The Boarding House Built by the Women (Day 51, September 11, Thursday)

During my other life working in Department of Defense's finance and accounting area, we were continually under the challenge of not having enough resources to adequately do the mission. We joked about how each service (Army, Air Force, and Navy) handled the challenge. The Army would cut out every ounce of fat and even some unused muscles. The Army would swap a building for another piece of mission equipment by using a tent. The Air Force would consider the comfort and welfare of its airmen and officers as priority. The Air Force would build their clubs and barracks then they use what's left for mission equipment and even runways. The Navy were the fiscal irresponsible ones and just ignored the challenge. The Army and Air Force were frequently required to bale out the Navy. What service got the most? We all agreed that the Army's strategy was not always the best. Today, I saw an example of the Air Force's fiscal strategy at work in Bulape. The Presbyterian Women's group decided to build a small boarding house (a six room Motel 8) next to the hospital. They knew that family members are required to attend to their love ones' needs while in the hospital. The hospital just medical items and none of other essentials like food. Since this is the reference hospital was a very large area, a patient is normally 10 to 20 miles or more from their home village. For example, I met a man yesterday from Dekese which hundreds of miles from here. So, an economy boarding house was a great idea. The women have made over $1000 via our organization. The women had given us Kuba Cloth for soliciting donations in the states. Last year, we gave them the funds collected. The women started construction on the building. The tin roof is almost done It would have been completed but they are 10 sheets of tin short. There is an end section without tin sheets. The purchased the sticks for the walls, and other stuff. Now they do not have anymore money left. I think this so typical of the Air Force's fiscal strategy. The Army would have build a smaller house while steadily complaining the house is too small. And the Navy would have built the house on a promise to pay upon completion. Now, the women are seeking my advice and counsel. I am stomped for answers or a solution. Most of my fiscal experience was with the Army. I need to think back to what the Air Force did in similar situations. The women should be applauded! In theory, they will get funds quicker than the school's roofing project. Remember, the headmasters did not even start construction on a smaller scale.