Yesterday afternoon we went to the market to pick up a few items and then we walked the 2 miles back to Brett and Sheri's house along the main road in Koutiala. We heard lots of kids calling out "Tubabu" and several of the little ones wanted to come over for a "photo ta".
Joseph Kamate, the Malian nurse in charge of the sickle cell program, invited us over for a traditional Malian meal. He wanted to honor us by putting out his best things, including plates and silverware which are never used to eat by Malians.
Jo's little girl Sophie. She was named after Jo's mother who died when he was young. It is respectful to name your child after a deceased parent, but in this culture you are being disrespectful if you actually call them by that name in daily practice. They call her Mami.
Sophie had a great personality once we got her to warm up to us!
My birthday present from Jo.... a small coal burner for my new Malian teapot.
Happy Birthday!! Looks like quite a trek to the market. What about the chickens from the outlying clinic? Thinking of you on this special day.
ReplyDeleteWe head back to Greenville tomorrow.
Much Love,
Mom and Dad
We are enjoying your blog. We know your trip is rewarding.
ReplyDeleteWe are enjoying the weekend at Isle of Palms with your Mom and Dad and Lynn and John.
Stay Safe!
Love, Charlie. And Cheryl
We were thinking of you on your birthday yesterday, Alan. And we are marveling at what your are doing and seeing. It's an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLove, Sam and La Rae