So we're in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, and I have to admit that this is more what I imagined when I thought of Africa. South Africa in general is so much like being in England or the US, so it is really great to get a real feel for the city. Everyone is so friendly here and they really make you feel welcome. They're always smiling!

Wednesday we got to go to a Women in Microfinance Fair in a village outside Lusaka called Chongwe. The United Nations Development Program and the Grameen Trust sponsored a pilot in this part of Zambia where they gave loans of about $200 to $500 to women who wanted to start their own businesses. Most banks refuse to give credit to disadvantaged individuals because they see it as too much of a risk, but within this group of women not one defaulted on her loan. Because this program was so successful, the Grameen Trust is planning on becoming a permanent microfinance lending institution in Zambia.

It was really inspiring to walk around the little market that they set up and listen to the stories of the women who, because of their loans, were able to send their children to school, provide three meals a day for their families, and above all have a purpose in life. You could see it in their faces, how proud they were of their accomplishments, and that in itself was the most incredible part of the experience.