Ndapandula

Ndapandula...

Or, in English:

I am thankful...

And today, I am thankful for our trusty protector, Snoop! He followed me all the way to work, and sat right outside the clinic, wagging his tail anytime I would pass by the door, or sit outside. Too cute...(and the locals laugh because they think it's funny that I like to pet him, and then they say "Yes, he likes you!")

And I guess now is the perfect time to let you know that I also have an Oshiwambo name! It seems everyone here has 2 names - and I don't just mean a first name and surname. But instead, 2 first names. Or you could say it is a regular and traditional name. 

Well, soon after I got here to site, I was sitting with my younger brother and niece and nephew, and told them I wanted an Oshiwambo (the name given to the Namibians who live in the north) name. 

They talked amongst themselves, laughed a little, while one said "no, we can't give her THAT name", and then they finally came up with a name for me: 

Ndapandula. 

It means "I am thankful". 

And I think they chose that name for me because I am always saying "thank you"! But, I also feel like it's very fitting, because I am very thankful for my life, and where I am now, and how I even got to this place, and my American family and friends, my Namibian family and friends, and where my this journey will lead me. 

So, maybe the kids have a sixth sense, but I think it's perfect!

So call me Ndapandula! :)

(And here's a picture of Snoop as he was escorting me in to work today)