One too many ceremonies for the pembantu (maid). It's been a long battle. Through the past two years, I have always kind of tried to stick up for her out of a sense of what's 'right', somehow; and this has caused more than a few problems at home. One problem with the 'house helpers' here, among the Balinese ones anyway, is the constant obligation to attend ceremonies. It seems that they have a ceremony for just about everything, and are regularly called away to attend these events, which are most often in the kampong (or home town). Thus, the employment of a maid three days a week doesn't really turn out the same as having a maid three days a week. In addition, I had become close to the maid's little girl, Kadek. I felt that the family relied on us for their livelihood (at least in part), and I worried about what would become of the children should their mother lose her job.
Ironically, it turns out that the maid is not much worried about this, as I learned today when Louis basically decided to fire her (after yet another ceremony).
I suggested that she talk to Louis later, and she declined.
"You're afraid?" I guessed.
"Oh no. Bukan takut (not afraid). Malas aja. Basically, don't care.
She went on to tell me that a German man would hire her for more money anyway.
Sigh. Oh well.
Louis told me about this attitude from the outset. I never listen :)
Live and learn.
1 comment:
New poetry anthology about to be published. It's a collection of heartfelt poetry by authors who have MS. Check it out at www.touchingms.com. Will be available for purchase in about 2-3 weeks.
Would you mention it on your blog to help with promotion?
Thank you!
Jennifer Evans
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