As an American, a native Northern Virginian, and an only child to boot, I tend to think that I’m a mite bit invincible. After all, I moved to another country to serve the Lord, work full-time, and am in a doctoral program (in yet another country). Let’s be honest – that last one is really testing my invincibility.
When I first moved to Uganda, I was told that I was expected to hire househelp because 1. I am seen as wealthy and therefore must provide jobs (and income) for others, and 2. wealthy people don’t do menial work. One early morning I was in Amos’s office and they were slashing (mowing) outside, and he complained of the noise. I told him that the man wanted to do his work before it got hot, as slashing isn’t easy. Amos was stunned that I had ever slashed in my life, much less every week from about age 12 until moving away to college.
I was very blessed to have hired Hellen as my househelp; she is a delightful and hard-working Christian woman, and Hellen recommended Felix as a gardener. Keep in mind that my little plot requires very little work, but one must have a gardener. Felix slashes the compound, trims the hedges, and used to fetch the drinking water. Now that I have easier access to clean drinking water, he washes the car. As it turns out, Felix is Hellen’s nephew – nepotism is alive and well.
Through various circumstances, a number of Hellen’s daughters have worked for me, and currently Doreen is in my employ. Over time, it became apparent that Doreen was pregnant, though this was not a topic that we ever discussed. I figured that it was about time for the baby to come, and indeed, Felix came yesterday to tell me that Doreen had been operated (had a cesarean delivery), and they were wondering what I would do.
As Felix put it, “Reverend, what are you going to do? You can’t manage here while she recovers.” I am an American, a descendant of the First Family of Virginia; my people settled Jamestown for crying out loud, and I can’t manage without househelp? Actually, he has a point. I can muddle through with cleaning and taking out the trash. Felix was astute enough to ask what I would do about the sheets and towels. This is an excellent point, as I really despise hand washing them, and truth be told, don’t do a great job. My domestic skill set is woefully lacking.
Hellen stopped by last night to ask the same, “Reverend, how will you manage?” I think part of her was wondering if I would still employ Doreen because no one in my position could do without househelp (I’m white, and I’m a priest!) – it is just bad form socially. I assured Hellen that I am still employing Doreen, and she was most grateful. I confess to having considered hiring someone to fill in the gap until Doreen returns, but househelp is more than just menial labor – it’s someone who I trust with my home and to be in my life, and that is very difficult to replace. So I will wait, and struggle along with my meager abilities.
Incidentally, Doreen thinks she will be back in two weeks. I told Hellen that I wanted her to heal, and I was very concerned that she not push herself too far too quickly, but apparently, I am the only one with that concern. The African woman is among God’s strongest and most resilient creatures.
Leave a Reply