More about Ruth

Ruth, my house helper, has been with us for about a month now. It has been an interesting time having her come into our home 3 times a week yet we do not speak the same language. But, using the words I do know, and looking up the words she uses we have shared much about our lives.

She is 35 years old and is a single mom of 2 boys, Milki is 14 and Wena is 10. They are both in school while she is at work. She loves music and sings in the choir at her church which is near by. We were invited to attend their 8 am prayer time, 9 am bible study, and 10 am singing on Sundays. One day we took her home and she invited us into her 1 room home that she shares with her sons. Her father is a bishop for a church and she has 3 brothers.

She hugs us when she comes in the mornings, sings while she cleans and cooks, prays for us before our 'chi' at 10 and our lunch at 1, laughs and praises us when she can understand what we are saying, and calls us mama and baba. She shows me how they make ugali with a wooden paddle called a mwiko and how to prepare coconut with a grater called mbuzi. She takes me to the market and bargains for the best prices. She praises me for the bread I make, as their routine is breakfast of bread with their morning tea/chi.

She needs this job. But it is more than a job for us. We are learning so much from her.

And the warmth and joy she brings into our home is priceless.