Nayleema

That's my African name given to me at Saturday's dowry ceremony. I think it means spring planting or maybe harvest or less poetically visitor. It was a bit confused with lots of answers from different people all with big smiles. We arrived high in the mountains after a gorgeous 2 hour drive on pavement then dirt then narrowing paths. When we finally arrived with the groom/dowry giver, he opened the trunk and out jumped a goat! I had no idea! It was the last of the dowry items to be added to the cows, chickens, pots, lantern, rice and of course gratitude money. Once again I was honored by sitting at the table with the receiving family and called upon to give words of greetings. Had my best meal yet - lack of eating utensils make no difference in taste. Wish I could post the picture of me in the gomas,the African dress,the women had me change into...........