Hiring House Help

Before I could even inquire, my guard approached me a couple of nights ago and told me that he has just the right girl for me to help with housework. I probed a bit deeper and found out she had worked for the previous employee I replaced. In the spirit of keeping things simple, I asked him to bring her around sometime for a discussion.

I got home last night and she was waiting for me along with both of my guards, her friend and her uncle, all men. I wasn’t prepared….I still hadn’t decided what kind of help I needed, besides washing clothes of course (there are no machines here, so clothes are hand washed and takes hours). I began asking her questions but one of the men would always talk to her in Bambara (a local language) and then answer for her in French . As soon as money was brought up, I cringed. I’ve never liked that discussion.

In any case a deal was made, and hands were shook, yet I still have no idea if she even speaks French or if I am getting ripped off. I am paying the same amount as the last employee but she had the maid come 5 times a week to clean the house and wash clothes. I decided I’d only be comfortable with her coming three times a week (I mean, c’mon, do I really need someone 5x a week!) but I’d also like her to iron my clothes and prepare dinner in addition. (I was looking forward to learning how to cook from scratch in Mali but have realized this week that I cannot get chicken breast, thighs, or any part at all in this town…but have to go to the market, buy a live chicken, kill it and skin in, and frankly I’m just a little bit too American for that). I’m not even sure I want or need all this help but the guards told me that’s what I should do. So that’s that.

I’m a little worried with giving her my key, but I guess I’ll just have to get used to that and lock my personal belongings. I’m also a little worried I won’t like her cooking, not because I am picky but I loathe dishes with lots of oil…which is common here. Do you think I can alter our agreement in a week or two if I don’t want all these services?

6 responses to “Hiring House Help”

Alana
August 22nd, 2008 at 15:13

Hi Kash,

Zami just passed on to me your blog! I doubt I could manage what your doing, the stick shift would have ended me, assuming I even made it that far. IIE is still slow although the new group of Chile Bio are coming in soon.

I will continue to read up on your adventures in Mali, just one quick question though, with all of those heels and sandals did you bring any sneakers too?

renatamic
August 22nd, 2008 at 15:38

do not allow yourself to be bullied. you can definitely alter your ‘deal’ once you find out what you need and who you trust. is there any way to get in contact with the employee that used to be there?

Kate
August 22nd, 2008 at 18:21

Yes you can. This is your life and don’t be pushed around. See how things go – you want to be comfortable in your own home and you want to have a relationship with this girl without the help of her friends and family. Just see how it goes and how you feel. Plus, do not feel uncomfortable telling her how you liked things prepared. My friend Jenn in Malawi had a girl live with her and she was very clear on the fact that she wanted about half the oil that Deliwe was used to cooking with. They became good friends and I hope you two will as well.

Nina
August 22nd, 2008 at 21:13

I agree with Kate… like usual 🙂 Hopefully since the woman is used to working for other staffers, she may be used to the Western palette.

ohmommy
August 23rd, 2008 at 15:55

Send her the other two days here.

shannon
August 26th, 2008 at 08:02

Yes, yes, yes! It is YOUR home you can change the arrangement until you are happy with it. In Indonesia I must have changed the arrangement with my maid 6 or 7 times until it suited both of us and we could work well together. I would just say “this isn’t working let’s try it this way.” You get to do that when you are the boss. Feels weird though. You can also fire her and try someone new if your personalities just don’t mesh!
I am loving your blog!

Alana
August 22nd, 2008 at 15:13

Hi Kash,

Zami just passed on to me your blog! I doubt I could manage what your doing, the stick shift would have ended me, assuming I even made it that far. IIE is still slow although the new group of Chile Bio are coming in soon.

I will continue to read up on your adventures in Mali, just one quick question though, with all of those heels and sandals did you bring any sneakers too?
renatamic
August 22nd, 2008 at 15:38

do not allow yourself to be bullied. you can definitely alter your ‘deal’ once you find out what you need and who you trust. is there any way to get in contact with the employee that used to be there?
Kate
August 22nd, 2008 at 18:21

Yes you can. This is your life and don’t be pushed around. See how things go – you want to be comfortable in your own home and you want to have a relationship with this girl without the help of her friends and family. Just see how it goes and how you feel. Plus, do not feel uncomfortable telling her how you liked things prepared. My friend Jenn in Malawi had a girl live with her and she was very clear on the fact that she wanted about half the oil that Deliwe was used to cooking with. They became good friends and I hope you two will as well.
Nina
August 22nd, 2008 at 21:13

I agree with Kate… like usual 🙂 Hopefully since the woman is used to working for other staffers, she may be used to the Western palette.
ohmommy
August 23rd, 2008 at 15:55

Send her the other two days here.
shannon
August 26th, 2008 at 08:02

Yes, yes, yes! It is YOUR home you can change the arrangement until you are happy with it. In Indonesia I must have changed the arrangement with my maid 6 or 7 times until it suited both of us and we could work well together. I would just say “this isn’t working let’s try it this way.” You get to do that when you are the boss. Feels weird though. You can also fire her and try someone new if your personalities just don’t mesh!
I am loving your blog!