Another little one has joined the extended family of Iris Sudan!
She came to us on Saturday, brought by her grandfather, an old widower. He sadly told us the story of his daughter, who has been tormented in her mind for many years. When she was grown, his daughter became a wanderer, not coming home at night. He received word that she had become pregnant – he knows nothing of the father – and that his daughter had given birth to a baby girl in Yei hospital. When the little baby girl was born last Thursday, the mother left the child on the bed and wandered out into the street. Nobody knows where she went. So, this man has taken the baby into his care, along with an elderly neighbor woman. The little girl did not have any nourishment her first two days of life, so they were very thankful when Iris Sudan was able to offer formula to feed the baby.
Today, the grandfather returned with the baby and neighbor woman. We sat together to pray for the baby and to give her a name. Immediately in my mind was the name “Elizabeth.” The neighbor woman and grandfather nodded in approval. After much deliberation and counseling on the part of Pastor John, one of our Sudanese staff, on the importance of giving a name that blesses and does not curse (FYI- the neighbor woman first suggested the name “Thabo” which means “suffering”), the two caregivers chose Elizabeth’s second name, “Pita.”
Michele has written before how names are so important to our identity. Time after time, we have heard God speaking through the names we give to the babies that join our family or pass through our community care program.
“Elizabeth” means “God’s promise.”
“Pita” means “relationship” in the local language.
“Pita” means “relationship” in the local language.
This little one’s name means “God’s promise of relationship.”
Isn’t that absolutely beautiful?!(Out of curiousity, fair readers, what does your name mean? You can “google” it if you’re not sure…)
Seeds Will Grow 
My name is of French origin, and its meaning is "plaything or "delight". Literally [or more obviously], a precious gem. It was derived from a term of affection. =)Cute baby! I'm sure it's fun to have new little ones around.
Kathryn Elaine "Pure Light"Kelly: Warrior womanI think of it as pure light to the nations and warrior woman in prayer or at least that's what I'm praying that is my destiny
Nice names, Ladies!(Just a clarification for some of the people reading this- Elizabeth Pita is part of the In Community Care Program. She does not live with us, but we provide formula for her so she can be raised in her village.)
"God is my Judge" Dan – judge/justice; i – my; el – God/gods.
My name in Hebrew means "bee." Not even Queen Bee (that's Melissa). Worker bee. I am a busy body so it is somewhat applicable. I suffer from "Martha Syndrome." However, I like my name in Latin: "Seeker of truth." Highly applicable. I'm not quite satisfied with pat answers and am constantly learning as much as I can to know and to be.You are in my prayers Miss Jennie-Joy! And so is little Elizabeth…Love you much,Deb