Egypt - 2. Chapter 2

The day of the Board meeting reminded me of the waiting when my children were being born. Every time the nurse left the room or the doctor would yell, I’d jump up expecting news. Now every time my office door opened, I jumped up also.

“David, the Board okayed your expedition to Egypt but they will not finance the total trip”

I had prepared an estimated cost based on the costs of my expedition in Peru.”How much will they pay?”

“Approximately 70 percent of your proposed budget.”

Now, I would need to either find the rest of the money or tell the team that not all of them could go.

“Jim, now I have a problem on my hands. The team isn’t going to like this.”

“What options do you have, David?”

“There are some other organizations I can ask to support us. I know some of the heads of archeology at other universities. I can ask them, but then I would likely have to pledge to loan any artifacts I bring back for them to display on a temporary basis, like having an opening at an art gallery, as well as provide them with my notes. I will tell the crew and maybe they can think of some ways.”

“Before you do anything, let me check the Museum’s reserve. We may have enough to make a contribution, I don’t want any artifacts, photos, comments etc, going to any other museum except ours.”

“Thanks Jim. I need to let the team know.”

Jim was a good friend and I knew if there is 100 dollars in their reserve fund, we will get it. However, it will be just a drop in the bucket. I needed Steven to tell the team and maybe something can be done.

I went to look for Steven, but didn't find him. On the way home, Jimmy met me, saying, “You don’t look happy. Why?”

“The Board has approved the expedition but not all of the budget. Not all of us can go and we will have to find a way to reduce expenses.”

“So I will not be able to go?”

“I’m afraid not.”

I could see the look on his face. Disappointments are harder for some people but they seem especially hard for young people. Older people seem to understand the concept of budgeting.

The next morning Steven was in my office when I arrived.

“I heard. What are we going to do? The team is upset and disappointed.”

“I only have seventy-five percent of the funds I requested. Dr. Bennett is seeing if the Museum can help. But it may just be a drop in the bucket.”

I could see disappointment on Steven’s face.

“Steven, go over the expenditures again and see if you can find anything we can do without, or a cheaper alternative or even eliminate.”

Steven left with a directive, with me certain he will find enough savings that we can make the expedition.

Jim called and said the museum could contribute 5,000 dollars. The average cost per person for this expedition would be approximately 3,500 dollars each. With the entire team that would amount to approximately 25,000 dollars in expenses to cover flights. Add equipment costs plus shipping estimated approximately another 25,000 plus import costs in Egypt. Room and board in Egypt is estimated at 7 dollars per day/per team member for 630 dollars, and the cost of the Egyptians who will be with us is estimated at a total of 4,000 dollars for 3 months plus unknown costs associated with the Department of Antiquities. With contingencies, the budget I submitted was for 100,000 thousand dollars. The Board gave us 70,000 dollars, leaving a 30,000 dollar shortfall the team had to find a way to make that up. With the Museum's 10,000 dollar contribution, we were close enough. If I needed more I’m sure David would support the team to cover any deficit. He still had those “yellow rocks” in the bank. I relaxed, the expedition was still a go.

I called Jim and thanked him and told him the expedition will be tight but it is a go. Steven had his ear to the door, I heard a loud “yes”.

Now the real work began. I needed to call the Department of Antiquities in Cairo bringing them up to date. Timing and a project plan would be needed to be filed with them in the next few days. Without modern technology, this alone would take approximately two weeks. Equipment lists need to be reviewed and updated based on past expeditions, flight arrangements made, staff and equipment. I was becoming a little excited but not as excited as Jimmy when I told him the expedition was on.

Steven had a preliminary equipment list for review when I arrived at the office.

“Richard’s dad works for an engineering company that has developed a new sonar tool for the location of underground objects. It was built for the gas and water companies so they can detect underground lines. He told his dad about the expedition and his dad’s company is very interested in testing this new model for underground structures. They will provide the unit and an engineer to accompany it, plus pledged 25,000 dollars toward the expedition costs. They will hold all rights to the ground penetrating sonar information gathered.

“What do you think?”

I looked at him, what did I think? “Steven, if you were a girl I’d kiss you but since you aren't a handshake will have to do”. It didn’t, I tossed in a hug as well. As if by magic, the solemn mood was gone and everyone on the team was happy. I did tell Jim his contribution would be on hold. If I didn’t need it, he could have it back. At least what I didn’t spend.

Arriving home, Jimmy wasn’t at the trailer or in my office. About an hour later he came in and put a handful of change on my desk.

Looking at him, I asked: “What is this for?”

“To help with the expedition.”

I started to laugh, gave him back the change saying: “We got the money, we are still going.”

Talk about mood changes, this young man was dancing and hopping around. When he was finished, I asked: “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I was dancing our “Thank You " dance to the Great Father in the Sky. I prayed that He would help you.”

I remember Uncle Joe always said that the Great Father in the Sky looked over us.

The following morning, in my office, I called the team together.

“Now that we are funded, and thank your father for us Richard, we have a lot of work to do. Pull the records of our last expedition to Peru, update them for Egypt. Get costs and delivery dates for equipment we need but don’t have. Remember we will be in a desert and need tents. As soon as you have your lists, we will meet again.

Yes, Jimmy did his Indian dance again.