My second and perhaps last Tabaski in Mali

Sunday, November 6, 2011, get up and get ready for prayer. On Sundays I attend mass at the Catholic church, but since this would be my last Tabaski in Mali I decided to skip mass and go to the Mosque with my host-mom. The 'under construction for a long time Mosque' so we gathered outside in rows, the lot directly next to the grand Mosque.

The men were seated in the front and women towards the back. There was a large gap between each row that was frequented by 'garibous' Malian boys begging, and twins wearing matching outfits accompanied by their mother. It is very common practice to give money or gifts to twins. One Malian's reasoning was that it is bad luck if you don't, another one was because they just look so adorable you feel like giving them something. As time passed it was getting hotter and hotter. It seemed shorter than my previous times attending Mosque, but I believe it was on account of the sun being hot.
I sat on the left-side of my host-mom and the right side of her friend. As we were dismissed many people came around to give greetings and blessings for a great year and a long life. A next door neighbor came and grabbed our prayer rugs to carry back for us as we walked back to the house to prepare for our feast.
The slaughter of the sheep. Sorry for the following picture.

about to place the head and feet onto the fire



All dressed in their best



new hair-do



Tying baby onto back to visit her "god-mother"
Stephanie and Jessica don't be surprised if you catch me baby-sitting with your baby tied on my back



Amineta and Amineta a.k.a Ta
When babies are born, they are given their name on the seventh day announced at a naming ceremony
It is a source of pride to have a child named after you, for all time it is your namesake (i togo ma)

Well the day was good and the feast was great. A lot of sheep meat served with sauce and couscous and for dinner more sheep meat. For the last fete I made a huge batch of banana treats, but this time I just gave 5000FCFA (about $10) to show my appreciation for everything my host mother has done for me. Welcoming me into her family as one of her own and being such an incredible support for work and living in Mali. I am so thankful to her and everyone that has made these last 16 months in Mali the most unforgettable and exciting times of my life. As she said to me the day we met "You have left your home, to come home" Amen!