
The first week that we went to

It is a tradition in the Tooro tribe to be given an empaako at birth. Each young Tooro boy and girl is given an empaako at birth (after 3 days for the girls and four days for the boys). There are 12 different empaakos (one reserved for the King = Okaali) and each empaako has a different meaning. At the Empaako Party an elder decides and gives whatever empaako they deem most fitting for the baby. Since we were not born here but have settled here, we were given empaakos at our party last week.
Aimee Jo: Ateenyi – Guardian or Protector
Anaiah: Abwooli – Beloved
At the Empaako Party, we were introduced to the traditional tribal meal for those receiving their empaakos. It is a mashed up grainy substance called Millet and a type of mushroom sauce. Each person who is receiving an empaako is supposed to take some of the millet in hand, dip it into the mushroom sauce and enjoy! We appreciated our new experience and look forward to many more in the future.
There have been many new changes in our lives aside from taking on new names. We are struggling to communicate and learn the culture. We have yet to drive ourselves in town and are anxious about the prospect of having to drive in these crazy driving conditions (rules of the road seem to be optional at best). We are adjusting to the food and weather and have been battling minor illness over the past few days as our bodies adjust to the new “bugs”. All in all, we are doing very well and look forward learning more as time goes by.
5 comments:
Akiiki, Ateenyi and Abwooli,
Its good to hear everything is good and you are so loved there. We hope to see you soon, love you!
kels
Hey Andrew, you and Jacob share a name!
I wonder when it will start looking normal to see you in pictures with my Africa family. I'm glad you are settling in well! Any house news?
Akiiki is my empaako, too! Good company-
hmmm how do you say akiiki is it like a ki ik i or akii ki
haha well brother i want more pictures of your cool looking face that deserves a spot on your blog as well...
That is the sweetest picture of Anaiah she is already growing a lot. I love your newest names. I miss you
Mom
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