Jyoti

A few friends have asked me...if I really need to sweep and mop everyday. Well...we do manage to have a few days where we might go without sweeping and mopping--if our househelper doesn't come. For example, a couple of weeks ago, her sister had a baby and she was away one week--one week--that's all! She went with her to the hospital because she can read and could help her with all the paperwork--plus, it was her sister--having a baby! Her sister had complications with their first baby and lost the baby at 2 days old! Family support is such a big deal here, and I was happy for her to be able to be with her sister! Anyway, that week our floors were nast-o, and that's even with me sweeping and mopping once (on my hands and knees). I didn't know how long it would be until she came back, so I was overjoyed when she called just 7 days later telling me she would be back the next day! But, honestly, when it's the hot, dusty season and/or when you have 4 kiddos running in and out and bringing the dust in, yes...it really is necessary. Actually, I think our living areas could use it twice a day in the dry season. I'm not kidding! You CANNOT imagine the dust unless you've been here during the dry season.

Our sweet househelper, Jyoti.

We have a wonderful, wonderful househelper. Her name is Jyoti and she comes to our house--everyday except Sunday. Everyday that she is here, she dusts, sweeps and mops and does whatever dirty dishes we have in the sink. She also helps me with food prep--mainly chopping veggies for whatever we're having for dinner that evening or making flat bread or tortillas--yum. She makes cooking from scratch much easier on me!!!! And, I must say I'm a little spoiled. If I've forgotten to get her to chop something, I'll sometimes totally change what we're having for dinner! Ha!

Her husband drives her every morning and then he leaves and returns after about 1.5-2 hours. She's an awesome, fast, hard worker. She is sweet, joyful and a delight to have in our home. Most days she is done before her husband returns to pick her up. On those days, we either chit chat in Hindi or she will play with the kids or read to them. I love that she can read! We purchased some Hindi books just for this time--I like to call it our kids' foreign language for school. ;)

There are times when I'll ask her not to clean our upstairs and on those days, I usually ask her to cook an Indian meal for us. The kids love her and know the sound of her husband's motorcycle. They like to welcome her in the mornings. It's fun. That week she wasn't here, Jackson prayed often for her to come back. He's always been diligent to pray for our househelper. It's sweet.

She even lets the kids help out in the kitchen. These days are hilarious to hear the commotion of what is going on in there! I bet one day Sarala will be able to make the chapati (the traditional flatbread) better than me!

Also, one other thing to mention. In this culture, you are being a good member of community and society when you are able to have helpers and workers and provide jobs for others. Also, it is very strange for Indians when you do work yourselves. We enjoy having a househelper aside from this, but it is nice to also be "good members of society" and embrace the culture!

Sarala LOVES to get tattoos from Jyoti and Jyoti also lets her draw all over her arm too! She's so great with our kids! She is a blessing and a joy to have in our home everyday. She is one I'm ALWAYS thankful to see come in our door. We are so blessed to have her in our lives!