What's In A Name?

On Sunday I asked Kenneth to start reminding me of his family members' names so I know them all when I get to Nigeria. They all have a traditional Igbo (his tribe) name and then an English name, so it will prove to be a bit complicated. Kenneth's traditional name is Udochukwu. I learned that chukwu means God and udo means peace so his name is Peace of God. Many of his relatives have Ugo followed by "chukwu" or "chi" which means eagle so they would be Eagle of God.

I asked him to give me an Igbo name. He thought about it and said Amarachi.  Amara means grace so he's named me Grace of God. I looked at him to make sure he was talking about the right person! I'm almost barfing as I write this, but it felt so lovely for him to look at me and name me that. He's literally the best person I know and sees the best in me. He makes me a better person. Being around him makes me want to be better, to try harder to be nicer or softer, more respectful. I'm trying!

The next few months for us are going to be very trying with his immigration process, flying to and from Nigeria (with stopovers on the way there and back as well as flights within in the country), and him relocating to Canada and me coming back to find a new place to live. I left Canada with the idea that I would come back with a lot of money and travels. Instead, I'm bringing a husband. Which I'd say is a pretty good trade off. There's just less money. Turns out immigrating to Canada costs a lot of money. Before I left I got rid of the majority of my furniture thinking I'd have the money to replace it. And now we will have less. But if being here has taught me anything, it's that I can live with less: space, furniture, stuff. I lived for a year in a very small bachelor style apartment with a 2 burner stove and a fridge that went up to my boobs. And I am pretty happy with it. So I can do it. I just have to make sure it happens when I go back to a place with bigger things.

Here's what I know for sure. There is no one else I'd rather make the transition with. Kenneth calms me, he is so wise, and loving. Gosh darn it and I lucky!

Lots of love,

Alli