November 19, 2009
Sophie Audio
Whole Story Audio Books – publishers of my unabridged audio books - are offering Sophie and the Albino Camel for £12.71 as part of their special Christmas promotion. Visit www.wholestoryaudio.co.uk for details.
November 17, 2009
Liberty
A bit of good news today - Charlie and I have a daughter.
Liberty Rose was born last night and weighs 6 lb 8 oz. Mother and baby are both well.
November 15, 2009
Albino Great Horned Owl
Okay, so it's no secret that I LOVE albino animals. I've long been a member of the Albino Animals Rock Facebook group, and posted there a photo I took of an albino peacock at Scone Castle in Scotland.
So I was thrilled to come across this page of 13 rarely seen albino animals over at Purple Slinky. This albino owl was my favourite, but there's also a very handsome alligator and an amazing gorilla! Check them out.
November 02, 2009
November Flood Update
Another letter from Alan Dixon in Ouagadougou. If you would like to make a donation which will benefit homeless families and/or reconstruction, you can make a secure online donation here. In the box titled 'Missionary or Project Name', please type BF General 93918 Ouagadougou Flood Relief. Thank you so much.
It is now eight weeks since the flood. The rains have stopped and the dry season is setting in with increasing dust and moderating temperatures. Life in Ouagadougou, although far from normal for 100,000 of its inhabitants, seems to have resumed its normal rhythm. Many of those staying in the 88 government shelters have found alternate housing, staying with friends, neighbors and relatives and in some cases rebuilding. The rest, maybe 30-40%, have relocated to 14 government shelters, most living in tents.
We visited three of these tent cities yesterday to see first hand the conditions there and to determine where we may continue to contribute to any persistent needs. For the most part basic needs are being cared for, although problems related to such a large displacement of people, often far from their previous homes, are obvious. In two of the three centres, primary schools have been erected and life seems to be carrying on with some degree of normalcy. Preparation of meals is done in communal kitchens, adequate for the most part, with the World Food Program, Cathwell and the Burkina Government providing most of the food. Organization seems good and health concerns are being cared for to a great degree. Our interventions over the last four weeks have been focused on isolated cases where holes have appeared and where we had enough knowledge of the situation to be able to plug them, mostly with food aid and some building materials.
The big question being asked is where to eventually house those who have been relocated in these 14 tent cities scattered around the city. The Prime Minister, in a press conference on October 15, said that even those who have been relocated must find some other place to live by November 30. The reason given for this deadline is the increasing possibility of epidemic as the harmattan season arrives and its accompanying dust, respiratory illnesses, and meningitis outbreaks. The government has clarified that they will not rebuild people's homes and that people will not be allowed to rebuild in many of the flooded areas. The plan is that building lots in newly developing areas of the city, about 15,000 of them, will be attributed to those who were previously living in the most flood-prone areas. Those homeowners who lost their homes will be allocated a building lot and up to 280,000 cfa (about $700) worth of building materials with which to rebuild. Those who were in rented houses that collapsed will receive compensation of 50,000 cfa ($125) per household to help with relocation. For those who had taken refuge other than in government shelters, they have been encouraged to make themselves known and will receive rations of rice and other goods to help in their re-establishment.
Over the next few weeks we will continue to help with particular needs identified in at least one of the remaining shelters. We will also be working to identify those who we can help in reconstruction, focusing again on those who are least able to provide for themselves. Although the government is making big efforts to help its population, the amount being given to help each family in rebuilding is minimal compared to the need. One person commented yesterday that what the government is planning to contribute in building materials will build them a kitchen but not the rest of the house. Please pray for the people of Ouagadougou as they continue to overcome obstacles to reconstruction. Pray for us, particularly for wisdom in making choices, as we continue to work with churches and others here in Ouaga to meet needs as we are able.
Many thanks to many who have made gifts to help with this need. Donations can still be sent through SIM offices and designated for Ouagadougou Flood Relief, BF 93918.
Alan
Author of the Month
Oh goodie, I'm flavour of the month over at Love Reading 4 Kids.
