drum roll please.

 

..introducing...

baby Termba Bernhard Guum.  

Proud parents: Timothy (our guard) and Joy.

 

The name Termba, which means Gift from God, was given by Timothy’s mother.  This beautiful baby boy all dressed in pink will go by the name Bernhard, the name Mike chose for him.  Bernhard, the previous missionary, told Mike during his February visit that Timothy was like a son to him.  As Mike was contemplating the name to give this child, he asked Timothy how important Bernhard was in his life.  He responded saying “Kai, very important.  In fact, he is even closer than my parents.”  It only made sense to honor this child with the name Bernhard.  Timothy was thrilled to hear the name Mike chose.  He couldn’t stop smiling and couldn’t wait to travel back to his village to tell his wife.

 

We traveled to Masaka to meet Timothy’s family and baby Bernhard today.  We first attended church, ate lunch with a family who has roots in NW Iowa and then headed out of Abuja to this village.  The kids were off schedule and Nico desperately needs his nap.  Considering the heat, unfamiliar surrounding, and constant stares they received from villagers, they did remarkably well.  

 

Timothy and Kaka (the gardener at the Daniel Center) met us on the main road in order to help us navigate our way down to Timothy’s village.  As we drove down the less-than-favorable roads, Timothy began to warn us that “his people” haven’t seen many white people.  It didn’t take long for us to figure that out for ourselves.  People stared, came out of their houses to stare, and ran up to us to show us their children.  We entertained many, we frightened many, and got to experience another facet of Nigeria.  Meeting baby Bernhard was wonderful!  He was bundled in lots of pink and lots of “stuff” to keep him warm...in the already warm temps.  We were treated with the genuine hospitality Nigerians are known for.  We met Timothy’s pastor, family, friends, church members...a whole host of people.  It was great being in a village atmosphere.  Amira and Nico absolutely loved it, well, most of it.  One photo I got captured Amira’s disapproval of the extra attention.  I hope to post pictures soon.  Other than the undesired doting, the kids loved the village setting.

 

We walked away with a greater awareness of how most Nigerians live.  And we came home with a greater appreciation for air conditioning.

 

photo: Baby Bernhard in all his pinkness.  It was difficult getting a good photo in the very dark room...but with a baby this cute, it didn’t matter too much!