Maid Matters

I have previously blogged about choosing a maid. By the grace of God, He has provided a good maid for us. Nancy, a 36-year-old Filipina, was a transfer maid. She had only worked for a family for a month. Agency cited that the employer's ah ma didn't like her face (too fierce looking) hence returned her. Other than that, Nancy had worked for a family, taking care of 3 children from 2005-2007.

I noticed her when we were going through the biodata at the agency. She was the one who poured drinks for customers, arranged the chairs and even tended to Cavan when we talked to the staff. I casually asked about her and found out that she was a transfer maid. There had been advice not to take in a transfer maid, as there must be some reason the maid was rejected. Going against the grain, I took her. Afterall, she had served one employer for two years. Surely she couldn't be that bad.

My life was changed by her entrance. What I meant was beside having the household load off our shoulders, I found my perspective of life has also changed.

Funnily, the 1st question I asked myself was, how can we better her life? Many employers here viewed their maids as, well, maids. I saw her as a person under my custody. That I am also a steward. God had entrusted her life to us during this time she serves us. How do we take good care of her?

My parents also shared the same sentiments as me although we did not make it explicit. For my parents, who are non-Christians, their kindness towards her stemmed largely from their compassion towards those more disadvantaged. We'd usually let her eat before we do. I was glad Nancy was also taken good care of while we were at work.

There was one particular church service where we prayed for children. Usually, my first thoughts would hinge around my own kids. But at that service, I could only think of Nancy's 2 daughters (probably aged 6 & 9). I prayed for their safety and for God's providence to be upon them. And for Nancy to have a peace of mind while she works here. It must be difficult for family to be separated for such an extended period.

With her around, I found that my relationship with Clem, my parents and my in-laws improved tremendously. With Clem, I no longer needed to nag him to do this and that. We also had more time with our kids.

With my parents, we have more time to talk over dinner. In the past, my parents would be busy with washing and cleaning whenever we went for dinner. Now we can sit down and chat and chat.

Likewise for my in-laws. We have more time chatting and catching up with one another as we go over for dinner during weekends. And my father-in-law refused to let Nancy do any chores in his house when she offered to wash the dishes. He viewed her as a guest. So cute.

Indeed, I thank God for such an able helper. She was always ahead of me, without needing me to instruct her. When I noticed that it was raining and asked her to bring the clothes in, she already did. When I asked her to prepare Cavan's water bottle before going out, it was already in the bag. She observed the way I did things and the kind of preparation I had and would follow accordingly, without being told to. I was spared of the mental and emotional stress that most employers have.

This week, we would be gone for a holiday, leaving her behind with my parents. I'm usually not the sentimental sort but somehow, I feel sad leaving her here. I'm sure she would miss our kids too. As I was packing for the trip, she tried to help and I could sense her sadness about our absence.

As much as my initial refusal to regard her as family, I have no qualms to say that now, she is part of us.

Nancy carrying Verity