I liked my name before but I love hearing it come from the people of Ethiopia.
First there is Meskerem, the eight year old who pronounces my name, Bis-tor-ria.
Then the charming mother I met on Ethiopia’s celebration of Christmas, who simply says ‘victory’ for my name.
Also, the kitchen ladies who call me “Vicki,” or sometimes “mommy” after I dressed up as Mrs. Clause for a squad Christmas party.
Finally and certainly not least, there is Mengistu, or Mango as we call him, the social worker with HOPethiopia who has his own sense of personal swagger. He comes in the afternoon each day and upon seeing me shouts, “Hello Vickalishious, how are you?”
I will never get tired of hearing it and so far he is the only person I know who can pull off saying that without sounding creepy, not to mention he can also pull off a bucket hat and camo trench coat.
