What does transparency mean…being open and having accountability.
I read a recent blog about more helpful tips on ethical fundraising. One of the tips was to be more transparent with monthly supporters! That includes everything, not just stories of things going on, but like sharing a monthly report of my income and support coming in. So what I wanted to share with you this month was about how much things cost here in Swaziland! Some things I feel are a little expensive here (like rent), but some things are really cheap (like fruits and veggies)! So below is a break down of several things that I buy/pay on a regular basis!
*Rent – $750 a month
This is one thing that I feel like is expensive for a third world country, but for me to live in a safe place with running water, electricity and security I will pay it! To get into my neighborhood, I have a security gate…so not just anyone can get in. My house is fenced in and has a nice back yard.
*Food – $350 a month
Eggs: 30 – costs E50 ($3.60), 60 – costs E82 ($6)
Oil: 2L bottle costs E58 ($4.25)
Milk: 2L(half gallon) carton costs E35 ($2.60)
Bread: 1 pre-sliced loaf – costs E9 ($0.70)
Sugar: 2kg(4.4 pounds) – costs E38 ($2.80)
Cheese: pre-sliced 12 – costs E25 ($1.80)
Hamburger Meat: 0.2kg (0.4 lbs) costs E38 ($2.80)
Detergent: 1.5L – costs E54 ($4)
-All foods have recently gone up in price due to the drought, along with the inflation rate.
*Petrol – $150 a month
Gas is about E12 a liter. With the exchange rate right now, gas is about $3.40 a gallon. This also includes car repairs…which are usually a lot with driving on a bumpy dirt road everyday!
Some things I have a hard time being transparent about is my vacation budget, but like in that blog they said, “we don’t think our donors’ money is going to do anyone any good if we are burned out and leaving the field!” There are things that we might see on a daily basis that is hard to see, and sometime I might just need some time away to reflect on the ministry and what the Lord is teaching me! So my vacation budget is about $60 a month.
So with all of this being said, I am trying to raise my monthly support…since if you haven’t heard I am getting married on March 11!! 🙂 My first 2 years of being here…I was living good off of my budget, but since another person has come around…especially a Swazi man (they love to eat) I have been living paycheck to paycheck.
So I would really love to go ahead and raise my support another $1000 a month ASAP, but before I can do that I have to have that $1000 coming into my support account. So I first want to thank everyone that has been on this journey with me since the very beginning…I wouldn’t be here in Swaziland without your help! And second I want to thank those that are about to join this adventure. Just click on the Donate! link on the left hand side and any amount is appreciated!
Love you all!!
Morgan
