Alimatu is a friend Heidi made during our first year in Nalerigu as she was learning Mampruli, the local language. Over the years they’ve become very close and been involved in each other’s life. Alimatu has cut Heidi’s hair and attended KJ’s baby naming ceremony. We attended her wedding and also participated in the events surrounding her father-in-law’s enskinment as a chief.
Now it was our turn to attend her baby’s naming ceremony! The newborn’s name was announced as “Sha’abidine.”
The traditional event was held in Tuzeaa, a small village southeast of Nagboo. Heidi hung out with the ladies while KJ played with all the local kids. William attended the portion of the ceremony held by the men at the mosque. After the formalities, a meal of tuo zafi (t.z.) was served.
Heidi holds the baby for the first time 
Sha’abidine 
Ladies put on makeup 
T.Z. with intestines 
Lamino, the new father, and his friends 
An uncle carries a gift of corn to the imam 
