God Conspires for Good

So the day has improved since this morning. Paul and Scott had two successful trips into town with a number of errands -- food for the nursery (bread, yogurt and eggs), fruits and vegetables to take home, paying various bills, bank, new padlock, car battery store, vet to see more about getting Rocky fixed, landlord (a delightful woman).

Scott has also been trying to have a small basket commissioned with a lamb on it to match one with a lion. The shop keeper finally came back with what his father painted, but it was a painting of a lion and lamb. Miscommunication, even though both Paul and Scott thought we'd been quite clear that I wanted one of the lions on the wall and a lamb to match. The sister who was also there appears to have understood the original request and corrected her brother after Scott said no, we didn't want the painting. We may get a basket tomorrow before we leave town, but who knows.

The most moving part of the day was the send-off for Victor. He was discharged to the brother and sister of Victor's mother. Everyone -- all the gathered nannies, Paul and Darlene, Anna, Augustine and we sang a couple of hymns, including God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again. Paul prayed for Victor and his new family, that he would always know the love of God for him, that his family would always show such love and that he would grow up to be a man who knew love and would show it. Lots of pictures. Anna, the nurse, and Augustine drove Victor and his new guardians away to his new home. The nursery sends a package of clothing, a big blanket for sleeping, knitted blanket, receiving blanket, towel, soap, nappies, plastic pants, diaper pins, socks, toys, a sippy cup, bag of porridge, mosquito net, shoes, 1 kg of kitchen salt, 2 packages of sugar and vaseline. Victor seemed to know something was up. No doubt he'll make the adjustment quickly and we hope he'll be well-cared for. They will do a follow-up visit to his home in a month.

Smart was also interviewed by Rafiki, including had tests for syphilis, HIV and Hep B. Everyone is very excited for him. He has no relatives, and to go to Rafiki will mean good care and education until he is 18. Smart is well-named, a smart kid. Gayle just taught him the Bronx cheer.

On top of all this, Gayle's been able to create new brochures for the nursery, both for in-country and the U.S. Darlene is very excited.

How things have changed from this morning!