Agnes

Agnes comes for a few hours every day to help me keep our house neat and to make sure Dad has food to eat when he gets home from teaching.  She’s a wonderfully nice woman who grabs my arms rather roughly, but is helping me learn to stand for longer and longer periods of time.  She also makes delicious chicken curry, shrimp stir-fry and rice that never, ever sticks to the pot.  I’m not sure how she does it, but am trying to learn.

When she first came to our house, Mom didn’t know what to ask her to do.  It is a little weird for another woman to be here during the day with us.  Sometimes, when I just want to take a nap or Mom wishes she could wear shorts instead of her shalwar pants or khakis, Agnes is in the bedroom sweeping or asking Mom about shopping.  Also, it seems really strange to have someone helping us when we are not at all used to that.  Dad’s bosses have told him that this is a cultural thing, and is OK, though. 

So, we’re trying to get used to Agnes and learn how to be her friend.

One thing that has been really cool about living with her in the afternoons, is that I’m learning some Bangla.  For example, did you know that “dar chini” means cinnamon?  She also calls me “bhalo” and “boro” all the time.  I think she’s saying that I’m good and big.  At least, I hope that’s what she’s saying. 

One of the funniest things that she does is quiz Dad if he gets home before she’s left.  She likes to say, “Apne bhalo atsen?” as soon as he gets in the door.  If you know my dad, you know that he likes a minute to think when he finishes work, so it’s pretty funny to watch him look over at Mom and me for help to remember that he’s supposed to say, “Ami bhalo atsi.”

He should be home soon now, but Agnes already left.  I’ll have to get my bubbles ready to blow at him instead of her quiz.  I hope he’s had as good a day today as he has all the other days so far.  He is really enjoying teaching his students about volleyball and the Vikings!