An abandoned baby was brought to the Child Center this morning. The lady that brought the baby said that she found the baby in the bushes on the side of the dirt road that is near her house. She said that the baby was not crying; she wrapped the baby up in a cloth and took her straight away to the hospital. The baby had to stay in the hospital for several days; then she took the baby to the Ya-Na’s palace (the king of Dagbon). The lady wanted to keep the baby for her own but she had to have the blessing of the Ya-Na first. The Ya-Na says that he owns everyone in his kingdom and every animal and every blade of grass! The Ya-Na told her she could keep the baby but it had to be registered with the social welfare department. This is the second time the baby has come to the Child Center. The first time she came she had because it had not been established who would get the baby. The lady that found the baby has two children of her own; she was excited that they gave the baby to her. They had the naming ceremony for the baby on Saturday; she is no longer “baby no name” her name is Meramatu. She is doing well and has gained a couple ounces. It is doubtful that anyone will come forward and claim the baby. Many times these abandoned babies belong to young school girls that don’t want to give up their education to take care of a baby.
We have had Mr. Iddrisu work on some special projects around the compound. He has started filling in the low spots in the yard that the heavy rains have eroded. Since we do not have grass in the compound the soil washes away. There is a low spot in the lane that catches water; it bothers Mr. Iddrisu and Nazo. Nazo asked if he could put the leaves in the low spot to soak up the water. We knew that was just going to make a soggy mess but nothing would do but he tried it his way. It was a terrible mess. Mr. Iddrisu said he wanted to put gravel on top of the leaves; I told him that all he was going to do was shift the mud hole, he did not believe me. He heaped it up with gravel. Guess what? He moved the mud hole! The sides of the lane are higher than the lane no one wants to dig a trench so water can run off.
It blew up a terrible rain storm this afternoon; there was a tremendous amount of wind. Steve said that he expects to see kiosks turned over and roofs blown off of some of the houses. It has been raining steadily for 4 hours. Flooding will be a problem in the low lying areas.
Thank you for all you do for us and for the work! We really appreciate the help!
In His Service,
Steve and Kandie
