MADONNA STILL CARING FOR MERCY

The singer wanted to become mum to the three-year-old, but her request for an interim adoption was turned down by a court in the capital Lilongwe earlier this month (03Apr09).

Mercy was sent back to the Kondanai Children's Home after the failed bid and Madonna left the country without her.

But the star, who is appealing against the adoption ruling, made sure provisions were in place to extend her care to the child, according to orphanage director Anne Chikhwaza.

She says, "As Mercy's legal guardian, I authorise where she goes. She is staying with Madonna's people as a visitor. There is nothing wrong with that."

A source tells Britain's Daily Mirror, "During her farewell party at the lodge, Madonna instructed a nurse and a nanny to remain behind and care for Mercy while her lawyers appeal."

Madonna's appeal on the adoption bid is set to be heard in an African court on 4 May (08).