removed from the Kiva site and the MFI responsible for the actual loan is contacted. The MFI is in charge of supplying the real loan to the Entrepreneur and they do not rely solely on Kiva for the money. Kiva is just one avenue the MFI uses to secure funds.

It is possible that an Entrepreneur could receive nothing in the end. If they are not funded fully via Kiva, and the MFI has not secured funding from any other source(s), then yes - the Entrepreneur loses out at that time. But, the Entrepreneur can reapply again and again for Kiva funding through their MFI. Also, the money Kiva had collected towards the loan would be returned to each lender and placed in their individual Kiva accounts.

This subject (incomplete funding) is of some debate on Kivafriends. The above mentioned group of rescuers are also finding issue with some of the MFIs and the way the Entrepreneur descriptions are written. Basically - quite poorly. The MFIs are responsible for taking the Entrepreneur's information, writing a good description and translating it into English (when necessary). There are some profiles that have not been translated which makes it hard for lenders. If they don't know what's being described, they won't choose that recipient. The group vacillates between rescuing a recipient and letting them go unfunded. If they come to the rescue, the MFI will not likely improve their writing skills. If left unfunded, the recipient may not come back to try again. It appears they have chosen to get the "bad writing" point across to Kiva in other ways at the moment.

Honestly, two weeks ago, I was concerned our Peruvian group wasn't going to be funded in time. They still had quite a sum needed at 3 days out but, within 24 hours, they had it all.

THE OUTCOME

Travellerspoint Foundation has made eight loans during two loan periods (8-05-09 & 8-19-09). To date, all but one (so far) have been fully funded. Within each group of four loans, there has been one Entrepreneur (or group of Entrepreneurs) who has taken longer to become funded. Presently, we are hoping that Abdufatto Ganiev (Istaravshan, Tajikistan) will receive 100% funding within the next 18 days. (The time remaining on his loan request.) I have faith that Mr. Ganiev will receive the full amount of his request in time. If he hasn't been successful by the 2.5 day "red-line" time period, I will be placing a "call" to the Kiva "Rescuers" for help. And, if needed, I will loan an additional $50 to his cause.
(*The "red-line" time period is the period in which an Entrepreneur's status on the Kiva website literally appears in red. It allows Kiva members to see who is in dire need of help.)

Repayments for all of the loans we have made start coming due October 1, 2009. This does not mean that we will receive our full $50.00/loan as of that date. Each Entrepreneur will make their payment, it is divided up by the number of contributors and we will receive our portion. As stated previously - we're in for a penny - in for a pound. In reality, we're in it because it's the right thing to do for those who need our help. Thank you all!!!

QUICK UPDATE

In the time it took me to write this blog entry and take care of some laundry - Mr. Ganiev has only has $775.00 left to be funded. He has also been chosen as one of Kiva's Featured Entrepreneurs!!! It looks like he will be fully funded within the next few days which is a good thing!!! It's amazing how this magic really works in mysterious ways...

"The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of." remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I HAD THE BLUES BECAUSE I HAD NO SHOES

2009-08-31T07:39:19Z

No Shoes. Photo by Isadora

I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street I met a man who had no feet.
Ancient Persian Saying

FORGOING THE INTRO

I normally start my blog entry with "Welcome Happy Campers!" or "Welcome again kind friends, neighbors, acquaintances, total strangers, pets of the aforementioned, and anyone else reading this at the moment." or something similar. But, those of you who are reading these blog entries regularly are probably feeling "welcomed" enough - then again, maybe not... Just to play it safe - WELCOME TO BLOG ENTRY #8 - and enjoy this portion of "Hiking The Money Trail"!! Yup, it's going to be an ongoing theme from now on...

TPF HAS SPENT MORE OF YOUR MONEY

Please fasten your seat belts, make sure your seat backs are in the upright and locked positions and that your tray tables are securely held in place by that little do-hickey thing affixed to the back of the seat in front of you that the last kid on the plane tried to pry off with his Transformers™ action figure. Forget about the oxygen masks. You won't be needing them. I didn't spend that much of your money. Only $200 worth. Don't believe me? Take a look!!!

Oh, and keep reading because WTPF'S Travel Unravelled and Book Club updates are saved for last. Hey, they are still worth checking out because, thanks to them, we've earned more money.

