Amama, the lady that helps in the house did not come to work today because she was preparing for the naming ceremony of her husband’s 3rd wife child! Please, I could tell you what preparations I would be making if Steve had 3 wives; and it would not be preparing a party!!
Steve and Mr. Iddrisu spent the whole morning in town running from office to office trying to get all the tax stuff for the workers figured out. We thought we had it done before we left but low and behold the government made some changes in the social security contributions. They make us pay for a full month of work even if the employees are part time workers. Meri, Amama and Zorash only work 4 days a week for 3 hours a day but we have to pay them for a whole month’s work. It is a good deal for the ladies! The new rules say that we have to pay them for working 6 days a week no matter how many days they actually work! Now how crazy is that? We think we will have to have the ladies pick up an extra day of work each week to offset the extra expenses. We have heard that the social security system is losing money; we figure this is a way to get more money going into the system.
Divine brought another load of thatch this afternoon. Nazo has to weave the thatch into long strips before it can be put on the roofs. I think Papa Zachariah, the older night watchman also weaves thatch; we might enlist his help on the job.
We bought a beautiful coral necklace as a gift for the new king only to find out that Mr. Iddrissu and Nazo do not think he will like it! They said it is more a tradition for kings to wear necklaces in the southern part of Ghana than here so we have been racking our brains trying to think of another gift. Mr. Iddrissu suggested a refrigerator or a TV; we are sure he has both of those things. We have seen water coolers in several of the office buildings in Tamale and Accra so we decided that was what we would get him if we could find one in Yendi. We were lucky and found one that did not have the bottle with it. We asked around and found someone that was selling the bottles. This water cooler will also heat water so the king’s guests can have a cup of tea! Then we bought a case of disposable cups to add to our gift. Of course we will have to add money to the gift. The tradition in Ghana is to offer all guests that come to your house a drink of water. This will be perfect for the room where the King greets his guests.
Three very small babies came to the Center this morning. The smallest one weighed 3 pounds and the biggest one weighed 5 pounds. If these babies were in the states they would probably be in the hospital. The mother’s loved the preemie clothes and tiny hats we gave them. Thanks go out to all those who help with the babies.
Thank you for all you do for us! Keep us in your prayers.
In His Service,
Steve and Kandie
