More pics

The two on the left are my Kenyan sisters, whom I share a room with, and their two friends.

This man runs the only shop in town where you can buy Coca-Cola products in town. Stoney is a local favorite, which I don't remember trying at the Coke factory in Atlanta. It's a good one though and leaves a little tingle in your mouth.

These are baskets full of plucked tea from The General's farm, ready to go to the weighing station and the factory.

Oh Snap(s) – per your requests…

These are the facilities at The General's tea farm - the maize is now taller than the outhouse.

This was hanging in the home of one of the former Mau Mau askaris (soldiers) that I met with and interviewed. He was detained for 12 years.

It’s not just a name

Many Africans inquire what my English name – Laura Lee – means, and why my parents chose it.  I struggle to make something up or just say, “Um, I don’t know.  I think they just thought it was pretty.”  This does not satisfy Africans.  In many tribes, names and naming ceremonies hold great significance.  In Meru tradition (The General’s tribe), your birth name is given according to the following pattern:

1^st Boy: Named after father’s father

2^nd Boy: Named after mother’s father

3^rd Boy: Named after father’s or grandfather’s brother

4^th Boy: Named after mother’s or grandmother’s brother

1^st Girl: Named after father’s mother

2^nd Girl: Named after mother’s mother

3^rd Girl: Named after father’s or grandfather’s sister

4^th Girl: Named after mother’s or grandmother’s sister

All of these names relate to the actions or character of the person a child is named after.  For instance, if a child is named after a person who likes to cook, she will be called “Murugi” (meaning “a girl who cooks”).  If a child is named after a person who likes to travel, he will be called “Muiti” (meaning “traveler”).

Traditionally, boys would go through an initiation into manhood, culminating in their circumcision around the age of 15.  After circumcision, the boy’s father chose another name for his son, which related to the boy’s own actions.  Because of Western influence, this tradition is not as common today.

If a child died, then the next baby to be born was not named after a person.  Traditionally, the Meru feared that their God would realize another child was born and take them away too.  So you’ll occasionally find someone called “Kiura” or “Kirigu” (meaning “frog” or “banana,” respectively), in an attempt to mislead the God.  Kangai is a common name for a girl who has been adopted, because it means “God-sent.” 

The Meru people also receive an English or Biblical name when they are baptized.  The General’s full name is Japhlet Kithinji King’ua Thambu.

Japhlet – His baptized name (found in Chronicles – he chose it himself)

Kithinji – Named after his Great Uncle, meaning “butcher,” signifying a rich man who always has meat (cows or goats)

King’ua – This is his father’s family name, equivalent to the English last name, meaning “joker”

Thambu – His name given after circumcision, signifying a man who does not like to waste time    

I have been given the name “Nkirote,” which means “generous, a good manager, responsible, and someone who can make a home anywhere because she is easily accommodated.”  The name “Nkatha” means the same thing.  I am proud of my Kimeru name, and I strongly prefer “Nkirote” to “Mzungu” (“white person”). J    

Common Kimeru Names:

Kawira – A hard worker (girl)

Mwenda – One who loves everyone (boy)

Muthomi – Person who likes to study (boy)

Kaimuri – A proud person (girl)

Gatwiri – Someone who finds food for animals (girl)

Kirimi – A person who lies to dig/farm (boy)

Kinyua – Someone who likes to drink (boy)

In the Luo tribe (the tribe of President Obama’s father), names are usually given according the time of birth.  My taxi driver in Nairobi was named “Otieno,” meaning “night,” because he was born at night.  So “Morning, afternoon, and night” are extremely common names.  Names could also mean “harvest” or “planting,” depending on the season of when they were born. 

In Kenya alone there are over 70 tribes, so I will not begin to speak of the naming traditions of all these people, but I think it’s a nice tradition to know the meaning and origin of your name.  So, if you know or meet an African, ask them what their name means and who they are named after.  I predict you’ll get an interesting story.  Also, we should take the opportunity to ask your parents how they chose your name if you don’t know.   

Mom and Dad – feel free to leave a message regarding my name (I think you read my blog?).  J   

Kwaheri – Laura Lee/ Nkirote

This is the view from the house, with The General's tea and surrounding landscape.

A couple more…

Although I might miss the dogwoods blooming in Atlanta, I do love these Acacia trees in Kenya.

The General and his wife, Jojo Jessica, plucking dried maize at the tea farm while I had to run back to the house and get more batteries. I am restraining myself to not make any corny jokes in this caption.

Okay, Okay – here are some pictures

A different kind of longneck

Although these Maasai were probably just dressed in traditional warrior garb for the tourists around the park, I fell for it.