New Arrivals

I haven't posted in a while because I am currently in the U.S. visiting family and friends.

But, Eric, our new fellow, sent me an update yesterday on the safe-home's two newest residents, Retsepile, far left, and Paballo:

Yesterday was a busy day here at the safehome. In addition to the usual crying, laughing and howling wind, there was added noise thanks to two new arrivals.

Early in the morning, before heading out on outreach, Matello was at the hospital and met a man who obviously needed some support. His wife had just given birth to a baby girl on Friday. The mother unfortunately passed away shortly after birth, leaving the father unsure what to do and needing to make funeral arrangements. Their first two babies together died shortly after birth and the father turned to TTL asking to make sure this one doesn't die as well. So we have welcomed Retsepile to the safehome. She weighs 2.6 kg, is eating and appears healthy.

Shortly after lunch we received our second surprise of the day. A young mother showed up at TTL with her 16 month old daughter. Paballo is so malnourished. At 66.5 cm, she weighs just 4.7 kg. The child had been suffering from diarrhea and was taken to the hospital. The child was discharged from the hospital, even as the diarrhea continued and the child lost still more weight. So the mother brought her here and we decided to keep her in hopes of seeing some improvement. The diarrhea has stopped today and the next challenge is getting her to eat.

I have included photos taken this morning and I will keep you updated on our progress here.

All the best,
Eric