P.S.

We had the privilege of seeing two babies go to permanent homes, Victor to his father's village, Smart went to Rafiki, the orphanage/home, this week. We saw two babies who had been returned to family in December and were doing very well. Not all the babies are so lucky, of course.

As babies are placed, new ones arrive. Yesterday, Darlene wrote:

"Our new baby is Alise and she is 9 days old [gb: and weighs 4 pounds]. After 24 hours on hourly feedings with an eyedropper (25 cc at a time) she is doing much better and can suck and moves around a lot and has periods of being awake and looking like a normal premature baby. I think she will live and be really cute and healthy. she just needed a little food. Her mom gave birth while WALKING to the hospital so the people escorting her decided she should walk back home since the baby already came. SO after walking back home she hemorrhaged and got an infection and died 3 days later. The landlady took the baby and said, after not feeding her for a day, "She just wants to sleep". Well...yes. That happens when infants get no food. She was really weak when we got her but is now responding so well that I am very hopeful that all will be well. She is sucking and alert at times. It's amazing to watch the determination of the human spirit."

Today Darlene writes: "The baby is getting better and can suck and takes 25 cc at a feeding now. Her reflexes have returned and she looks at us as well. She's cute!! Social Services was involved but we did everything. So it's official, and they look good."

Aid to developing nations is a complex and confusing topic. In this case, however, the donors and the recipients know what they are getting. There are no funds siphoned off for unintended expenses (if you don't count the annoying Malawian taxes on aid organizations), the Malawian staff support extended families on modest salaries*, and these babies get a second chance.

Gayle

* There are 3 nannies on all the time. They work 12-hour shifts and bathe, feed, and care for 5 babies each, plus do laundry and other tasks. This is a 24x7 operation, so there are two cook-cleaners, two nurses, an administrative assistant/bookkeeper, and night guards.