A New View of Perfection

Last night my perfect view of my family changed drastically. I have been noticing over the past few weeks how Rachel does a majority of the work around the home. She is often talked down to about the house not being clean or about not having dinner prepared in time yet no one helps her. A few nights ago she was scolded for not reading her Bible that day like a good Christian. I have been very confused, so last night I talked to her more about the situation. In the past she had told me that she had converted from Islam and was unable to return to her family. When I was first introduced to her my dad gave a sweet story of how they had converted her and then lovingly took her in to disciple her and provide a haven since she didn't have any where else to live. Also, the last few days she has not gone to her tailoring school because she did not have the money to buy the material. My mom was supposed to have given it to her but after 5 days still has not done it. Then came last night...

We went to get chapatti from a local shop and it was just the two of us. I asked her, "Rachel, why do you do all the work around the house and no one helps you...is it because they provide you with a place to stay?" She has always been a little sparse with her information about how she came to live with my parents. She shyly replied, "It is not good to lie to you, so I will tell you the truth." She then proceeded to tell me that she actually is not the "daughter" figure in my family, she is more of the servant. She is paid very very little, not enough to buy fabric, and they occasionally help pay for school which is why she does so much work. My whole view of the picture perfect, Christian, African family fell apart. Is this ok? I know she is being paid but is it ok for her to be being paid so little? Are they using her or enabling her? Is she an asset to family life or just someone to wash the floors? I have always treasured her and think she is an amazing person, how can they treat her like this? To my American eyes, heart and mind this is an injustice that I want to fix. Rachel could tell later on that I was very upset by the whole thing. She tried to explain that it is ok because it is an African way of life but does that make it ok? I have been struggling since last night to find my place in this situation. My heart hurts for her and I want to help her but how?

Later that evening I asked Rachel her plans for this weekend, she was free so we are going to go to a national music and dance competition in Kampala. She has never been there, which is surprising since it is the capital and only 15 miles away. She is so excited and so am I!! I can't wait to spend the day with her and get to love her in the midst of a hard situation.

Please be praying for Rachel. She is a sweet sweet girl who has made me feel so at home in Uganda. She is a close friend and has the best laugh of anyone I have ever met. I will write more later to fill you in on our action packed weekend!