Meet Nyaguthii (pronounced Na-go-thee-aye). When I first arrived people started giving me Kenyan names. It’s custom here to name children after their grandparents so most frequently people gave me the name of their mothers. By the end of the third week, I had been given over 20 Kenyan (mostly Kikuyu) names. I started keeping a list and the two that I got most frequently were Nambura and Nyaguthii. They both fit me because Nambura is a Kikuyu word that means I came during the time of rain (which is true because I came during the rainy season). Nyaguthii means the one who moves around or travels. This one I though was a little more fitting since I come from far away and have been on the move since I arrived. When the Minister introduced me to the congregation as Nyaguthii at Ngotho and Wytheria’s wedding, the name stuck. Now most of the congregation calls me Nyaguthii and I answer to it about half the time.
Here are assorted photos of Nyaguthii that never got posted. Enjoy!
Here is Nyaguthii peaking out of a traditional tribal home when I visited the Bomas cultural center.
This photo was taken in front of the waterfall at Kaurua Forest when I went for a walk with the youth.
Hers a picture of my birthday cake from the first surprise party.
This was taken while we were on safari and is technically part of the Serengeti.
This was also taken on the safari and I was standing in Tanzania. We didn't know we would be crossing the border so it was very exciting. Now I can say that I've technically visited two African countries.
This art showcases traditional Masai sarongs. I borrowed Mama Faith's to take this picture, but have since acquired my own to take home.
This picture is also from the safari. There were lions less than 10 feet from our vehicle and I was only a little excited.
This is when we first arrived at the lodge where we stayed during the safari.
This was taken at a water treatment facility. The chief told me to go sit and so she could take a picture of the mzungu. When the chief tells you to do something, you listen. So here's the outcome....
This photo was taken in the Kikuyu Escarpment Forest near Kiambu. The water in this reservoir is treated and provides tap water for the community down the mountain.
This is a picture of me preaching at the GWAV (Young Adult) Service on my second week here.
And that's it.... I hope you've enjoyed seeing a taste of what life as Nyaguthii has been like :) ~ Nyaguthii (Nell) in Nairobi