Hello,
Sarah spent the afternoon and part of the evening at the meeting, not really court, about housekeeper/child care person’s complaints. In the end it was all resolved. Sarah says, “I feel so hurt by it because I thought we were treating her ok. For some reason she thinks I should find another job for her, but I can’t do that.”
“Did you learn anything from this?” I wanted to know.
“Yes,” she adamantly stated, “If I hire a worker in another country I must find out all of the rules and regulations.”
As it turned out the labor office had not been told that there was a contract involved that both Jane and the Padres had signed. That certainly made a difference in the outcome since Sarah had not deviated from the contract. She did add, “It would apparently have been better not to have fired her, but the lawyer recommended that action.”
On the home front, Alexandria has been sick. She has a runny nose, cough and low fever. She sat quietly with me for a bit of the day yesterday. In the evening her temp was about 100.5 F. Today Lexi has been busy all morning long. She still feels warm, seldom coughs, and the nose is still productive.
I am cleaning some, washing dishes, changing diapers, hanging out diapers, looking at magazines, and reading a little.
Kenyans can work very hard. I looked in the lot next door and saw five guys shoveling dirt into a big dump truck with a rack that was way over their heads. They would pull their shovels back for maximum upward thrust. Most of the dirt would go in the truck, but the sides were getting coated. Even though I could not see it, a pile must have been growing on the ground because one guy went closer to the truck. Another guy hardly ever tossed a shovelful. All around the world there are those who work less than others. Hard to think about how fast all of this would go with the proper machine, but then five guys would be out of a job.
We saw more manual labor in Slovakia, but after three years back in the US I had forgotten about it.
Paula
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
First Day
Lexi greeted me at the airport, but wanted to keep a little space between us at first. This morning she was calling for Granny, happily sitting in my lap, and looking at magazines. I brought some National Geographics and they are a hit. Her vocabulary and understanding have grown. Learning is an amazing thing.
At noon a distraught Sarah called to tell me, "Jane (their child care housekeeper) has accused me, before the labor ministery, of being unfair. A woman named Nancy and a lawyer will come and talk to Jane this afternoon."
Nerves of steel are not my strong suit. It took an effort, but I got to the late afternoon. When the people came they invited me to sit in to see what happens. Lexi clearly knew that something was wrong, coming to me without invitation, sitting on my lap, and keeping very quiet. I was rather surprised that she did not go to Jane with whom she has a close long term relationship. They mostly spoke KSwahili, but body language gives some signals. They did tell me that they offered Jane some money, but she refused it. Jane was fired on the spot.
Monday Sarah will go before the ministry with the supportive presence of the lawyer who feels that it will not be difficult for Sarah, but we are not as calm in this house as we could be.
I have become chief babysitter and house cleaner. Jetlag is taking a back seat. It was nice for me that Friday was my first day on the job so I could spend a weekend with Sarah home. We have managed to gather things that will be shipped out on Wednesday. I know that toys will be slim for Lexi, but I think she manages to entertain herself quite well with whatever is at hand.
Paula
This computer leaves Wednesday so this could be my last missive until I am back in the US.
At noon a distraught Sarah called to tell me, "Jane (their child care housekeeper) has accused me, before the labor ministery, of being unfair. A woman named Nancy and a lawyer will come and talk to Jane this afternoon."
Nerves of steel are not my strong suit. It took an effort, but I got to the late afternoon. When the people came they invited me to sit in to see what happens. Lexi clearly knew that something was wrong, coming to me without invitation, sitting on my lap, and keeping very quiet. I was rather surprised that she did not go to Jane with whom she has a close long term relationship. They mostly spoke KSwahili, but body language gives some signals. They did tell me that they offered Jane some money, but she refused it. Jane was fired on the spot.
Monday Sarah will go before the ministry with the supportive presence of the lawyer who feels that it will not be difficult for Sarah, but we are not as calm in this house as we could be.
I have become chief babysitter and house cleaner. Jetlag is taking a back seat. It was nice for me that Friday was my first day on the job so I could spend a weekend with Sarah home. We have managed to gather things that will be shipped out on Wednesday. I know that toys will be slim for Lexi, but I think she manages to entertain herself quite well with whatever is at hand.
Paula
This computer leaves Wednesday so this could be my last missive until I am back in the US.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bus and Plane
Hello,
Someone asked me if people on the bus smelled. I replied, “No, at least I did not notice it.”
This last time one of the people sitting in front of me did have some noticeable body odor, fortunately they got off in less than an hour.
