Full Squad

It seems that the hunt for a third caregiver is finally over, more than a month after it began. Ya, our rock, who’s taken care of Jip nearly since the day we arrived, happened to talk on the phone with her cousin. They both hail from a province in the north that has been underwater for much of the rainy season.

The worst flooding in several years has meant that jobs are harder to come by up there, so the cousin was happy to return to the big city. She’s worked here in the past, for the same agency that sent us Ya. Jip gets along with her quite well. In fact Jip is already muttering about how Ya could learn a thing or two from her cousin’s technique.

Meanwhile, I’ve reflected on the conversation I had with the woman in our office, about whether or not I was thinking enough of Jip’s needs. I conclude that she was projecting a little bit—she may have noticed her kids at home acting out whenever she gets busy with adult concerns.

Nonetheless, I think she is right to suggest that I watch out for things that may be going on with me whenever I see that Jip is unhappy. After all, the monks here say that peace in the world will begin first in the hearts and minds of each of us. Re-learning that lesson from an unexpected teacher reminded me that wisdom comes in many guises.