Monday, July 5, 2010

Well, things are beginning.

I met with eric this morning and he is definitely my driver. It was nice to see him, and nice to just have the arrangements done. I said we'd have the same arrangments financially as before and he agreed without blinking. I was worried about an intense negotation, but no need.

Since I spoke to him last eric has become a birdwatcher, as part of his tour guide training. I'll put him in touch with judith. Perhaps there is some interest in a Rwanda bird tour.

I met this morning with people from AVEGA central and AVEGA west, and also David Russell. It seems that they are going though with the USAID grant application. If we get it that's fine, and if not it is good preparation for the next one. I gave them my capacity building grant from APF and it was along the lines that they were thinking. The only difference is the sum - millions versus thousands. Well, I won't complain about the capitalist grant system if I benefit.

A few other organizations will be involved, and I couldn't follow all the complexities of who reports to whom, and couldn't follow the financial complexities either. Clearly humanitarian organizations need accountants and managers with good will. Another educational experience.