A few more things Tumaini…

I was honored with the privilege of naming Reuben, biblically meaning, “Behold a Son!”, what Oddo secretly wished for to balance his family of two girls (Eliza and Ruthie) and now two boys, (with Chi, or Joseph).  I explained that Reuben was the name of my Babu (grandfather) whom I loved very much at which point Oddo became very excited exclaiming that Reuben’s nickname would be “Babu”, after his and my grandfathers.  Oddo’s grandfather loved him so much, he kept him with him when Oddo’s family left Songea and came to Arusha, fearing that, because of his limp (polio), children might be cruel to him.  Oddo will tell you it was the greatest thing his Babu might have done, building confidence and eradicating any sense of victimhood in Oddo.

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