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR AUGUST 19, 2009

Toyin Ayoola, Nigeria. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Kasokoso Central 1 West Nadego Regina Group, Uganda. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Batrentsen Sonom, Mongolia. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Abdufatto Ganiev, Tajikistan. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

In the last blog entry, Hiking The Money Trail, I explained how I would be choosing the Kiva Entrepreneurs, or more specifically why I will be making certain decisions about the recipients. Just as a quick reminder (or if you accidentally missed the last edition), here is the game plan. The first 4 sets of loans will fall under the headings of food, clothing, shelter and health. Education may replace the health category if no Entrepreneurs are available during that lending cycle. What comes after those 4 issues have been addressed is still a work in progress.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

A new entry has been posted in the Travel Unravelled Blog. Eric (aka dr. pepper) has kindly given us hints on how to make our blogs better - be it travel-related or just personal stuff. Please check out 7 Ways to Improve Your Travel Blog because it's really informative. Okay, he says Travel Blog but the "7 Ways" will work for anything. 7 Ways to Improve Your Daily Diary Blog, 7 Ways to Improve Your "I Hate My Boyfriend/Girlfriend" Blog, 7 Ways to Improve Your Whatever Blog. (You get my point, and Eric's.) Anyway, check it out!

Oh, and don't forget to submit your own Travel Unravelled entry! TPF earns $5.00 for each published piece. Plus, you get your name in lights and accolades and all sorts of cool stuff! Well, we haven't gotten all the cool stuff yet so you're stuck with accolades and your name in lights as soon as we find the right switch. We're bound to find it soon!

To date, we've had 5 published entries which have brought in $25.00 for Kiva. Thank you, TP! (That's a loan's worth!!)

THE BOOK CLUB

A new entry has also been made in The Book Club Blog. Claire312 has added her second book review - Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite van Geldermalsen. Claire and her husband are about to embark on a year-long RTW adventure via a motorhome (campervan). If you want to read more about Claire's soon-to-be adventure - visit: European Adventures.

Please check out the book reviews and remember, any links you follow back to Amazon ending in a purchase is additional funds in TPF's coffers. To date, the Amazon Associates coffer is up to $11.02. Those funds will be transfered to the TPF bank account at the end of the month. There's still time to add to the pot....

Looks like that's all the news I have to share this time around so see you in two weeks!! THANKS again for stopping by for a visit as it's been a pleasure and, of course, that's just my two cents worth...

I HAD THE BLUES BECAUSE I HAD NO SHOES remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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HIKING THE MONEY TRAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-18T19:21:56Z

Welcome again kind friends, neighbors, acquaintances, total strangers, pets of the aforementioned, and anyone else reading this at the moment. In the humble words of Crosby, Stills & Nash, "It's been a long time comin'..." but that time has finally arrived and I absolutely need to share this news with all of you!! No! Really! I can't keep it to myself any longer!!

TPF HAS SPENT YOUR MONEY

Okay, we've spent some of your money. Actually, we've spent $200.00 of your money. On Wednesday (August 5, 2009), the Foundation made four Kiva loans in the amount of $50.00 each. Rather than me taking up valuable space describing each of the Entrepreneurs, I'll let Kiva do that instead. Click the image (or "Courtesy of" link for each one) to be taken to their respective Kiva profiles. They explain things much better than I could do in a sentence or two. (Oh, keep reading because there will be more (important) details at the end.)

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR AUGUST 5, 2009

Aminata Ndao, Senegal. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Pel Lys Group, Cambodia. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Cusi Ccoyllor De Chinchero Group, Peru. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Jehova Es Mi Pastor 1-3 Group, Dominican Republic. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP TOO! It's pretty cool!! And, you'll be able to follow the money trail! WOOHOO!!

SO, WHAT'S THE PLAN, STAN??

So glad you asked!!!
On July 28th, TPF's PayPal account received an $850.00 contribution thanks to the Tour de France Wiki Competiton. On July 29th, the AdSense earnings of $118.13 were also transfered over to PayPal. (That one took a few days.) By August 5th, the transfer was completed and a total of $950.00 was placed in TPF's Kiva account. (We have a whopping $18.13 remaining on PayPal just waiting for some more friends (contributions) to stop by.) As mentioned in the last blog entry, that $950 could have been used to make 38 loans immediately. That seemed a bit excessive all at once. It also meant a lot of tracking, mapping, a very long blog entry, and an even longer waiting time before more funds would be available. Where's the fun in that?!

The Foundation will be making regularly scheduled Kiva loans over the next few months - well, 2.375 months to be exact. A set of four $50.00 loans will be made every two weeks, encompassing all parts of the world and all walks of life. In thinking about how Entrepreneurs should be chosen - randomly or with a designated purpose - the "purpose" approach won. What does everyone need for survival? Tops on the list should be: 1) food, 2) clothing, 3) shelter and 4) health because they are the basic necessities of life.

