Aminata

One of the amazing things about being here is the diversity in cultures with the International Fellows that attend the War College.  I think I have mentioned before that in Mark's seminar there are IF's from Finland, Bangladesh and Senegal.   Moussa and Siga are the couple from Senegal and it has been a joy getting to know them.  They were blessed with an addition to their family while here in the States, a baby girl, Aminata.  We were privileged enough, as a Seminar, to be able to be a part of Aminata's naming ceremony, a Senegal celebration of the new life.  This is traditionally done when the baby is 7 days old and the name is announced.  I felt so blessed to be invited to be a part of something so significant to their culture.  Moussa, the dad, had to shave the baby's head.  As a part of his culture, the utero hair is unclean and is shaved at this ceremony by the imam.  Having no imam, Moussa himself did it, and was so nervous!  Both Moussa and Siga's family was able to Skype in and see and take part even though they are half way around the globe.  You can see the laptop in the photos.  Moussa took the laptop around afterwards and introduced us to his family.  Incredible.  I LOVE the technology that we are blessed with!!!

Jinah, cake decorator extraordinaire!!

Reggie, Tim, Mark and Ye Si.  Yay Seminar 10!

Siga and Sharon

The beautiful Aminata

Jinah, Valerie, Siga, Lubna and one of Lubna's daughters

Lubna, wife of the Bangladesh IF, holding Aminata.

Seminar 10 watching the Baby Naming Ceremony

General Saief, Bangladesh IF, Nelson, Mark & Jay

Getting ready to shave Aminata's head

Moussa, the dad, whispering blessings in her ear.

Siga looked so good after having a c-section 7 days prior.  Her dress is traditional and she looked so beautiful in it!

Big brother, Malek