Apr
5
Written by:
David Strickland
4/5/2007 7:56 PM
Well got a phone call at work that started out "Are you driving?" never a good sign. My wife had a bomb shell and she wanted to make sure I wouldn't go flying off the road. She had finished the budget and had the numbers for what we'd need for our initial setup of the orphanage. We might have decided two years ago to do this but like any other American it took us that long to get our heads above water and get out of debt. The budget for what it was going to run us to get setup in India ran up to about $10,000 to $15,000 range. This covers buying vehicles, rental deposits and establishment of the orphanage. The figures for the orphanage are listed below. My wife finally broke the news to me at which point I asked if that was with or without airfare. Unfortunately that's without. It also doesn't include shipping any of our house hold goods.
Initial Setup
| Rental Deposit |
$2000 |
| Bunk Beds |
$300 |
| Couch |
$200 |
| Dining Table & Chairs |
$200 |
| Bedding |
$100 |
| Refrigerator |
$200 |
| Stove |
$100 |
| Kitchen Utensils |
$200 |
| Gas Connection |
$100 |
| School Admission Fees |
$300 |
| School Books |
$100 |
| School Uniforms |
$250 |
| School Shoes |
$50 |
| Stationary |
$100 |
| Initial Medical Exam |
$100 |
| Conveyance |
$100 |
| TV |
$200 |
| Kids Movies |
$50 |
| Books |
$50 |
| Toys |
$100 |
| Clothes |
$200 |
Monthly Expenses
| House Rent |
$200 |
| Gas |
$25 |
| Groceries |
$250 |
| Utilities |
$150 |
| Medical Bill |
$50 |
| Conveyance |
$25 |
| Monthly School Fees |
$100 |
And here it comes right the big sqeeze? Actually because of the way the laws are written we can't squeeze anyone. The orphanage has to operate for three years without foreign aid. Alright if I can't squeeze anyone how are we going to do it? With 15 years experience in IT about all I know is computers. However much I wish I could just walk away and start helping the world I don't have the brain power or financial power of Bill. Instead I'll have to work. Which is part of why we chose India to start with. On one side India is in desperate need with starving, abandoned and endangered children but just down the street can be a major corporation with a multi million dollar multi story building. Gives growing up in the shadow of big business a whole new meaning. So while my wife takes care of the orphanage I'll be playing computer consultant. We'll see how well it pans out.
2 comment(s) so far...
Re: Orphanage 101 - The Budget
well can i join you? ericas_amore@yahoo.com
By erica elamin on
4/15/2007 10:49 PM
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Re: Orphanage 101 - The Budget
Anyone 18+ is more then welcome to come join us.
One note though. At the moment we really aren't sure exactly how we are going to fund all this. We aren't sure what exactly will happen when we get off the plane. Our first month will be primarily made up with us just trying to settle in and figure out how to get a house rented we can live in. It wont be for at least a couple weeks before we'll be going out and talking to people to track down girls that can use our help. Your best bet would be to begin planning now to come over and join us this time next year. The bigest prohibitor would be the airfare to INdia and the visa. Beyond these two cost of living wouldn't be much if you let me know how long you wanted to stay we could give you some approximate numbers for food, lodging etc.
By David Strickland on
4/16/2007 12:48 AM
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