We learned on Day One in Nairobi that Kenyans often have four names: a first name, a second name often correlating to the time/weather at birth, a last/family name, and finally, a name of a relative whose personality is reflected in the child some time after birth.
In Sidai, each of us were given a name in the native language, Samburu. Each had a meaning reflecting something either the community or one of our translators noticed in us. Some were given the first day we were there for ease in medical interaction and used affectionately for the duration of the trip. Some were given on a whim at a pivotal interaction with the community. Some were given as a closing gift to our group. But they all meant an acceptance into the community and a bond created in our week there.
Want to know what the people of Sidai thought of each of our muzungus (white people)? Since I'm an engineer, I'll put them in a table for you. ;)
Emily Lawson
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Nasioyo
|
Ever quick
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Bethany Goodrich
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Nakweni
|
Ever laughing
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Julie Swierenga
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Nanana
|
Soft girl
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Kendra Pennings
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Nkariyia
|
Singer
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Kendra Altena
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Nkiripa
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Big fancy necklace
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Stephanie Enserink
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Nabore
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Full of blessing
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Mariel Knot
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Nalanou
|
From overseas
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Christina Howell
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Sekuna
|
Quick to act
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Wendy Tabler
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Namanu
|
One who goes around
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Mitchell Feria
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Lolowua
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From mountainous area
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Nico Ourensma
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Lesiai
|
Hardworker
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Goose Gelderloos
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Loodo
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Tall guy
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Blake Wichtowski
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Loshami
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One who everyone loves
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Jonathan Gingrich
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Loten
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Runner
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Nick Memmelaar
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Lolmasi
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Dreads warrior
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Alex Kooi
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Loirita
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Shepherd
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Colin Gesink
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Lepicha
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Photo man
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Jerome Navarro
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Lakanyani
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Quick singer
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Chris Poquette
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Logira
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Silent
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Professor Johnathan Bascom
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Losowuan
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Buffalo
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Professor David Wunder
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Lngatuny
|
Lion
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The names are phonetic! If you want to know the stories behind some of these, make sure to ask when we return. This was such a treat for us!
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