The Name Martha

I have shared in posts of the past how meaningful names are in African culture. I suppose names are important universally but here it is seen as a true gift. Most of the time I am a recipient but this time I got to be the giver! One of our workers here Daniel has been saying for months that he wanted me to name is new little baby that was on the way! It is kind of anti-cultural here to speak of a pregnancy but he was so proud already of his third child! I had given a bit of thought to the task just in case I was really to name the child. I thought surely they might change their mind. As I was returning to Tanzania from my trip to the States this little beauty made her way into the world in her little village home! Due to my traveling and the start of school it has taken me a few weeks to snuggle this pretty little thing. She was given a name at birth which is customary but Daniel informed me I was still to give her a name. 

I have always loved babies since I can remember something my grandma and my mom share as well. I have always been able to treasure and have a deep love for children. I do not have children of my own. But, I truly feel that I am in a position to love and influence a large number of children in this spot in the world. To love in a way that brings forth a strong generation that loves the Lord. Only God knows if my personal journey will shift or change of any kind. However, I find joy and contentment in my God and the precious lives that I get to be a part of everyday! Being given the honor of naming a precious life I gave great thought! Even my sister said, "they let you name their baby!!" It seems not only was it a tremendous first time honor for me but it was for them as well. I chose a name from the Bible which Christians here in Tanzania like very much and a name that also personally means a great deal. 

Martha, is the name that I gave and wrote out a blessing and spoke a blessing over the baby girl. I first talked about the Biblical thoughts of the name. I know often Martha gets a bad wrap in sermons within the States. However, Martha was a friend of Jesus and her house was a place that he went to often. She had the gift of hospitality and probably was kind. I love how it is pronounced here! More with a "t" sound at the end than a "th" sound. I wrote how the name meant a great deal because it was the name of my maternal grandmother. A woman who loves her family and kept a house that we always felt welcome in. In honor of my grandmother who is very special to me and much a part of who I am today I gave this precious new life here in Tanzania her name. May this little Martha be a child of God who is a friend of Jesus, one who loves her family, and brings great joy to those around her!  

Daniel and His family
Daniel, Maggie, Abnego, Heavenlight, Baby Martha, (and nephew) 

Prayer Points~

• May Baby Martha be a delight to her family and her Creator!
• Strength for my grandparents as my grandmother continues her earthly battle with Alzheimer's