The Way of a Mom with a Maid
Nervous? No, I’ve been through it before about 10 years ago. A bit worried? Perhaps. Thankful? I can’t say how much.
With a growing family and children out of school, I at first honestly thought it was the last thing I needed due to our tight budget but my husband thought otherwise. In fact he was adamant about hiring a maid, and it had to be a Plautdietsch one at that to avoid any language barrier. I questioned why having a grown woman in the house was necessary now that my own children would be home for summer break and could easily help with the regular housework. It would be an extra expense and would not really help much in the long run, I reasoned. He remained firm and gently explained his reason was entirely spiritual.
Having a maid would free up my mornings for a longer and more meaningful devotion. With a maid to complete the main tasks of laundry, cooking and dishes I could focus on playing with the children, going for walks with them, reading Bible stories, working on hobbies while building a strong spiritual bond. In short, being to them the mother I never had since my own passed away when I was very young. Our children would still do their regular morning and evening chores while on the maid’s days off they would step in and help with laundry, dishes, sweeping and minding the younger ones.
So we searched until we found a hardworking, responsible Plautdietsch Mennonite girl..
End of story. I will admit that my husband was right. I needed a maid especially when my 10-month-old caught the flu and kept us awake at odd hours of the night yet refused to sleep during the day, fussing at every turn. The tower of dirty laundry reached an alarming height, the pile of dishes gave me dirty looks, and to make it worse the older ones caught the bug one by one. Aahhh…the life of a mother. My husband, bless his heart, helped out here and there but couldn’t make any headway.
What a huge relief to arrive at the end of the day and have the floor swept, laundry washed, dried and sorted, dishes put away. Most importantly having spent time with our children, sitting on the swing, watching the cows and sheep in the neighbor’s yard, etc.
Yes, I am indeed thankful for a maid who can speak the same dialect I do and is very resourceful. Thankful that while we are part of a conservative Mennonite church we don’t believe in laying down a bunch of religious rules. My husband recommended letting her wear any type of pants she wanted as long as it was knee-length or longer if it made her feel more comfortable. If she wanted to listen to Christian music while working, no problem, let her as long as it didn’t interfere with her job.
My husband has repeatedly commented how much more relaxed and calm I am now that we have a full time maid. Honestly I believe so too. Imagine having a deep serious conversation with your preteen daughter for several hours and then coming upstairs to find the table set and the food hot, fresh and dished out. I certainly am more than happy with acquiring a maid.
Husband is not too impressed with her Plautdietsch Mennonite cooking and claims his food tastes much better when my fingers have touched it. But I don't mind her cooking. I'm Plautdietsch Mennonite too.
Have any of you mothers had a maid or considered one? Let me know here:belizemennonites@gmail.com
Betty
