Over the next few days we will share stories of how your partnership in 2018 has helped us live out the core values of Caroline's Promise. Today's value is: "We value sustainable programs rather than handouts" Isaiah 61:3 "to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise " A few years ago, after implementing two entrepreneurial business trainings in Guatemala, we learned that the major obstacle to expanding any small business within and around the city is extortion by gangs. If you pay, you’re in danger. If you don’t pay, you’re in danger. (Read Maria's story of extortion) Therefore, most of the women don’t even try to open a store front . It doesn’t stop them from dreaming though. When we learned of their dreams (and the necessity of the income it could provide) and their obstacles to actually making a small business profitable, we began to dream too. We a...