Folks in our life

(I'm headed home for the summer soon and while I am THRILLED - it will be hard to leave these sweet people you are about to meet)....I started this post months ago and decided now's the time to submit it. 

This is a post I've debated about writing for awhile now.  There are A LOT of people in my life right now, really good and wonderful people who I am grateful to know.  The folks that will be lifetime friends once our time here in Accra is done.  But, those are the people you probably expect.  There, is, however, another group of people in my life that have become very consistent and present figures to me. Daily, weekly, monthly, but the same people.  I.HEART.THEM.  They are amazing and kind and hardworking and joyful and resourceful and they treat us well.  They are like our family in a far off land.  

 I don't want to portray them in any other way but as hard working people with the best hearts who really DO help us.  I also don't want to portray my life as posh and easy.  The folks I am about to introduce you to do help make our every day life much easier, and I do not take it for granted.  I want you to know them and get a glimpse into my life here and the people I interact with. It's important to me that folks get my whole scoop.  So here it is  - and here they are:  

Meet Felicia

Felicia came to us via our predecessor. She is with us every day and anytime we need her.  She is our housekeeper/nanny/jack of all trades/ house manager and my right hand gal.  She knows what she is doing and how to make it happen.  And she LOVES my kids!  Drew is her sidekick as they spend the most time together, but she is also a friend to me.  She singlehandedly makes my life easier.  When I look ahead to my life without her, I want to cry.  

Meet Noel

Noel also came to us via our predecessor and boy do we feel LUCKY!  He is our cook.  He works for us part time - we share him with another family, and it is fabulous!  Not only does he cook amazing food but knows how to make everything to include homemade bagels and crepes that are to die for.  (maybe this is why I've lost no weight even living in Africa). Besides being able to cook, he is a sweet, good hearted man providing for his large family.  I give Noel all the credit for the non-issues we've had with any food here.  A big part of it is preparation, cleaning it properly, etc... and he knows how to handle it!

A picture I will treasure 

Meet God's Willing

Yes - that is her name.  Isn't it great????  She is the 'auntie' in the duo that comes twice a month to give me and my friends mani/pedis in.our.house.  Love her!  And love how she keeps my feet from being permanently stained black (it's so dirty here!!)

Meet Patience

The second part of the mani/pedi duo.  Patience also gives the BEST massages.  She also comes to the house to do that.  What??  

We also have consistent faces to guard our compound gate, and a gardener that is ever present.  And I do see the same people at my shopping spots, etc…but I'll highlight them another day.  Today it is just these four.  Love them all! 

A little glimpse into our world.  

I'll be scarce on the blog over summer......but back in August.