Budget for 2014-2016

Well it is that time again! I am nearly at the end of my first two years back in Sierra Leone. Need to give a new breakdown. The money is GONE! Many changes over the past year had increased my budget so I'll be heading home soon to fund raise! So here is the breakdown!

It is always very difficult to know how much money will be needed to continue to live in Sierra Leone. These costs are estimated on the past 6 months of living in our new home. Thank you for your support! 

Breakdown of costs for 2014-2016

Travel airfare: $1,000.00 for return flight in September 2014,  $2,000.00 Round Trip for 2015, $1,000 Return flight for 2016. TOTAL $4,000.00 for two years.

Water taxi for return trips: $40.00 each x 2 = $80.00

Rent paid every January= $3,600  

In country travel expenses= approximately $100.00/month

Utilities (water, electric or generator) = Approximately $75.00/month

House security and help= $200.00/month

Medical Insurance= $180.00/month

Giving/Misc= $200.00/month

Average monthly budget= $895.00

For one year= $18,115.00

For the approximate 22 months =  $30,570.00

Some of the changes from the previous two years include paying rent annually. I was very blessed to spend one year at the Hospital’s Guest House for a monthly rent of $300.00. However, the time came to find a longer term solution. We stayed briefly with a friend but that was costing us $600 for the month. We were blessed to find a house near my 2011 neighborhood and could rent out a room to Enable the Children to also cut their rent. It was unfurnished and cost us a lot to furnish but now we are furnished and just need to continue to pay the annual rent. Of course renting is different than subletting, we now have the cost of running a household evident in our utilities, security, and house help. Security is a must for being a “Abito” as they call us makes us high risk for break-ins. House help is our two sweet ladies, Yenkein and Aminata. I don’t cook a good African meal and do not know how to wash clothes with a wash board. Thus we have these two amazing ladies who are our dear friends and keep us well cared for. Medical Insurance and giving have remained nearly the same.

Hannah's Story

Over a year ago I probably saved a little girl’s life. If you look back through my blog you will see my first entry of her and her story. Hannah is her name and she was abandoned and starving, surrounded by flies and maggots when I found her in February of 2013. I have never seen a child in such a horrible condition.

I never could imagine what all would follow in saving this little girl’s life.

It has been a trying and beautiful journey in the last year from her going to a rescue shelter to being fostered by me. Hannah’s story is one of heartbreak, spiritual trials, shuffling from one place to another, overcoming hurdles, and the beginning of healing and discovering the many aspects of joy and love.

I have kept very quiet these past 6 months of fostering Hannah because so much of it was filled with difficulty, frustration, and hurt. However, I feel it is time to break the silence and let people know. I will try to blog frequently about where we are in “Hannah’s story”.

To begin, Hannah’s father “never answered the belly” – English translation “He never claimed Hannah was his.” Hannah’s mother died 4 years ago and after was being raised by an uncle who later abandoned her due to her disability. Hannah is diagnosed with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy which means she has uncontrolled movements which causes her to be unable to walk independently.

Having a sister with disabilities I have a huge heart for disabled kids. I have for a long time wanted to adopt a child with disabilities. I prayed and decided to foster Hannah and try to adopt her. When she came to me after the shelter the transition was hard but I was optimistic. After a few months, however, she was not bonding with me and talked about her sister on nearly a daily basis. I went home for a visit and decided it would not be best for either of us to try adoption when there was an attachment disorder.

Hannah’s sister, Mariama, who is 14 years was living with her adult cousin, we have recently inquired if Hannah could go live with them as they would be the only living family that we would consider to take her and she desperately wants to be reunited with her sister. The family refused, wanting nothing to do with Hannah, and said they were also sending Mariama away. We also learned that they had been taking advantage of this 14 year old in the past 4 years, not sending her to school and making her do all the housework.

Last night the two sisters slept quietly in my room. I am taking Mariama in for a visit which has been explained to both of them. Over a year ago I never could of imagined taking a 9 year old, let alone a teenager, and yet again have 3 others who spend any time out of school at my house as well.  

I do not know what plans God has. We are praying that there might be a solution for them to be placed together and even if I could take them both I would be unable to legally as Mariama is too old. One organization is working with me to help me find a solution as well as some other thoughts. What I desired above all is for it to be God’s will for them. I desire for His will to only include that I might be able to continue my relationship with these two precious girls.

“To him that has no might He increaseth strength.”