This morning a grandmother brought her granddaughter to the Child Center. We have not seen this baby in 3 months. Originally the grandmother and mother brought the child to the Center seeking formula. The mother was in her late teens and unmarried.She wanted to go back to school as soon as the baby was born; she did not want to have to come home at lunch and after school to feed the baby. We explained that it was against the Ghana ministry of health guidelines to give a baby under 6 months of age anything except breast milk unless the baby was an orphan or had a medical reason that the mother cannot breast feed such as HIV or Hepatitis. We went on to explain that the baby was for them and they could feed her anything they wanted to feed her but they would have to buy and pay for the formula themselves. When they left they were not happy with us and we did not really expect to see them again. This morning the grandmother was still complaining about how to feed the baby and the cost. The baby is now past 6 months and can eat anything they want to feed her. Her weight was low for her age so we gave them weaning mix, PPP and oil to add to the food they prepare at home. We applaud the mother for wanting to go back to school but we cannot allow this to put the Child Center and its license in danger, not to mention Steve’s nursing license.
After the recent conflict between the Dagombas and the Konkombas over a parcel of land out near Kulkpeni, the village where Timothy lives,the Konkombas have set up a new market in Kulkpeni. Timothy and Divine say the market is doing well. Three people were killed during the fighting. As a means of retaliation the stalls, canopies, and thatch structures on the Konkomba side of the market were burned. The burning of their market is what caused the Konkombas to set up a new market in Kulkpeni. Almost all of the food is produced by the Konkombas; their moving to a new market place in a different village has put a hurting on the old market. This morning I told Zorash that I wanted to go to the market at Kulkpeni to see if I could get a better price on the rice we will buy for the seminar. She said that according to her sources the local authorities want to shut down the market at Kulkpeni and reopen the old market so things can go back to the way they were as a sign of unity between the two tribes. All we want is peace!
Mr. Iddrisu grew okra again this year. Just before he went home today he picked the okra; he knows that I like the small tender okra so he sold the small ones to me. I froze them this evening. I told him that I would buy more next time he picks. I like to have some in the freezer to have during the dry season when the fresh ones are not available.
Thank you for all you do for us and for the work. Please keep us in your prayers.
In HIS Service,
Steve and Kandie
The Monkeyshines
I escaped from my jail cell again today. Someone did not completely lock one of the doors and I made my great escape! It was great fun running around the yard while Donkey hollered for me! I just loved all the attention! Not that I was really going to go anywhere; I can’t stand the thought of not being able to see my people!
I had almost forgotten how to climb the trees. It took me 2 or 3 times at running and jumping before I managed to get in the tree. I looked like I was handicapped. I can jump twice as far as I used to, but my aim is awful. I keep falling off the stuff that I am aiming for. Falling does not deter me from jumping; practice makes perfect!
Mom and Dad had to go to town this afternoon to buy diapers for me and eggs; they decided to take me to town with them. This is the first time I have ridden in a vehicle in 2 months. It was a terrible experience! I was scared of everything! I used to like to ride but not anymore! I squealed and hollered at everyone that passed by the vehicle. I screeched at the children that tried to look in the van at me. The motorcycles that whizzed by made me almost jump out of my skin! I was a ball of nerves! I was shivering and shaking! Finally Mom pulled her dress up over my face so I could not see all the people passing by. This was much better because I could peek out and look when I wanted to but I was still able to hide! I was so happy when we pulled into the compound and I got out of that van. I don’t particularly care if I ever go on another road trip!
Have passport, WILL NOT TRAVEL!
Love, Skeeter
