Frustrating

I'm frustrated!

I'm working hard on Spelling Bee stuff, trying to get stuff purchased and ready, and it seems like everything is stacked against me. Life in Benin.

First off, the school where we were supposed to have it held, a private school, has decided (two weeks before the event) that they are going to disregard our contract and double the price. What???

Also, yes the PCPP got fully funded, but when I applied for it, there was about 490cfa (Francs) in a dollar. I submitted it at 460cfa in a dollar just to be safe in case it changed, and that would give me just a little bit of a buffer. Just before it got funded the cfa fell to 442, which basically means I ended up getting about $75 less than I actually need. I was already really lean with the budget and am REALLY having trouble cutting more things to be able to absorb that large of a difference - its nearly 32,000 CFA which is nearly half my own monthly income. Sigh.

So with the housing I told them that I would have to find another place to do it if they were going to raise the price. There are other boarding schools here in Natitingou that will hopefully be able to accomodate me at the previous price with only two weeks to spare. I can't think about what I am going to do if I can't do that...

I'm trying not to freak out. No matter where you are in the world, money is always a stressor!

Okay, I'm going out to lunch now. Life will be better with a full belly. :)K