Dawda, the mason, finally finished the cistern / reservoir today. He was not able to come to work early because someone in his neighborhood died and he helped the family open the grave and bury the body. He is going to come Friday to remove the boards that are holding up the concrete he cast to close the opening in the middle section. I know he is happy to have that job finished.
We had to go to town this morning and get more units for the electricity. Our meters are pre-paid; we wanted to have plenty of units on hand just in case! The man behind the counter that was selling the units was wearing gloves and a mask.
Nazo, the day man, goes to the palace every day after he finishes work. He sits with a group of 20 or 30 men at the YaNa’s, the king, feet. They sit there and greet the guests that come to the palace to visit the YaNaa. It is important for Nazo to go to the palace because he is one of the king’s messengers. Nazo said that yesterday when he went to the palace they had set up a computer monitor with a scanner to take temperatures. No one was allowed to come in the palace if he had a fever. After they were scanned they were giving hand sanitizer. I am not sure how much good this will do since the men sit shoulder to shoulder around the chief.
Steve is in the process of getting a sanitation class together for the workers. Everyone drinks from the same cup and eats from a communal bowl with their hands. While we were out we bought cups for all the workers and all the people that live in the compound with them. Don’t know if they will use them but at least they will get educated. Old habits are hard to break. He is also going to address the problem of eating from the same bowl. Four or five people will share the same bottled drink.
Yesterday when we told Amama that we did not want her working in the house; washing the dishes and ironing the clothes she laughed and asked, “Sister Kandie what will you do?” I guess they do not realize that when we are in the states I don’t have “house” help. I do know how to wash dishes and iron clothes; I don’t like doing it much but then who really likes house work?
Take care; keep praying for our safety and we will pray for yours.
In His Service,
Steve and Kandie
