Video Update 2-20-08

Meet the family: Mary

Hello, all. I thought I'd introduce to you, over the next couple of weeks, the many lovely people we work with on the ground. We've been very blessed to have such great people get behind us, helping us through the cultural differences but, most importantly, welcoming us into their family.

First off, I'd like to introduce you to Mary. This incredible woman has been our 'Liberian Ma' since the start, taking the very best care of us. I really don't know where we'd be without her -- she works tirelessly and so cheerfully, day in and day out, cooking the best Liberian meals any of us have ever tasted.

Mary has two boys, one in high school and one in college and, besides working for ORR, has a charcoal business, a block-making business, and she's saving up to build a house for herself and her sons.

Korpu Update

It’s been just over 2 months since we first found Korpu. I went to her orphanage yesterday and was surprised to find her sitting by herself, playing and keeping herself entertained. She’s pulling herself up and walking around when she has something (or someone) to hold onto, and she’s talking to herself.

These aren’t exactly the developmental milestones that we would look for in a two year old, but it’s incredible progress for Korpu. When we found her, she was lethargic and couldn't sit up by herself. She’s still on the weekly weighing and feeding program, which involves feeding her milk, peanut butter and biscuits in addition to what ever else all the other children are eating: usually cornmeal porrige in the morning, and rice with sauce in the evening. Her caretaker tells me that her weight has increased to 8.5 kg (up from 5.8 when she was discharged from the hospital). She’s well on her way to becoming a healthy little girl!

Andrew

Child Survival

Video Update 2-4-08