What's in a name?

Today I saw a new workplace opened in my street. The name; God Bless China, motorbike repairer. I always learnt that China has a bit of a complicated relationship with God, but apparently that doesn’t matter. Many shops here have names referring to God, like God is able (selling meat), God Bless Kumbo (fabric) or In God we Trust (a taxi, personally I would prefer the driver to trust his driving skills). In general, names often make me smile. Would you ever buy bread from Pees bakery?

Not only shops, also people can have interesting names. In Nigeria I knew a little girl whose name was Obedience. I think only Patience (what is also very common) would have fitted her less. There was really nothing obedient or patient about her. Or what about Immaculate, mother of two children?

In many names, God is remembered. Common names are Godswin, Godswill, Glory and especially Divine. That leads to funny miscommunications sometimes. I remember someone saying something about a talent of a person; ‘She has a divine gift’. Then people turned to my colleague Divine; what did you do for her to learn that?

Names like Hope, Gift, Promise or Favour are also very common. You also meet people called Sunday (and no, it is not necessary to be born on a Sunday to be called like this). Many of these names can also be used for both boys and girls.

To make life more difficult for someone like me, many people use their African name and also their Christian or Muslim name. So sometimes people refer to someone and I have no clue that it is the same person, as I know him or her by a different name. Sometimes people even have different spelling of their names in their government documents and church documents. How will I ever learn if it is all so complicated?

My own name also still leads to confusion. In the Netherlands people called me Elly, Elsie, Esther or even Angelique. Here I have been called Siesie and (most interesting) Elvis. And also my official name is different. So maybe I just fit in very well with all my names confusion.

But well, what’s in a name?

Grateful

Every now and then, I meet people who tell me how special it is what I am doing… How much they admire me and how amazing it is how I deal with all the issues as no light, no water, no internet etc.

I never really know what to say in these cases. I understand that to some people my life seems exotic and exciting. Or tough and crazy. At the same time, it is also daily business for me. Being without electricity is a normal thing here. We have no other choice than accepting it.

At the same time, I am always aware that this is my choice. I choose to be here. If I want to leave, I can always go. If there is a security issue, or a big health problem, I can always go. My friends don’t have that option. That already makes it easier for me, I know that once I can really not stand it anymore, I have the possibility to leave it behind and go.

But, what many people don’t seem to realize is that I am doing here what I always wanted to do. Of course, it is annoying to be without water or light. But there are so many positive sides of being here. I meet so many inspiring people, so many nice people. I see so many challenges, but also so many successes.

Sometimes I am travelling to a school and I just think; wow, I am REALLY here, I am REALLY doing this. This is REALLY Africa! I am no longer working to save a building, I am now working to support children to create a better future for themselves.

Who am I that I get so many opportunities and get the chance to live my dreams? I am just a girl from a little village in a tiny country. Why am I able to do all of this? I don’t have the illusion that I will save the world. But I am so grateful that my colleagues and I can bring some drops to the ocean and make a change for a few people.

As a little girl from a little village, I can now help new little girls from new little villages. Is that not reason enough to be grateful and accept some days without light or water?