To aya or not to aya.... just not sure. This blog entry is really just me thinking out loud as this is the household issue I need to resolve.
It seems crazy not to hire an aya because it is SO inexpensive (even the double/triple rates they charge us expats) but seriously, what do I need with a 24/7 babysitter? I only cook breakfast, I don't clean, I don't do laundry. So it seems like hanging out with my 3 kids while we are in a foreign country is a pretty good option. But.... there is always a but...
It seems like the aya thing is an ALL or NOTHING proposition. Part time aya's are very hard to find and if you require some basic English skills - well - you're dreaming if you expect to find a part time, English speaking aya. I love my kids but I do need SOME time away from them and just calling a babysitter over for a few hours isn't an option. Currently, I've lucked out in an enormous way because I have access to an English speaking aya (Theresa) who lives at Laburnum apartments (our complex) and is available to work evenings for me because her Madam has gone back to the states and hasn't packed up her Laburnum home yet. That's getting me through this while I figure it all out. Our first aya was a tough adjustment for everyone - especially the aya since it was her first job and she was thrust into it by her older sister who came knocking on my door the first day we moved in. Having someone with you ALL day has a stress and awkwardness of it's own - especially if it's everyone's first experience with it. I learned the hard way that if I'm going to do the "aya thing", I need to find someone we all trust and are comfortable with just hanging around ALL the time.
Things get a bit more complicated because most aya's need a servants quarters to live in and currently our house boy, Anand, is living in our servants quarters (which I didn't know we had and hadn't seen until last week). I really like Anand - he's a nice boy and works hard. Well, I'm not sure how this will work out but I'm sure it will. It will be easier to introduce another person into the equation now that the boys and I have settled in a bit and have a routine - right?
1 comment:
Hi Nance, another great blog. I enjoy the pictures as much as your essays. Be sure to send pictures of the wedding. The bungie jumping looked spectacular. I'm sure the boys really enjoyed it. I don't envy you the heat. We are finally getting some decent weather so can get outside and do a little clean-up. Ian is cutting my grass this year and AJ is doing some sweeping, etc. They are so adorable. Well, I wish I could help you with your aya decision, but I'm sure you will make the right one. Glad you rec'd your bunnies. I had to mortgage the house. Just kidding. Kiss the boys for me. Love Mom
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