As you've seen (if you clicked the photos), these first four loans centered around food in one way or another because food is, after all, crucial to everyone's survival. Hopefully, the next set of four will revolve around the manufacturing of clothing. Following that, it will be supporting the construction of shelter and then supporting small clinics/health care facilities and personnel. It's a plan. One that may be subject to change depending on available Entrepreneurs in any given endeavor. But, it's a start and one we hope will work well.

OTHER REALLY COOL STUFF

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

Please check out the Travel Unravelled blog. Again, it is designed to be a self help project where you, as travelers, have the opportunity to help others with their adventures. Click here for more details and the article submission process. (PS: TPF will receive a $5.00 contribution for each published article.)

THE BOOK CLUB

Please check out The Book Club blog too. TP members are encouraged to submit reviews about books they have read (good or bad) while sitting in airports or bus stations or coffee houses or wherever. Please click here for more details and submission information. (PS: TPF will receive contributions through the Amazon Affiliates program when purchases are made (on Amazon) by following a book review link. Those purchases don't need to be just books either.)

Again, thank you for visiting the TP Foundation's blog!!!! Stay tuned to WTPF for the latest breaking news about our Entrepreneur loans and other neat stuff!!! (And, that's just my two cents worth...)

HIKING THE MONEY TRAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Higher Ground

2009-08-04T16:05:55Z

Greetings Happy Campers

Welcome kind friends, neighbors, acquaintances, total strangers, pets of the aforementioned, and anyone else reading this at the moment. (Hey, my cats know how to read. Not well - but they try. Okay, they fail most of the time, but not always.) You have once again stumbled upon the TP Foundation's blog update. It's time to spread the news and guess what - we have news to spread!!! (Amazing, no??!!)

Where We Left Off

Tour de France Wiki Competition
Well, we do know who won the top three places for the real Tour de France: Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck and (of course) Lance Armstrong. But, we also know who won the Tour de France Wiki Competition!!! The second place prize was awarded to Arif (arif_kool) because, after all, he's kool and wrote massive quantities of useful information! The first place prize was awarded to Michael (Utrecht) because he had more time on his hands (he works for the government) and wrote even more massive quantities of useful information! Both will be receiving accommodation vouchers for $50 and $100, respectively. THANK YOU BOTH FOR THE EXCELLENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WIKI (and the Foundation, of course)!!!!! The GRAND PRIZE WINNER - the one and only - TP Foundation!!!!!!! The competition generated $850.00, which will be used to fund Kiva loans. The money is already sitting in the TPF PayPal account awaiting the finalization of the AdSense contributions transfer. (But, more on that down the page so keep reading.)

Travel Unravelled Blog
The Travel Unravelled blog was launched last week!!! Check it out!! Peter has contributed the Welcome To Travel Unravelled and Meet the Editors articles. (Read those first.) Kris (aka beerman) submitted the How To Travel With Confidence (Or At Least Look Like You Know What You're Doing) article (best to avoid the jellied ox testicles diner's package). It's definitely worth the read. Don't forget to follow up with the You Want To Stick That Where? submission. (Yeah, I know where your minds are wandering but you won't know if you're correct until you take at least a quick look.)

Again, the Travel Unravelled blog will be written by travelers (you) to help other travelers become better travelers. For each published submission, a $5.00 contribution will be made to the TP Foundation fund. The submission process is simple. Contact the Editors at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com and request authorship for the blog. Please include your subject matter and, preferably, a short sample of your article. (Again, for more information on the submission process, look here.) One important item... Please, whatever you do, do NOT submit anything written in text messaging format. Yes, we understand it's a great format for its intended use. Our Editors signed on to check spelling, grammar and do blog formatting. This does not include deciphering text speak. No disrespect intended and thank you in advance as you will make our Editors happy campers.

The Book Club
Last month, the TP Foundation launched The Book Club - a book review blog written by you, the members of TP. So far, we have two reviews - one written by Overlord Peter just to kick things off. So, I really only have one question here... Is everyone busily reading so they can submit reviews? Yes? Terrific!! The submission procedure is very easy - contact Peter, Eric or me and request authorship. For more information about submissions, please see About The Book Club.

