Getting down to business

from Jim:

John and Nate accompanied Pastor Job, Ananraj, and Thiagu to a Salem wagonmaker, to negotiate for a wagon for Grace and her husband, who sell flowers, and would like a wagon to use in their business. Right now, they can barely pay the bills, and would like to add vegetables to their business, and Grace could operate the cart, while her husband would continue to travel on his motorbike, purchasing flowers and selling them.

If they had this cart, they think they'd be able to make $1-2 per day consistently, and sometimes more. Grace and her husband came along, and John interviewed Grace to get the details of her business, and help with suggestions for operating the business. The picture to the left shows the cart, and Grace, John, and Anandraj are discussing the terms of the purchase.



Then Thursday, in Suramangalam, Nate met Lydia and her mother-in-law. Lydia's husband committed suicide, something common in this village. Lydia's father-in-law had also committed suicide. Lydia has 2 children, age 8 and 15, and has been working for women who make rope. We are hoping to help her start her own rope business, with a machine like the one to the right.

Nate and John also went and bought 4 goats to begin a business for 2 people in Thirumalagiri, so there is a lot going on.