108. Baby Tom

108.

As we hike away from Joproken I leave the main party behind and walk along the jungle path as quickly and quietly as I can—like Tarzan might have done--but I take a wrong turn, get a bit lost and have to backtrack to find the other walker’s footprints, then sheepishly I rejoin the missionary's group at the hut where the naming ceremony is scheduled.

The new baby and his family are there to meet us and I am guest of honor at the rite.

We sample the traditional salt, cola nuts and sour palm wine-- then the host family gives me a white chicken, which Brother Joe says is a symbol of great respect. The only things I have to give them as return gifts are a Liberian dollar, an American dime and a can of sardines, which they graciously accept.

I place my hand on the little head and say: “Baby Tom.” and the baby smiles! Everybody is delighted with that—especially me! So there is another Tom in the Liberian jungle today.

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