Yesterday at church we received our Rwandan names. In order to be fully a part of the church family we danced in front of the elders and received a name from them.
Most of the names mean things like blessed, humble, joy, hero, or something else positive. I did my dance and watched the elders call out names. Many of my teammates received a few names and there was a vote to decide. I received one, Motosos. The elders were in agreement so we turned to the translator to hear what it meant.
“Spoiled” she said. After we all stopped awkwardly laughing, Pastor Moses explained that “spoiled” was not a completely accurate interpretation and that it meant “well loved,” “one who has a close relationship with their parents (which is true),” “favorite,” “loved by everyone,” and “one who seeks advice from her superior.”
Now Moses may have been overly nice because he sensed that “spoiled” was not a positive name from our reactions but I think he was being honest.
The funny thing is, at debrief I asked God to show me His love. I’ve learned some lessons about covenant love this month and have felt unloved at times (feeling loved when you are far away from the community that you choose and choose you is hard). God’s been showing me in feeling unloved the beauty of how He loves us regardless of whether we love Him, and that’s such a harder love.
It’s amazing to know that God sent me a name that connects so completely with the thought of being well loved. Last month I asked to see God’s power and we watched Him heal a man, this month I asked to see His love and His church told me I’m well loved.
P
