DEVELOPING TIMES: Checkn' Out

Welcome

Mission Statement
Rural Empowerment Initiatives (REI) mission is to collaborate in the reduction of poverty through investment in rural areas and training of local people.

Vision Statement
REI's vision is to treat every created being with dignity, respect and love. We strive to work with those most in need by empowering people to recognize their God given talents, enabling them to make the world a better place and providing them hope for the future.

Our Principles
REI believes that all people are created equal.
REI will develop small to medium businesses (SMEs) as one approach to reach those most in need by creating jobs that build the economy in rural areas.
REI's partner businesses will be led, managed and majority owned by local people.
REI will always seek a triple bottom line of economic, spiritual and social transformation.
REI seeks to build sustainable community-oriented business models.
REI's focus of support is to the economically disadvantaged.
REI will seek attractive market and growth opportunities.
REI will incubate pilot projects with capable management.
REI believes in collaboration. We seek partners whose strengths complement our own in an effort to build well-rounded projects of lasting economic value for the communities in which we work.
REI is inspired by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and is therefore rooted in the Christian faith.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Checkn' Out

Back in the rat race we call our society. While I can always say, 'It's good to be back home'...I'm finding that answer is more limited to what i am happy to be home for.
Of course, my family is the biggest reason to be back home. I guess that my own bed is always a welcome sight as well after sleeping in unfamiliar and not quite as comfortable beds for a awhile is up there as well. And 'real' toilets and oh yes...warm showers with water pressure are great to be back to!
But you know what? After being home for a few days now...I find home can be different every time i come back from a cross cultural trip. It's funny that this place is becoming more and more foreign to me.
For example, in Senegal and my guess is that in most countries, when you go shopping it becomes this quest of relationships to just purchase a few simple things. You need to greet everyone, ask them about their family, did they sleep well and so on.
Here in the US, I walked into Wal-mart a day after being back and I walked into the store, went to get what I needed, went to the self check out and checked myself out and you know what? I never had to look at anybody or better yet, not speak to anyone.
What a country! Or is it?

Thanks for trekking with us on our trip and enjoy the posts.
I hope to have highlights from the team members in the next two weeks as well.