Journal entry for Maria Isabel Zapata

Maria, I just met a client named Maria

When we stopped by Maria Isabel Zapata’s general store in an outdoor market yesterday, she was busy helping a customer. But after a few minutes, she was able to sit down with us and chat for a while.

As you may remember, you helped fund a loan to Maria on Kiva earlier this year, which was repaid in full in the middle of October. We got the chance to check in with Maria and see how things went with her loan and her business.

With this loan, Maria was able to purchase products that she sells in her store, such as chicken, basic grains like rice and sugar, soda, and cigarettes. These are all among her most popular products, so it is especially important for her to be able to offer these goods. Maria said that sales have been low, but she also seemed optimistic—she thinks December will be better because it’s always the best month for her. Also, when it rains, people don’t come and instead just buy what they need in their neighborhood. Fortunately, the rainy season in Nicaragua is reaching its end.

Maria works every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. She said that on a good day she brings in 5,000 cordobas, or about $250. On Monday, by contrast, she made only about 2,000 cordobas, or $100. Maria’s store offers a diverse array of items, from corn flakes to toothpaste to tuna fish to aluminum foil. Maria’s daughter – one of her three children – works with her at the store and helped one or two clients while we talked with Maria.

As we neared the end of our time together, Maria became busy again—the day’s bread delivery had arrived.

Maria already has a new loan that’s been funded through Kiva, so you can follow this link if you’re interested to read about her most recent loan: www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=138804. And check out the video below for a tour of the store, given by Maria herself!

Thank you for reading this journal update.

To lend to another AFODENIC borrower: www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&queryString=afodenic&status=fundRaising&gender=All§ors[]=All®ions[]=All&sortBy=Popularity

To learn more about AFODENIC: www.afodenic.com or www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=98

To join the “Amigos de AFODENIC” lending team: www.kiva.org/community/viewTeam?team_id=5971