We paid the workers and dismissed them for the next 3 weeks. They are supposed to get 3 weeks of paid time off each year. In the past we have given them the option of when they want to take their paid time off. Most of them did not want to take the time off; they wanted to work and be paid for the extra work. That was a fine arrangement for us but the Ghana government requires that they are given the time off and they cannot work during their leave time and get the extra money. Most of them really need the extra money but we have to force them to take the time off. We are also required to record their time off. They do not have to take the time off all at one time; it can be divided into 2 segments but that would make it difficult for us to keep track of. Last year they had 6 months off because of Covid. This year we decided to give them the 3 weeks off during the Ramadan fasting time (the month long Muslim fast). When they are fasting they really cannot do much work. There are 3 weeks left in Ramadan so today was their last day of work for a while. This does not affect the evangelists; they already get the month of December off because we are not here and there are no monthly classes. It will be quiet in the compound with no workers. Of course we will still see the babies that are on formula and if we have a serious case Zorash or Mr. Iddrisu will come over and interpret for us.
Steve is outside blowing leaves; we had such a wind storm that it blew lots of leaves off the mango trees. Mango trees lose their leaves all year long; they are sort of like Magnolia trees in that there are always leaves that have to be raked. With all the workers gone it will be up to Steve to keep the yard looking halfway decent.
We went to town this morning and bought liquid multivitamins for the children, multivitamin tablets for the adults and Vitamin C. Zorash packed vitamins and ORS (oral rehydration solution) this morning. We are trying to get everything ready to reopen the Child Center when the workers get back from their paid vacation.
Mr. Iddrisu could not run the Motor King today because he has hurt his knee and leg. It probably hurt it kick starting the Motor King. The electric start died last week and we have not had time to take it to the electrician to find out the problem. Luckily it is not too difficult to kick start it.
Tichak, the night watchman came back to work tonight after bringing the young boy that died in Tamale hospital. I asked him how old the boy was and he said that he was roughly 12 years and still they did not tell him what was wrong with the child!
Thank you for all you do for us and for the work.
In His service,
Steve and Kandie
