We left Tamale at 6:30 this morning in hopes of getting to the mission house before Dawda, the mason, got here but he came at 7:30. He did not seem to mind waiting. In fact we were here before the mason and all the helpers arrived. The masons started mixing the cement on top of the pad that covers the cistern. I was not happy about that because the cistern top is nice and smooth. I told them that they would have to clean off the top when they were finished or mix somewhere else. They assured me that they would clean it “very well.” They actually did a good job of cleaning it and they used the extra cement to make an apron at the end of the cistern top so it would be easier to push a wheelbarrow over it.
We were pleased that Dawda was able to plaster all three rooms of the cistern today. Today is market day so as soon as we paid the mason they washed and went to town. It is nice to have spending money in your pocket!
The welder called yesterday evening to let Zorash know that he had finished the locker cabinet. Zorash and I finished paying for it and hauled it back to the mission house. The locker looked good as far as the design was concerned but the welding was “rough.” We need doors and windows made for the sleeping quarters that we use for the seminar at Kulkpeni and we will not be using this welder for the job. Steve spent part of the afternoon with the electric grinder knocking off the burrs and trying to smooth things out. I think it will look better with a coat of paint. It may not be a thing of beauty but it will definitely serve the purpose. We will set Mr. Iddrisu to painting it tomorrow while we are at church.
While we were in town we went to the market. I had spied a particularly nice piece of fabric in the scraps we are cutting up for quilt squares and I wanted to see if I could buy several yards. I needed Zorash to go with me on the hunting expedition because I needed an interpreter. We did not find the piece I was looking for but that did not stop me from buying a couple of other pieces. Fabric is my one weakness! Ha!
We saw some beautiful tomatoes so we bought them and also okra. Zorash also bought tomatoes and okra. She bought a clay pot that was about as big around as both arms held out to form a circle. I asked her what she was going to do with the pot. She said that traditionally that is what they use to bathe a new baby in. I asked her who was having a new baby. I thought that maybe it was like a shower gift. She said that someone (her mother’s friend’s child) has come to stay with them until she delivers. She is due at the end of the month.
Nazo’s wife is sick. He took her to the clinic near the mission house and they admitted her to give her fluids. She is nauseated and feels terrible; probably has Coronavirus but there is no testing so who knows for sure.
Speaking of Coronavirus; Zorash said that she had it a couple weeks before we came back to Ghana; she said she thought she was dying! So no matter what they say it is not only in Ghana it is in Yendi and it is in our compound and back door!
Take care and stay safe.
In His Service,
Steve and Kandie
