Two weeks ago my host brother's wife had a baby boy. Here in The Gambia, it's tradition to wait a week after the baby is born until a name is given. During this time the mother and baby are supposed to stay in the home, only to go out for bathing, visiting the latrine, necessary activities. After a week you have a huge celebration where a goat is killed in honor of the newborn, the baby's hair is shaven, the name is announced, and yummy food is enjoyed by all. My wife (as they say here, because a woman marries her husband's whole family, not just him) gave birth to Ousman Njie on April 29 and the Naming Ceremony ("Ngente" in Wolof) was one week later. At my compound, we celebrated the birth of Ousman and also his older sister Mariama, who apparently didn't enjoy such a wonderful event when she came along. This meant two goats were killed, and both were showered with prayers and gifts. We ate rice porridge with sour milk (Delicious) for breakfast, and Benechin for lunch (Spicy rice with whatever veggies and/or meat on top. This time was goat and cabbage). Dancing and singing also ensued.
My wife Juka, my brother Assan, Mariama, and newborn Ousman
Family Pic!
Top, from the left: Sister Awa, First wife/My mom Jabou, Second Wife/My Mom Penda, my dad Batch, brother Assan, me, brother Dam
Bottom, from the left: Awa's son Siekh, Juka and Ousman, brother Mort, brother Ousainou (Assan's twin), girl who lives in my compound we call Maam Ceesay, brother Alieu and Mariama
*all the brothers and sisters shown here are children of my father's first wife, Jabou
Mariama's goat and Ousman waiting to have his head shaven in the background
Mariama and the giant bowl of churah gerte (porridge)
Killing Ousman's goat
Twins!
Alright, I'm headed to America in two days! See ya'll in a hop, skip, and a jump!
