Many Names

I have been called many things here in Mokanji. I have been called Auntie, Teacher, Mommy, Ann (it is difficult for them to say Erin) and most often pumuwe, which means 'white person'. Pumuwe is yelled as I walk down the street or drive by in a car. I can't go anywhere without hearing the word pumuwe. Occasionally, I am called Erin.

One night during dinner I was given my African name. After we had eaten, I was sitting with three men who I have been working with and who have been my hosts. They were teaching me useful Mende and Krio phrases and words I should know. They also laughed with me at my stories of how I was attempting to embrace the culture here. Then they mentioned how I needed an African name. They said names were given as they watched people interact with the community. The name should reflect personality. I was a little nervous at this point thinking my name would mean 'one with lots of questions' or 'one who worries about silly things.' However, as the talked about previous names given, they came up with one for me.

They named me Nyanda, which means 'one of our own.' It was touching that they would give me such a wonderful name. They said they were giving me that name because they saw I was trying to be like the women in the community. I wanted to embrace their culture. They also mentioned that if I were one of their own I would want to return to Mokanji after this summer. I do not know what God has in store. I do not know if I will ever return to Mokanji. I do know, that for this summer, I am Nyanda - one of their own.