Meet Jeanette (by Amanda)

I have written about emotions, life and people in Mali, but I have not yet written about one of my favorite people here: Jeanette. She is my Malian house help. I was not looking forward to hiring someone to come in and clean and work for me, but in the first week here I was asked to use a specific lady and since I felt it was inevitable I hired her part time. Now, I often have little to do, but the other missionaries tell me, "Wait till you get busy!"” I could not imagine my life without her. She is a Christian, originally from Mali, who worked in Cote d'Ivoire for another missionary before they were evacuated. She really has become more than my house help. Sometimes when we are preparing food we watch a movie in French together with English subtitles (French for her; subtitles for me!). We go to the market together and she watches out for me.
This week I went to an expo of Malian products because I wanted to find some presents for Thom, but I didn'’t want to go alone since my language skills are lacking and I wasn'’t exactly sure where I was going. Thanks be to God He provided me with the perfect person to help me. I was able to take Jeanette and we had a great time. She gives me such joy to have around each day. Not only is she a hard worker, but she tries to work with joy; to hear her laugh down the hall when the cat attacks the broom is just so much fun (Jeanette loves cats, which is a little unusual for Malians). I really praise God that He knew what I needed before I did.
She rearranges things as she dusts, she cooks great African food for us, she loves to laugh and help bake goodies and she can make my whites brighter in the laundry, but most importantly she has provided me with companionship, comfort and joy. God has stretched out His hand and provided us with the ability to work in harmony and to enjoy the company of each other. Please pray for her as she is having a baby in 4 months and pray for me as I have her cousin work for me for a few months after.
Philippians 1:3-4 - I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy.