We got some sad news this morning. One of the hair lipped babies we sent to Ho to get the hair lip repair was turned away. They said that the baby was not a good candidate for the surgery because they thought something was wrong with the baby’s heart. We did not know that the baby had any physical problems except for the hair lip but we knew that the baby is mentally delayed. We are not sure exactly what is wrong with the baby but he has some Down syndrome features. We were afraid he might be reject but we felt like he deserved to have his hair lip corrected just as much as any other child. I know his parents are upset especially because they can see the other babies after their surgery is completed. They told the parents that next time they come to do surgery they will reevaluate him and see if they can do the surgery then. We will continue to help the parents with the child.
Steve decided that we should not paint inside the rain gutters that collect the rain water to fill the cistern because he is not sure that the Bitumen we are using to water proof the foundation of the house is not toxic. We do not use the rain water to drink but we use it to bathe and wash clothes and dishes. If we had animals we would give it to them to drink. We surely do not want to pollute the water. Instead of painting the gutters Steve had the guys start painting the cement pillars on the veranda. They are especially bad on the north side of the mission house.
We heard a lot of gun fire today which usually indicates that someone died. They fire 3 times if a man dies and 4 times if a woman dies. Mr. Iddrisu said that it was not a funeral; they were appointing a “Chief Warrior” to the Guntingli district. The duties of the Chief Warrior are to protect the chief (king) and to go to war for the chief if necessary. The Chief Warrior in turn will appoint additional warriors to assist him. The Chief Warrior receives a special piece of cloth to designate his position. They will sacrifice a cow or sheep, pour libations to their ancestors, brew lots of pito (local beer), and feed all the visitors that come to help with the celebration. The office of Chief Warrior passes down through their lineage.
We thought we were going to get some rain last night but all we got was wind and another dust storm. We heard that people around us got rain so that is a blessing.
It is almost time for evening Bible study so I will close for now. Take care and thank you for all you do for us.
In His Service,
Steve and Kandie
