Baba Josiah
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 9:32PM ;)
~ Baby Josiah and Baba Josiah ~ In East Africa a person's title is important. Frequently, you are addressed by your title, just as in the States you use the titles of Pastor, Professor, Doctor, etc. Some people here on campus at the language school call me Mchungaji, which means Pastor. It doesn't quite roll of the tongue for us native English speakers, but I like hearing it - it's quite humbling.
One joy that I hadn't discovered until now is the title attained when the first child is born. Although some people call me Mchungaji, far more call me Baba Josiah - "Josiah's Father." Apparently this title will stick with me the rest of my life although as more children come you can take the name of any of them after "Baba." The cultural revelations in this custom are beyond me just now but what I am sure of is that I feel good when I hear it. Is it a great swell of love? pride? hope? I dunno. I just feel good about our family and our baby when I hear someone call me Baba Josiah. So keep on being your adorable self, Baby Josiah. Baba Josiah loves you a whole bunch.
-Shauen