As the time gets closer for us to leave Nigeria, I get both excited and sad all at the same time. With the hot, humid weather before the rains begin, home sounds especially good: green grass, beautiful flowers, cool weather, and easy living with lots of consistent electricity and clean water. But I also feel torn because of the loved ones we have made here. One of those loved ones is our housekeeper Asabe.
Asabe is a lovely Christian lady. If ever there could be a Nigerian equivalent of Gunda Mitchell, it would be Asabe. She is always dressed immaculately even though she is doing dirty work, is graceful and charming, is deeply devoted to her heavenly Father, and even has a laugh a little like Mom’s. But most of all, she cleans German style! If you have ever been to Nigeria or Germany, you would know how unlikely that combination is! Asabe is a pleasure to work with. Ever since my first cook left, I have gotten to know Asabe better (in spite of her moderate English skills!)
Asabe has survived two husbands and has 6 children, 3 of which are at home and rely on her paycheck. She has modeled many things to me: sacrificial giving during the crisis when she opened up her home and shared what little she had to people left homeless by the rioting, and a cheerful spirit despite some of the difficult life experiences she has undergone. I have been very concerned for Asabe as the time has gotten closer to our leaving. Jobs are hard to find here. I have been praying that God would provide a new employer for her so that there would be no gaps in her income like there was before she came to us.
My househelp and I were all rejoicing this week when God answered this prayer! A new family has come to Jos that I met at our orientation in Charlotte, NC this past May. Asabe has already started working for them one day a week and will begin working full-time as soon as we leave. The new family was willing to wait for her because she is such an excellent employee. What an answer to prayer!
Lisa
Asabe is a lovely Christian lady. If ever there could be a Nigerian equivalent of Gunda Mitchell, it would be Asabe. She is always dressed immaculately even though she is doing dirty work, is graceful and charming, is deeply devoted to her heavenly Father, and even has a laugh a little like Mom’s. But most of all, she cleans German style! If you have ever been to Nigeria or Germany, you would know how unlikely that combination is! Asabe is a pleasure to work with. Ever since my first cook left, I have gotten to know Asabe better (in spite of her moderate English skills!)
Asabe has survived two husbands and has 6 children, 3 of which are at home and rely on her paycheck. She has modeled many things to me: sacrificial giving during the crisis when she opened up her home and shared what little she had to people left homeless by the rioting, and a cheerful spirit despite some of the difficult life experiences she has undergone. I have been very concerned for Asabe as the time has gotten closer to our leaving. Jobs are hard to find here. I have been praying that God would provide a new employer for her so that there would be no gaps in her income like there was before she came to us.
My househelp and I were all rejoicing this week when God answered this prayer! A new family has come to Jos that I met at our orientation in Charlotte, NC this past May. Asabe has already started working for them one day a week and will begin working full-time as soon as we leave. The new family was willing to wait for her because she is such an excellent employee. What an answer to prayer!
Lisa
1 comment:
Lisa,
I very much appreciate your humble spirit of love & concern towards those you are working with in Africa, including Asabe.
Steve
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