Margaret Isabel, age 50, operates a variety store. In the Philippines, a variety store is basically a small convenience store, which retails individual grocery items, toiletries, and beverages to the local neighborhood. It is the place to go to buy such items as one sachet of shampoo, Php 5 worth of cooking oil, or an egg. Margaret Isabel earns a living by getting supplies at wholesale prices and selling by the piece. Her store is located adjacent to her house. Her regular customers are her neighbors and the local community. She earns a minimum of Php 390 in sales every day.

She lives with her husband Oscar and their children in Caloocan City, Philippines. Together with her husband and children, she manages her own household while operating the business. At this time, she is working hard to continually provide income for their everyday expenses.

To help her continue operations of her business, she is requesting a Php 14,000 loan. She will be utilizing the loan to buy groceries, toiletries, and beverages to expand her product inventory. She expects a boost in her business income as she expands her business.

Ma. Isabel hopes to be able to expand soon, just as she hopes to be happy and successful.

All CCT community partners/clients are organized into fellowship groups that meet on a weekly basis. A fellowship group is composed of 15 to 30 community partners. The fellowship groups gather each week to study the Word of God, build social capital, and repay microfinance loans. Margaret Isabel faithfully meets up with her co-fellowship members to share stories of her work every week. At these meetings, she can also draw strength and inspiration from the Word of God she studies.