Pahuwa Twins

Several weeks ago, a pregnant woman came to my sanitation and hygiene class in Pahuwa village.  She sat down near me, so I innocently asked her when her baby was due. She said, "I cannot tell." At first, I thought she was saying that she did not know the due date, so as we traveled back to Zomba, I asked Hellen, my interpreter, what she meant. 

Hellen said the woman could not tell  the due date of her baby, not because she didn't know, but because of superstition.  She believed that revealing the due date could put her and her  unborn child at risk. If anyone heard her tell the due date they could  possibly consult with a practicer of traditional medicine (witch doctor) who could exercise power over the child and cause it harm. When I asked Hellen further about their superstitions,  she told me that many people in the villages are very superstitious and, in particular, are afraid of curses.

Then, on Thursday of last week, we were again teaching the women at Pahuwa. At the end of the class, a group of women called me to the side and  said, "Do you remember the woman who was expecting? She  recently delivered and would like to show you her babies. She has twins, a boy and a girl."  

The sea of women parted and two women emerged walking toward me, each holding a baby. They looked so small and fragile. The mother told me that until she delivered, she did not know she was carrying twins.

When I asked what she named them, she told me that she had not yet named them and  asked me to give them names. I was caught by surprise by her request.  I told her that I would be honored to name them but I would need some time to think about it. 

From that time, I have thought often of how weighty a responsibility this is. Should I give them English names? Some children out in the villages have English names, and I could easily find the meanings of English names. Should I give them Chichewa names? There are many beautiful Chichewa names, but it is very important to me that the children have good names, names with meaning. So, in the past few days, I have been asking friends to suggest Malawian names for the children.  

As I was researching, I learned that twins are sometimes named Mphatso, which means gift, and  Mavuto, which means trouble.  Perhaps you can see that twins are not counted a blessing.    In naming these babies, I want both to come into the world with blessing. As they grow up, I want them to know they are valued, loved, and blessed. 

So, here are some Chichewa names I have been considering and their meanings:

Chikondi -Love

Kondwani -Be Glad

Kumbukani -Remember

Mayamiko -Praise

Mphatso -Gift

Takondwa -We Are Happy

Talandira -We have received

Thokozani -Thank God

Tiyamike -Let Us Praise God

Yamikani -Be Grateful to God

In naming children there is some sense of having power or authority over them.  So, when the time comes to name these fragile little ones,  I will hold them in my arms and  pray for God's blessings  and for them to come to know how much He loves them.  Then before I hand them back to their mother, I will put them in God's hands for safekeeping.