The maid that came and left

We were asked whether we would like to have a maid by my sister in law a week ago. It was her MIL's maid but things were not going so well between the MIL and the maid. Apparently the maid was ok and hardworking.

We were only planning to get a maid when the baby arrives. But since this maid was recommended by my SIL and we had a chance to let her work with us for one week, we thought "Why not give it a try first?"

So we went down to Seremban last weekend to take her home. Her name was Ati. I thought she looked pleasant.

Hubby and I was half nervous and excited having a maid.Most importantly was that she had to be good with Ryan and not seem to have an attitude. During the first day at home, I felt a bit lost not knowing how to delegate work to Ati. I was so used doing work myself and now having someone to do the work for you was strange. It took some getting used to.

Looking after her welfare was something I had to get used to. Her food, her basic needs, whether she was getting enough sleep...
First day, I took her to Jusco to buy Cintan Instant Noodles and shampoo. It was in a way fun too taking care of some else.

After a few days, I got used to having her around. It was nice having the floors squeeky clean and sparkling. The kitchen was neat and clean and the windows dust free. She was pretty capable in the kitchen too. She helped me cook the meals and prepare the ingredients.

But on the 3rd day, she told me she heard a voice like a child voice calling her name in the middle of the night. That really freaked me out. I was more worried about her mental stability. And how it progress over the months. Hubby was also freaked out. So we decided to send her back.

I was really disturbed with the decision as she was a good worker. Did we over-react? Were we acting too hasty? After much thought and advice from other people, I decided that I wanted her to stay. Hubby also agreed with my decision.

I thought everything was going smoothly and that we would keep Ati. Then on Saturday, I got a call from my hubby at work and he said that we had to send the maid back. Apparently, the agency's terms were really unreasonable and it seemed like they were cheating us. We were not entitled for the probation period for this maid and the agency was deducting 3 months from the 2 year contract if we were to employ her.

To cut the long story short, the agent came on Sunday morning to take Ati back. I was really distraught and cried myself to sleep the night before and also in the middle of the night. I felt bad and guilty to let her go the way she did. She did not know we were sending her back until the very moment when the agent came that day.

It has been 2 days since she was sent back. But the guilt has been 'eating' me eversince. I do miss her too. She was pleasant and sweet. But majority of people have advised me that maids always seem hardworking and obedient in the beginning but after working for sometime, the trouble normally starts.

I guess I am not experienced in having a maid. And I get emotional and attached very quickly. Maybe it is a sign that I am not ready to have a maid yet. We still need to make the decision quick before the baby arrives in July as it takes about 4-5 months to apply for a maid.