On the plane someone in my vicinity kept passing smelly gas. It seemed to stop after a while, or I had just become immune to it by that time.
On the last plane I was seated between two men. They both took two armrests so I was without, but that was not a serious problem. It is strange to sit between strangers for eight hours. Not really my idea of a good time. That is when I missed Leroy. Walking around the airports is one way that I pass time while waiting for a flight, without Leroy or other travel companions that was more difficult because I like to leave my things and walk light and free. I just got up and walked in place as well as doing some more inconspicuous stretches.
Boarding has changed. No more calling rows and having the back fill first. People with children, anyone who might have trouble getting aboard, and first class went first. After that it was all the rest. There was such a big line that I waited awhile. I like to stand up as long as I can since the sit will be hours. I visited a bit with another woman who was more to the end of the line. She had such glistening white teeth that I suddenly became embarrassed about my not such pristine teeth. Smiling was of short duration and not as broad as usual. I felt like someone who has been chewing betel nuts and I needed to cover my mouth to hide the stains. I checked in the mirror here and my teeth do not look too bad.
In Amsterdam they still called rows, but I personally think most went ahead of that time. This was a 747 with two doors so they split us in the middle of the ramp to go to the front or back of the plane. I sat fairly close to the front next to the stairway to the upper level.
Expounding loudly was the providence of a man behind me. He hardly paused for breath. He talked about half an hour to forty-five minutes. While he was talking it seemed there were a lot of others talking with greater volume than usual. Perhaps they needed to talk loud to be heard or maybe they felt secure hiding behind his discourse. I am not sure what country he was from, but I do not think it was a European language that he was using. Generally it seems that Americans are the loud people, but this proves that someone else also shares the podium.
The people sitting directly behind me would get up frequently or just shift in their seat. I know this because they would use the back of my seat for balance or leverage. When I was awake that was not too disturbing, but it jostled me awake more than once. Sleeping on a plane is only done when tiredness demands that my brain revive a bit. So even to get 15 minutes is a lot of time. Surprisingly I was not tired when we got home at about 8:00, but of course that is noon for my internal clock. All in all I feel fairly good. Truly I got here with the minimum of fuss. No lost luggage, no missed flight, no delayed flights what could be easier? Matter transfer is what Leroy thinks we need.
Paula
Someone asked me if people on the bus smelled. I replied, “No, at least I did not notice it.”
This last time one of the people sitting in front of me did have some noticeable body odor, fortunately they got off in less than an hour.
On the plane someone in my vicinity kept passing smelly gas. It seemed to stop after a while, or I had just become immune to it by that time.
On the last plane I was seated between two men. They both took two armrests so I was without, but that was not a serious problem. It is strange to sit between strangers for eight hours. Not really my idea of a good time. That is when I missed Leroy. Walking around the airports is one way that I pass time while waiting for a flight, without Leroy or other travel companions that was more difficult because I like to leave my things and walk light and free. I just got up and walked in place as well as doing some more inconspicuous stretches.
Boarding has changed. No more calling rows and having the back fill first. People with children, anyone who might have trouble getting aboard, and first class went first. After that it was all the rest. There was such a big line that I waited awhile. I like to stand up as long as I can since the sit will be hours. I visited a bit with another woman who was more to the end of the line. She had such glistening white teeth that I suddenly became embarrassed about my not such pristine teeth. Smiling was of short duration and not as broad as usual. I felt like someone who has been chewing betel nuts and I needed to cover my mouth to hide the stains. I checked in the mirror here and my teeth do not look too bad.
In Amsterdam they still called rows, but I personally think most went ahead of that time. This was a 747 with two doors so they split us in the middle of the ramp to go to the front or back of the plane. I sat fairly close to the front next to the stairway to the upper level.
Expounding loudly was the providence of a man behind me. He hardly paused for breath. He talked about half an hour to forty-five minutes. While he was talking it seemed there were a lot of others talking with greater volume than usual. Perhaps they needed to talk loud to be heard or maybe they felt secure hiding behind his discourse. I am not sure what country he was from, but I do not think it was a European language that he was using. Generally it seems that Americans are the loud people, but this proves that someone else also shares the podium.
The people sitting directly behind me would get up frequently or just shift in their seat. I know this because they would use the back of my seat for balance or leverage. When I was awake that was not too disturbing, but it jostled me awake more than once. Sleeping on a plane is only done when tiredness demands that my brain revive a bit. So even to get 15 minutes is a lot of time. Surprisingly I was not tired when we got home at about 8:00, but of course that is noon for my internal clock. All in all I feel fairly good. Truly I got here with the minimum of fuss. No lost luggage, no missed flight, no delayed flights what could be easier? Matter transfer is what Leroy thinks we need.
