So about our names...

We realize that many of you, okay all of you, probably have absolutely no clue what these ‘African’ names mean.

Since the week that Alexa and Laura arrived we have been waiting to be given these names by our friend and co-worker Ebony. After three weeks of dancing around the issue he finally got down to it and this is what he came up with:

Manyi: This name was lovingly bestowed upon Laura (the thick* one). No sooner did the word leave Ebony’s mouth the entire office erupted in laughter; this names means ‘A woman who will bear twins.’

Nyango Mboa: Casey was given this name and the reason isn’t entirely clear, perhaps it is related to the fact that she was told she carriers herself like (of all people) Condoleezza Rice. The name itself means ‘Big Mami’ and implies an older woman who is faithful to her man and doesn’t take crap from anyone.

Cherie Coco: This name was actually given to Alexa by the Chief of Barombi Native who had apparently taken quite a liking to her (although apparently not enough to marry her as he then offered her up to another councilor). The name itself means ‘A young active woman.’ This name in particular has been the source of endless entertainment for us as well as for future councils we visit. In Kwa Kwa the councilors provided us with a more in depth analysis of the name, including a lot of bouncing, hand motions and laughter. As they began to explain what ‘active woman’ meant Alexa and I found ourselves a bit, how shall I put this…perplexed. So, being the brave young lady that she is Alexa put it to them bluntly: ‘Do you mean active with men?’ The roar or laughter that shot through the room (from us as well as the councilors) was the most sincere, the most reciprocal of any that had come before. This was, as Laura noted later in the day, the first time that a joke had been funny on the same level, had been understood in the exact same way, for everyone in the room. It was like experiencing a jolly Cameroonian group hug.

*For reasons beyond our understanding Laura has been labeled the fat one by our friends, co-workers, and strangers. This goes without saying, but the joke here is that Laura is not fat. Not even a little. Not even at all.