Nathan's Second Trip to the Countryside, Volleyball Tournament

While my director was in from UB this week, we made a couple short trips to small villages, both about 30 kilometers in opposite directions. While we were at one site, we met with our group members to discuss their progress.

Unfortunately, Mongolia is not exempt from the same factors that have caused banks world-wide to hold a little tighter to their money. As a result, our low-income families without collateral who are already struggling to make a living with various small businesses are not receiving the micro loans they need right now to keep their businesses properly afloat. Some, in fact, have begun missing payments.

Groups are typically formed by members with several different businesses and as a group, they take out small loans of about $150 to start. They divide the money among themselves how they choose, and they are each required to save a certain minimum each month. If the loans is repaid on time - usually in about three months - they can apply for a slightly larger amount. They can do this up to 9 times to provide capital for their small stores, sewing businesses, craft manufacturing, etc.

The problem is that because these are risky loans for a bank to finance these types of loans and they don't see much return. With money tight, these loans have been frozen - at least temporarily.

On our trip to the countryside, we met with some folks who are are ready to start their new businesses, but have no money to start. We stood outside one store and talked.

I didn't understand as much as I would have liked, but I'm trying.
You can see the concentration painted on my face.

One of the joys of going to the countryside is not only meeting the people, but also seeing where they live. Many people outside of the provincial capitals are herders, and they enjoy the wide-open Mongolian steppe with views like the ones below. Thanks to ADRA's IT specialist Amar for these two beautiful shots. I of course forgot my camera at the office.

This was taken just over the shoulder of gentleman in far right of the above photo.

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it wasn't a painting.

It wasn't all business this weekend, though. At the request of our groups' committee, we hosted a volleyball tournament. There were about ten teams, including one from a bank, one from the business school where I have a business club and Leslie has a choir, and ADRA staff.

Having a sip of aarts, a sweet, milky winter drink made with sour milk curds, yogurt, milk, water and sugar. Tastes really better than it sounds. I've never had anything quite like it, and it's the first Mongolian drink I really enjoy. On a cold day, it really hit the spot, let me tell you.

If you look just right on the far end of the court, center, you can see my blue butt and red T-shirt sticking out as I wait for the serve.

Here, our driver Choka looks at me as we wait to play again.

ADRA staff won the competition after some hard fought games. Each team paid a nominal entrance fee and our reward was about $14 in cash, which we promptly spent on a nice lunch together.