Paula
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Safe arrival in Nairobi
Hello,
I feel quite awake now even though I only slept in cat naps on the last flight. I sat by men all the time, but as I told Leroy none of them were as friendly and helpful as he is.
More later. This connection is slow and strange things happen as whole sentences disappear.
Paula
I feel quite awake now even though I only slept in cat naps on the last flight. I sat by men all the time, but as I told Leroy none of them were as friendly and helpful as he is.
More later. This connection is slow and strange things happen as whole sentences disappear.
Paula
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Singing Toys
Hello,
Raising children is certainly more spontaneous these days. It seems that every toy I touch will sing to me. I must listen to it to the end as many can not be turned off. Picking them up and searching for the off button just encourages going to new heights of grandeur. Is silence bad for babies and toddlers? My children suffered in silence.
Why go back to Kenya so soon? Son-in-law, Stephen has come back to the US to look for a job. Sarah’s job will end on May 5th. May 6th Sarah, Alexandria, and I will get on a plane to come back to the US. Traveling with a 20 month old is challenging especially when the travel time is greater than 21 hours. I am making this trip so I can be entertaining, watching, and holding help.
Leaving today at 3:00 is not making me nervous because I have been on this very same flight before. Also, I have had time to visit with Brian, Jen, and Sophia again this morning. Hugs are rampant. Including one that caused Sophia and I to bump heads hard enough to push my glasses into my face leaving a bruise behind. At least Leroy is not around so no one can suspect that he is beating me.
I am pleased to take a suitcase for Sarah to use. With the loaded carry-on in there a tote bag is all that I require on the plane. That means that if my luggage does not make it I will borrow clothes from Sarah. It is nice to have a similar sized person at the destination who will share clothes. Unfortunately her feet are much smaller than mine. This morning when I put on make-up I found that I did not bring any blush. Maybe I will just have to work on blushing.
Paula
Raising children is certainly more spontaneous these days. It seems that every toy I touch will sing to me. I must listen to it to the end as many can not be turned off. Picking them up and searching for the off button just encourages going to new heights of grandeur. Is silence bad for babies and toddlers? My children suffered in silence.
Why go back to Kenya so soon? Son-in-law, Stephen has come back to the US to look for a job. Sarah’s job will end on May 5th. May 6th Sarah, Alexandria, and I will get on a plane to come back to the US. Traveling with a 20 month old is challenging especially when the travel time is greater than 21 hours. I am making this trip so I can be entertaining, watching, and holding help.
Leaving today at 3:00 is not making me nervous because I have been on this very same flight before. Also, I have had time to visit with Brian, Jen, and Sophia again this morning. Hugs are rampant. Including one that caused Sophia and I to bump heads hard enough to push my glasses into my face leaving a bruise behind. At least Leroy is not around so no one can suspect that he is beating me.
I am pleased to take a suitcase for Sarah to use. With the loaded carry-on in there a tote bag is all that I require on the plane. That means that if my luggage does not make it I will borrow clothes from Sarah. It is nice to have a similar sized person at the destination who will share clothes. Unfortunately her feet are much smaller than mine. This morning when I put on make-up I found that I did not bring any blush. Maybe I will just have to work on blushing.
Paula
Monday, April 20, 2009
Kenya Here I come
Hello,
Last night Leroy and I did a talk on Kenya. We really showed a lot more slides than I intended, but it was too hard to stop. I think we need a time keeper to maintain control. It is hard to wrap my mind around the concept that I will soon be back in Kenya.
I am on the road again. Tonight, in Minnesota, I am enjoying hugging, chasing, tickling, and giggling with Sophia. Leroy is jealous, jealous. Tomorrow I will see her briefly before I fly out.
I thought I did a great job packing but realized when I was on bus that I have neither a comb nor a brush with me. Will I look good enough to be let on the plane? Brian and Jen tell me they can help otherwise I must go buy such. I also did not get any apples in my lunch and I missed them. But if that is all that I forgot life will be good.
The bus was quite full when I got on, but I found a seat with a woman who was traveling beyond Fargo (Is that the end of the earth or what?) and she had come from Kansas City. She talked about her seven children scattered in many parts of the country and world. Instead of seeing that as a liability she saw that as an asset that created opportunities to travel and generated memories to cherish. I need to adjust my thinking.
