Six days ago - that is last Friday - my Burkinabé sister gave birth. Chez les Peulhs*, babies are named seven days later at their Muslim baptism. It is the father who chooses, naturally, and he does not generally consult his wife(s), as far as I can tell. Sometimes, though, the father discusses potential names with his male friends.
So, the new dad here is my host brother and you won't even believe it - he said that the name is up to me. "Adjara, it is you who will name the baby. Not me." Are you serious? Well I need a few days to think about it! I don't know Muslim names... "You will choose an American name! Take the name of one of your closest friends."
Anyway, I consulted the mother and ran a few names by her to see what she could pronounce. Long story short, I just named my first baby about three days ago and it's official by, like, the end of tonight. Welcome to the world, Megan Tall.
*Peulh is the French word and Fulani is the English one for the ethnic group that speaks Fulfuldé.
Girls Learning Life Skills
Tenth grade students listen attentively to an introductory lesson on the "bridge model".
Christina in Burkina
Posts
Comments
The content of this blog is mine personally and does not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.
Eating Yogurt
Local liquids comes like this - in unmarked, plastic sachets. So, we often eat and drink in the street by biting off corners of plastic bags and sucking out juice. We also sometimes pass a bag around to share.
Aiesha, Nafi & Baby Megan
Voila the beautiful mother with daughters Nafi and Megan. Many Burkinabe children around Nafi's age have never seen a white person. They are old enough to grasp and feel familar with all their regular surroundings. In turn, they are young enough to be terrified of goulish white skin. OK, so maybe we sometimes DID amuse ourselves making Nafi cry...
Holding Baby Megan, Komsilga
If you've been following my blog, you may remember that I named a baby. Well, here she is. What were they thinking letting ME name a baby!? Just kidding. But on this day I carried Megan around for a good 45 minutes. Now THAT is crazy. What were they thinking letting ME hold a baby!?
Mud-Brick Mosque, Bani
Bani is a small village near Dori in the Sahel. Seven mud-brick mosques are scattered around the village's hilltops. This photo was taken inside the main mosque which has 100 columns said to stand for the 100 names of God.
International Women's Day
The 8th of March is International Women's Day. The fontionnaires in village all bought this fabric to make matching outfits for the celebration. The concept of getting a tailored "uniform" for any given event is very important in Burkinabe culture.
7 comments:
Hey Chris, I have been reading your blog and everything sounds great. I hope that you are taking everything in and enjoying every minute of the experience. Ben and I are going to dinner with your dad tomorrow, we wish you could be there. I start Cornell on Tuesday as an orientation leader, and then the semester starts two weeks later. Ben is starting his job on Wednesday and school starts for him in a little less than a month. We miss you tons. Love you, Alicia and Ben.
Dear Christina,
What a wonderful thing to name a baby!You chose a lovely one. Long after you have left Africa, you will be remembered for this.This little one does not know how special you are yet ,but it seems her father does.
Love Joan
Chrissy,
Joan hit the nail on the head...Megan's father is ANOTHER person in the world who knows how special you are.
What a thrill it will be to watch this baby grow over the next two years. Make sure you take lots of pictures.
Megan's dad is lucky you're not the "creative" type when it comes to naming babies. I know people named Leonard Leonard, Barbie Dahl and Barry Cuda!
In a "Don't ask, don't tell" assumption, I'm assuming that a part of Megan Tall is based on our Meaghan. I looked the name up and it is Irish with Greek roots and means "pearl."
Great job with your first discussion. I felt like I was right there with you. You really tied it all in. Those girls must think you rock!
Meaghan went back to Richmond on Thursday (8/16) to be an orientation advisor. Classes start on Monday (8/27).
Mikey starts 6th grade on September 4th but we're not allowed to talk about it...it's still SUMMER for crying out loud!
He's off to a great start with football. Playing running back again. First game is Septebmer 1st.
Aunt K is doing great...hair growing slowly but surely and energy coming back a little bit at a time.
Steve is loving working from home...driving me crazy but having a ball coaching Mikey's football and basketball teams.
I think of you whenever I look at the moon and think that you're seeing the same thing at the same time so I blow you a kiss. Have you gotten them?
Tons of love,
Kathi
Christina, GREAT to hear from you. Congratulations on your approaching induction. Your new place sounds very cozy, I cant help feeling that some great turquoise and tangerine colored paints would be so beautiful to live with, (always the designer)I know you will make it homey and comfortable. Summer is quickly changing to fall and we all start school in about a week. Me included!Time is flying.You sound wonderful,your work,so rewarding. We send you all our love and admiration,Marjorie, David, Ben and Alicia
Hi, christina. It's Owen, your mom's friend's son.(Kristen McCloskey's son). Our family will be sending you a package.
We think it is VERY nice of you to give up your home in America to help these poor people.
From, Owen.
Oh, this is so great ! You must be so proud to have been given so much confidence to name the baby !
But then did you get lazy at writing posts ? Just kidding. I hope the weather is not so hot anymore and that everything is alright for you.
Lots of love from Belgium (where the weather is f****** cold but beers delicious)
Dear Adjara,
What a great honor to be asked to chose the baby's name. And what an excellent choice you made. It's obvious you are loved both here in America, and there in your new home in Africa. Your star qualities continue to shine bright into the hearts of those who surround you. Your high energy, bright mind, compassion and understanding transcend borders, and let's hope, will also help transform young lives.
The other day while waiting for the L2/L4 at Dupont Circle, I met a vibrant former PC volunteer (Gabon) who in many ways reminded me of you, and also reminded me that it was time to send some warm thoughts your way before the summer sun sets on DC. Keep cool!
All the best,
Kekeli7
Post a Comment