Again, The Book Club blog is part of the TP Foundation and a member of the Amazon Affiliates program. This means anyone following a link in a book review, back to Amazon and making a purchase, generates money for the Foundation. Currently, we've had 2 purchases equating to $3.52 in earnings. With the Book Club thread in Off Topic having 330+ replies, I know there are more than 2 members out and about able to review what they have read. Books do not need to be of a travel-related topic - honest. (The About The Book Club will also tell you what's not acceptable material.) So, hurry up and finish that book! We're looking forward to your review!!

Sorry to make this blog entry as long as it is, but I'm almost done... I thought you might like to know the monetary bottom line so saved that for last.

Henna paintings, India. Photo by snatterand

Kiva Contributions
The TP Foundation has a grand total (as of July 31st) of $1011.18 in various coffers. Hopefully, by the end of today, we'll have $968.13 available for loans. (Sorry, waiting on PayPal to finalize the AdSense transfer from the TP bank account. Bank was quick, PayPal is slow.) In conferring with the Powers-That-Be, it was agreed that loans would be given in increments. Basically, X number of loans for X amount every two weeks. (Oh, you want reasons? Okay.) We could loan $950.00 straight out of the gate - then wait and wait and wait for the next Adsense payment, Competition influx, Amazon paycheck and Travel Unravelled contributions. How boring is that! Spreading out the loans allows everyone to follow the progress, me time to link the Entrepreneurs to the mapping system, make informed decisions on recipients (of major import), add to the blog more often and a bunch of other stuff. It's a win - win situation.

Boring Accounting Stuff To Date

AdSense Earnings: $158.35 (through August 3rd)
Amazon Earnings: $3.52
Tour de France earnings: $850
AdSense/PayPal Test Deposits: $0.98
Travel Unravelled Earnings: ?

Yes, if you add it all up, you'll be off by $1.75, which are the earnings from August 1st through August 3rd (as of this moment - I did the math, after checking the coffers, too).

So, stay tuned to WTPF as there will be another blog entry made in the next day or two! May I suggest subscribing to this blog now before the line gets too long... First come first served!! Get your latest news here!!!! (And, that's just my two cents worth...)

Higher Ground remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Post tags: volunteer

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Paris: Here We Come!!!!!!

2009-07-08T15:16:28Z

"Broadcasting live from Montpellier, France, the TP Foundation has two very big announcements to make - so, take it away, Isa!!!!!"

"Thank you for that introduction!" This is Isa reporting live from Montpellier, France for WTPW!! This report is brought you to by the TP Foundation. Hey, I'm required to put in a plug for the sponsor. It's been a brutal day at the Tour de France time trials. The spokes have been flying out here in Montpelier. But first, a word from that above mentioned sponsor..."

Join in on Travellerspoint's own Tour de France!
As some of you already know, Peter has launched the TP Tour de France Wiki Competition:

"For 3 gruelling weeks, we will challenge any and all of you to help us write the guide articles for the starting and finishing towns of each stage. Travel along with the cyclists by researching these locations and writing up your findings. If you have actually been there, all the better! It will be a great accompaniment to the beautiful footage that is always shown while the Tour is on."

Now, if you follow the TP Tour Route, you will see that there are rewards for authoring wiki articles about the real stage locations:

"For every article about a stage location with over 2000 characters added, we will put $25.00 into the Travellerspoint Foundation." These funds ($50/day maximum) will be used to fund more loans through our favorite organization (yup - you guessed it) Kiva.

The Tour de France wiki sections need your input. Seriously. Nope, not kidding. Hey, someone has to know something about France!!! Besides, do you really want Peter to hang on to that yellow jersey for the duration?? He's already awarded himself the jersey for the first leg. Come on - take it away from him!!! Aussies are good at sailing - not biking!!! (Oooohhhh, maybe we can have an America's Cup Competition for 2010...)
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TRAVEL UNRAVELLED - New Travellerspoint blog, looking for articles!
In the previous TPF blog entry, the Foundation announced A Traveller's Self Help Guide Blog would be launched very soon. Well, guess what??? It's here! Again, there are still a few details to be ironed out. But, put on your thinking caps and get ready to write. As you see, the blog now has a bona fide official title. (The Traveller's Self Help Guide subtitle - we like it - but it has issues.)

Along with the Book Club and Tour de France submissions, Travel Unravelled will have a nice little perk also. For each published entry, a $5.00 contribution will be made to the Foundation and used to fund Kiva loans. Now that's a pretty sweet perk!

Just to prove we're serious and really want your submission - I'll paraphrase Peter:

"...if you don't volunteer your own awesome writing, we're going to come knocking on your door and beg!"

