Lois told us that in honor of our sleeping in late, they had arranged for a surprise for us, but not until afternoon. After lunch, which we skipped because we ate breakfast at 10, the first baby came to live at Restoring Hope Village. The hospital started out with 5, and one has gone for adoption somewhere (it appears). That leaves 3 at the hospital, potentially to be assigned here. God knows, so keep praying.
Baby "Unknown" came to live here, and since he was the only one, he was assigned to Mama Selina for his care. He is about 3 months old, but very tiny, so nutrition and regular 3 hour feedings are mandatory. Quite a change for a mama to have to get up twice during the night for a feeding. Today I went to train both housemothers in the special care for a neglected newborn who has continued with nothing more than feeding and "nappy" changes since his birth. Sterilizing bottles, only 75 ml. of formula because he can't hold more than that without vomiting. They have to learn to do things by a procedure instead of their idea of what is ok in their eyes. During the sterilizing training, Mama Thembisa turned off the sterilizer (in the microwave) after only 1/2 the time had elapsed. I had to make her turn it back on twice because she thought it was enough.
Anyhow, that was my first step in fulfilling our purpose in coming here. Next we will get the house that is ready to open spic and span from all the dust that has blown in. Monday we will (hopefully) know if we get the other 3 babies or will open it to older children. If it is babies, the bunk beds must be disassembled and removed, the bedding back to storage, and cribs come out of storage and assembled for babies. Beds for housemothers brought in, and paint the rocking chair that another organization has for us.
Next we will write up procedures for how things are to be done, and a chart for recording all the necessary facts about the babies' care.
Forgot to mention, but because the baby boy came without a name, they had a naming party at the Village Bible Study last night. We have to assign him a surname also, but his first name is Sbusi (a Zulu name, as I understand). Turns out that is short for something, but don't know the rest and can't recall what it means. I think it is survivor, and determined, maybe. He was found abandoned in a field by someone who contacted the police, and has spent his life since then in a crib at the hospital, ignored most of the time. Makes for a very content little boy.
We are settled in and working on the many projects here for us. Thanks to all for praying for us. More to come!
Love you all,
Bob & Susie
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