December 16, 2008

Dear Friends,

Martha Bennett with son Justin and daughter Imani: "Have you heard the good news? It's almost Christmas!"

What’s in a name? Names confirm identity, are said in greetings, establish relationships, and at times, declare origins and determine opportunities—or fates. Here in Kenya, a name may make a connection (“oh, so where is home? We’re “cousin-brothers!”) or create an enemy (in the January 2008 ethnic clashes, people were stopped and asked for their ID cards to determine whether they should be stoned or co-opted. Names here often reveal one’s ethnicity). We introduce ourselves by saying, “My names are…”  and in class, when I have students introduce themselves, I ask them to state their names, and then which name they prefer to be called by in this context. Sometimes the last name they say is not their name but their father’s name, and sometimes the name they normally go by is not any of the ones listed.

My given names are difficult for many to hear or say. Variations of spellings and pronunciations include: Marta, Matta, Mater, Matter, Mbata, Mbatta, Martha, Margaret, Maria, Marla, Mata, Madda, Mater, Bennett, Benett, Bennet, Menet. Renet, Rennete, Burnett, Bernatt, Bernette, Barnett, Mbennet, Marnet, to list a few. And I respond to many different names these days, names which give clues into my various roles, identities, and contexts.

Mwalimu – (Kiswahili for “teacher”) used often by any student or former student, to greet me, ask questions, acknowledge my presence.
Daktari – (Kiswahili for “doctor”) used often by my actual students, as well as colleague peers, such as the registrar, to greet, ask questions, etc.
Mchungaji – (Kiswahili for “pastor/shepherd”) used only by congregation members in a church where they have heard me preach, usually on the same day, after the sermon.
Professor – by former or current students, but not used commonly, and usually in a more familiar fashion.
Mama – by shop keepers, taxi drivers, or others who don’t know my name, or what I do.
Mum – by Justin and Imani, as well as those somehow related in some way to our family (like household-help, friends of Steven, etc.)
Mom – by Steven, who knows that “Mom” is the American version of “Mum.”
Mummie (accent on the second syllable) – used by the carpenter who works at NISTand other craftsmen who are older than I am.
Mama Watoto – (“mother of children”) by colleagues who know our family make-up.
Dada yangu –  (“my sister”) used by friends who are teaching colleagues or staff of similar level, or friends or acquaintances at church.
Dada yetu – (“our sister”) used by the above to introduce me to others.
Rafiki – (“friend”) used by those who don’t know me.
Rafiki yangu – (“my friend”) used by hawkers on the street to lure me to buy something, or someone I didn’t know previously but who is negotiating to buy something from me, such as a car, etc.
My friend – same as above, just in English
Dr. Marta – Students and former students who know me well, have become even peer friends, but who just can’t bring themselves to call me by my first name because it seems disrespectful.
Dr. Bennett – official name, used in all committee meetings, class, introductions, etc., even greetings.
Dr. B – name I use to sign off on text messages (on cell phone) to students.
Reverend Bennett – used at the National Council of Churches of Kenya at meetings—the only place in Kenya where I am called this.
Bennett – intended to be personal, dropping the “Dr.” (they would rather call me “Bennett” than “Marta.”
My sister – especially in prayers when the other person can’t remember my names.
Mama Justin – used by neighbors, children, church members, parents of my children’s
friends, my children’s teachers, etc.
Mama Imani – same as above, but especially by those who don’t know Justin, know Imani better than Justin, or if Justin isn’t around.
Mama Steve – used by Steven’s friends.
Mama Dado – used by more distant friends of Steven, who know him mostly as Dado.
Marta – used by those who are good friends, usually who don’t fall within any of the above categories, and/or who have connection with my American world.

What’s in a name?

Batik of the Nativity by a Nairobi artist, who signed is work "Korogocho," which is the name of one of the many slums in Nairobi.

Emmanuel—“God with us”, Christ—“The anointed one,” Messiah, Lord, Savior, Friend, Teacher, Rabbi, The Word, Son of God, Son of man, Logos, the Good Shepherd, Master, Jesus, Yesu, Yesus, Yeshua, Kristo, “Dear Lord,” or “Our Lord and Savior.” In the Incarnation, God took on a name, an identity, a culture, human flesh and human relationships. He knows all our names, of each one of us. By what name do we know Him?

Joy and peace to you for this season of Christmas, as we celebrate the Name that is above all names!

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 15