Please don't make us coming knocking on your door. Yes, this is my begging you to contribute. The Travellerspoint Foundation Give Us Your Money Good Will All Around The World Project will thank you over and over with each new loan!!!

Isa now gets down on her knees to beg for Tour de France wiki articles and Travel Unravelled entries or she WILL show up on your doorstep armed with the TP crowbar to pry those words out of you - one by one.

Paris: Here We Come!!!!!! remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Post tags: volunteer

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EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!

2009-07-06T02:46:06Z

As dawn breaks, Isa stands on the street corner hawking the TP Times... "Extra! Extra! Hot off the presses! Breaking news you don't want to miss! You won't be seeing this on your 6:00 news so get a copy while you can! Extra! Extra! Read all about it!!!"

HEADLINES NEWS:

The Book Club - Travellerspoint's Book Review Blog
The Travellerspoint Foundation is extremely proud to announce the launch of it's first, of two, new programs. The Book Club blog is an extension of the Off Topic Forum The TP Book Club is now in session thread, which saw its beginnings in 2005. Due to its success, (our illustrious Overlord) Peter, felt an expansion of the thread to a blog would be an excellent idea. It is. It also appears that no other travel website has an area specifically dedicated to book reviews. (To be fair - none that have been found anyway.) The grand scheme: Let's be the first and conquer the world book by lovely book!!!!! Oh, guess you want to know the rules, eh? Okay - here they are:

All members, regardless of rank, are welcome to submit book reviews.
Each potential reviewer must contact Peter, Eric or me to be added as a blog author.
At that time, each author will have access to the Book Review Style Guide, which will explain how to make the appropriate Amazon affiliation links, insert images, etc. (The Guide and it's format are currently "under construction" by Overlord Eric.)
All books - old or new, travel-related or not, are accepted.
Note - The "Debbie Does Dallas" comic books do not qualify and will be removed. Just a heads-up.

The TP Foundation applied for and has been accepted as an Amazon Associate too. This is how it works:

Reviewed book titles will be linked to Amazon.com. (The Style Guide will explain how authors make these links themselves.)
References to any additional titles, by the same or other authors, in a review can also be linked to Amazon.com.
Purchases made on Amazon that originated by someone clicking a link on TP, will generate income for the TP Foundation who is listed as the Associate.
All Associate earnings will be added to the TP Foundation fund and contributed to Kiva in the form of entrepreneurial loans.

By the way, Peter's feeling a bit lonely out there being the only reviewer thus far... So, let's write some reviews to keep his company and read, read, read, read, read!!!

A Traveller's Self Help Guide Blog
This particular program will be coming to a blog near you any day now! Presently, it is in the final stages of development so you won't have to wait too long to become a participant. As with The Book Club, this guide is being launched under the TP Foundation's umbrella. Yes, we understand it's not the catchiest of titles... But, that's okay because it's not really the title! It's just the subtitle and we happen to like it - a lot. So, what do we mean by "self help guide"? Well, glad you asked!

A Traveller's Self Help Guide will be a blog where TP members contribute helpful information on any number of subjects. As Peter put it to me initially: We would have blog posts on any topics that help travellers be better at travelling. The types of entries I imagine are things like "How to do your banking while travelling" or "How not to get mugged" or "How to keep a blog"... I couldn't have explained it any better myself. With that said, it's time for the "how this blog will work" stuff. Yup, different than the Book Club submissions.

All members, regardless of rank, are welcome to submit content.
All entries are to be sent to the "Central Submissions Desk" in triplicate. (The submission format and "Central Submissions Desk" aspects are still being worked through at this time.) Okay, just kidding - single copy only unless otherwise requested. No. Really. Don't need three copies.
Each entry will be reviewed to ensure proper formatting and grammar by one of the Guide editors. (For more info about Editors - keep reading! Had to keep you interested somehow...)
All members submitting entries will have their hands stamped and identities confirmed by robot people.
That's all, folks!

A Traveller's Self Help Guide Editors
Please give a rousing round of applause for and a big welcome to the brave souls who have accepted the arduous job of Guide Editor!!! Shall we start with ladies first? Oh, yes, good idea!

tway - Our resident copywriter extraordinaire from the land of moose - Canada.
GregW - Our resident blogger par excellence, now roaming around the UK somewhere.
Piecar - Our resident ex-pat non-sequitur storyteller currently in the Caribbean.
zaksame - Our resident Irish writer living and writing in (guess where) Ireland.