Paula
Last night Leroy and I did a talk on Kenya. We really showed a lot more slides than I intended, but it was too hard to stop. I think we need a time keeper to maintain control. It is hard to wrap my mind around the concept that I will soon be back in Kenya.
I am on the road again. Tonight, in Minnesota, I am enjoying hugging, chasing, tickling, and giggling with Sophia. Leroy is jealous, jealous. Tomorrow I will see her briefly before I fly out.
I thought I did a great job packing but realized when I was on bus that I have neither a comb nor a brush with me. Will I look good enough to be let on the plane? Brian and Jen tell me they can help otherwise I must go buy such. I also did not get any apples in my lunch and I missed them. But if that is all that I forgot life will be good.
The bus was quite full when I got on, but I found a seat with a woman who was traveling beyond Fargo (Is that the end of the earth or what?) and she had come from Kansas City. She talked about her seven children scattered in many parts of the country and world. Instead of seeing that as a liability she saw that as an asset that created opportunities to travel and generated memories to cherish. I need to adjust my thinking.
Paula
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Presentations
Hello,
Yesterday Leroy and I did a presentation at the area church woman’s meeting. We were filling in for someone who could not come. Does that make us important or flexible? We had known about this for some time, but failed to find a time when we could work on this together until the afternoon before. Consequently that meant we got our pictures together and agreed on some of the points that we would cover, but we did not practice or consider who was talking about what. It was ok, but I would have preferred a bit more practiced polish.
One person complimented me and added that I do very well in front of a group. I like to speak in front of groups almost better than one on one if I do not know the people. What does that say about me? I am not sure.
In church this morning, I made a small summary of a meeting that we had been to about a month ago. Then I led the Sunday school class with more details of the same meeting.
Tonight Leroy and I will present a program on our trip to Kenya. Our assignment is to talk about life in Kenya. Now that will be a little difficult because we really did not get out among the people. We can tell how our daughter lives as well as show some pictures of the locals. Lack of knowledge will not hinder us. We will have little trouble filling an hour. In fact we are working hard to cut down the number of pictures. All 300 are terrific, but we are confining ourselves to 60-70. Again we will have little time to practice. Leroy did not get home until 1:00 p.m. Lunch seemed necessary and now he is taking a nap. Later we hope to do another presentation in which we can fill in some of the other tourist places we visited.
I normally do not wash clothes on Sunday because I try not to do work that I could do on another day. Today however, I washed a dark and a light load of clothes. I apologize to you and God for no day of rest and contemplation. I get on the bus to MN tomorrow morning and I am do not want to feel rushed and panicked in the morning. Hopefully that will mean a restful sleep tonight. I sacrifice principles for personal comfort.
I am mostly packed, but there are always those last minutes things such as toothbrush and makeup.
Paula
Yesterday Leroy and I did a presentation at the area church woman’s meeting. We were filling in for someone who could not come. Does that make us important or flexible? We had known about this for some time, but failed to find a time when we could work on this together until the afternoon before. Consequently that meant we got our pictures together and agreed on some of the points that we would cover, but we did not practice or consider who was talking about what. It was ok, but I would have preferred a bit more practiced polish.
One person complimented me and added that I do very well in front of a group. I like to speak in front of groups almost better than one on one if I do not know the people. What does that say about me? I am not sure.
In church this morning, I made a small summary of a meeting that we had been to about a month ago. Then I led the Sunday school class with more details of the same meeting.
Tonight Leroy and I will present a program on our trip to Kenya. Our assignment is to talk about life in Kenya. Now that will be a little difficult because we really did not get out among the people. We can tell how our daughter lives as well as show some pictures of the locals. Lack of knowledge will not hinder us. We will have little trouble filling an hour. In fact we are working hard to cut down the number of pictures. All 300 are terrific, but we are confining ourselves to 60-70. Again we will have little time to practice. Leroy did not get home until 1:00 p.m. Lunch seemed necessary and now he is taking a nap. Later we hope to do another presentation in which we can fill in some of the other tourist places we visited.
I normally do not wash clothes on Sunday because I try not to do work that I could do on another day. Today however, I washed a dark and a light load of clothes. I apologize to you and God for no day of rest and contemplation. I get on the bus to MN tomorrow morning and I am do not want to feel rushed and panicked in the morning. Hopefully that will mean a restful sleep tonight. I sacrifice principles for personal comfort.
I am mostly packed, but there are always those last minutes things such as toothbrush and makeup.
Paula
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