Candle Lit Huts

On January 18th, in the midst of a hard week of setbacks, rumors of war and relational struggles, we woke up early and decided to go for a walk (which we never do this early). We wandered down the path and ended up at our friends’ Can Ogura, Ocira Andrew and Nancy’s compound. When we arrived, we were told that Nancy had gone into labor the night before and had been taken by bicycle to the Gulu Regional Hospital. As we sat with Ocira Andrew (the father) word arrived, again via bicycle, that Nancy had given birth to a girl! We hugged him, congratulated him and wished we had cigars to offer. He wandered over towards the sweet potato patch, beaming. Haley asked what he was doing. “I’m just so happy, I don’t know what to do!”We set off for the hospital with Andrew, as we walked the two miles through town, he stopped to greet every neighbor, friend, family member, acquintance, shop-keeper and tell them the happy news. We arrived at the hospital finally, and were introduced to Baby Amaro! Only eight hours after her birth, we set off, with the mother, for home. Nancy insisted upon walking and was just eager to get home! We stopped at “Auntie Doreen’s” to visit. She prepared a meal for us, Nancy collapsed onto a small section of the couch, Andrew excitedly told stories and drank from Auntie Doreen’s pot of local brew and Autumn and I passed the baby back and forth. It was the first new baby that we didn’t have to fight others to hold. Everyone was just happy to bask in the news of the new life!Around nightfall, we set off for Andrew and Nancy’s compound. Autumn carried the baby home (much to the delight of neighbors who all thought it was her baby!) As soon as we reached the family compound, the baby was ushered into the main hut and we sat outside with the rest of the waiting family members and celebrated late into the evening. We were invited to attend the “naming ceremony” which would take place four days later–according to custom. The baby already had an Acholi name “Amaro” meaning “I like it.” However, the baby needed a second name, which would be chosen at the ceremony. On January 22, we arrived early in the morning, anticipating a day of celebration. The entire extended family, along with friends came and spent the whole day eating, dancing and playing cards.As evening drew near, the announcement was made that it was time for the ceremony. According to custom, mother and baby sat on a mat in front of the hut. Andrew’s Grandmother (we call her Ja-Ja) took a huge pan and rubbed it over mother and baby three times. This signifies that she will be a good cook and care for her family. Then, again three times, water is sprinkled over mother and baby.After this part of the ceremony, mother, baby and aunts entered the main hut and closed the door. Anyone wishing to offer a name approached the door with wooden sticks, banged on the door with the sticks and said, “How is the mother?” “How is baby?” “Does baby have a name yet?” “I want you to name the baby ___”. Everyone who had a suggestion, including us, approached, hoping that our name would be chosen.After the naming ceremony, we were told that it was an appropriate time to share our gifts with the baby–sugar, soap and sweets for the kids at the party. After more celebrating…laughing, discussing theology, passing around the baby, Andrew, Nyeko and Can Ogura walked us home. Andrew confided in us that we are family now. He said that because we spent the whole day with him on the day of the baby’s birth, he now knows he can trust us. We have spent much time with this family…nearly every Saturday, Christmas Day…but the birth of Amaro really solidified our friendship.She is a gift not only to Andrew and Nancy, but also to us. Our gift back to them was a name: Bella, offered by Autumn!Welcome Baby Amaro Bella! She is beautiful and we like her!