THANK YOU ALL - CONTRIBUTORS AND EDITORS ALIKE!!!!!!!! Your sacrifices to the cause are greatly appreciated!! And, we look forward to some very interesting self-help tips. The way we look at it - nothing better than helping someone help themselves while out on an adventure and exploring the world!!

Travellerspoint Wiki/AdSense Program
Yes, I'm almost done! Promise! We reached our $100 threshold on June 12th, which meant the payment hold was removed so the funds could be processed. Those funds are now being audited by AdSense to ensure no click discrepancies. (Part of their T&Cs.) Even though the threshold was reached mid-month, they do their reviews at the end of each month. Sorry - we have to wait just a little bit longer. Not my fault. I'm as anxious to make those first Kiva loans as all of you. The good news - the ending balance for June was $117.28 which ain't all bad!!!

Once again, a very large THANK YOU to all who have chosen to participate!!!!

ps: Sorry - our musical entertainment for this month had to cancel... Oh well... Maybe next month...

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!! remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Is Anybody Out There?

2009-06-02T12:18:17Z

As Isa enters the TP Auditorium to welcome everyone and to present the next installment of the Our Two Cents Worth... Foundation blog, she trips on the stairs... "How very odd", she thinks to herself, "The auditorium is dark and there seems to be no one in the audience. Did I get the date wrong and it's really Cheap Trashy Horror Night at the TP Movies?" Isa leaves to find the light switches then quickly returns to the stage to wait for awhile.

Suddenly, the entrance door opens and a head peaks in. "Are we in the right place for the TP Foundation presentation?" "YES! Contestants, ermmm, I mean members, come on down!" replies Isa (sounding a bit like Bob Barker on the Price Is Right morning game show). Slowly the members file in and find their seats. "Alrighty, let's get this party started, shall we?!" With that, Isa begins the presentation...

Once again, I welcome everyone to the monthly installment of the TP Foundation's blog. I have good news and I have bad news. Which would you like first? (A call for bad news first echoes through the auditorium.) Okay, bad news first, it is. Always a good choice - get it over with and then move on. I like your thinking! The bad news: Our membership has remained unchanged since April. Where is everybody? Hello... Can anybody hear me?? This is a great cause, people! I don't mean to be pushy but... (With that, Isa now decides she better rephrase her comments and find a way to bring more members into the Foundation's fold. So, here goes...)

I have been trying to come up with creative ways to entice more members to participate in the Foundation program without violating the Terms & Conditions of both AdSense and TP itself. Unlike the Photo Competitions, we can't offer hotel accommodation vouchers nor travel logs nor even upgraded photo space. Frequent flier miles would have been an option had the airlines been cooperative - they weren't. So, given those "can not do" items, what can I do? I need some input from you. To help out, here is a short list of what we (again) can not do:

Contests - nope - out of the question.
Advertisements on every page - nope.
Mass PMs/e-mails - nope.
Holding members for ransom - nope again.
Giving the Overlords lots of code to write - good luck with that.
Threatening to break TP - been there, done that to no avail.

If anyone has suggestions that do not go against the (AdSense/TP) T&Cs or the list of "nope" things, please contact me via PM or at foundation@travellerspoint.org. I have contacted Bono and Eric Clapton about a benefit concert (they owe me some favors) but it seems they are incognito at the moment. Go fig...

For those of you who are new to the foundation blog and would like more information about it's workings, please see the In For A Penny, In For A Pound and For What It's Worth... entries. Also check out the Travellerspoint Foundation wiki page and the Join the Travellerspoint Foundation thread.

Oooohhh, almost forgot the good news!!! As of right this minute, we have $89.16 in the Foundation account. We are so close to our first $100.00 goal!!!! Rather like the Timex watch that just keeps on tickin', hopefully, our members will just keep on clickin'!

So, I now leave you with our entertainment for this evening... Please give a round of applause for the Derek Trucks Band performing I Wish I Knew!!!!!!! (And, that's just my two cents worth...)

I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
I wish I could break all the chains holding me
I wish I could see everything I had to see
Sing it loud, sing it clear, for the whole round world to hear

I wish I could share all the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars that keep us apart
I wish you knew how it would feel to be me
Then you'd see, and agree, everyone should be free

I wish I could give all I'm longing to give
I wish I could live like I'm longing to live
I wish I could do everything that I could do
Though I'm way overdue, I'd be starting anew

I wish I could be like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be if I found I could fly
I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea
And I'd sing 'cause I know
I sing because I know
I sing because I know
I sing because I know everyone should be free

Guess what? It's graph time!!!!

Is Anybody Out There? remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

Post tags: volunteer

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