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My family and I lived in Cape Town, South Africa from July 2022 - December 2022, and for the majority of the time, Doren M worked with us. She looked after my kids, ages 11-years-old and 3-years old, when they were not in school, tidied the house, washed our clothes, cooked most meals, and drove us everywhere we needed to go,
On an average day, Doren would come to the house at around 7:20am and transport the kids to school. When we got home, she would prepare my breakfast, make our beds, empty the garbage bins, and sweep the floors if needed. Then we’d discuss dinner for that day (and the rest of the week if it was a Monday.) We’d go grocery shopping, then she’d prepare my lunch. While I worked, she was often prepping dinner or doing our laundry. Around 2:30pm, we’d go pick up the kids from school, and often times, Doren would go alone if I was still busy with work. On days when I needed to help my oldest with homework, she would take the youngest to the park or on a walk. And sometimes, she even helped my oldest with his homework. Finally, she’d serve us dinner and help get the youngest ready for bed before leaving for the evening.
I loved the food that Doren cooked! Some of my favorite meals were her omelettes, fried chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, fried rice, kale, roasted potatoes, and broccoli, just to name as few. Initially, she did not season vegetables quite like I liked them, but after giving her feedback just once, she quickly adjusted to exactly what we liked. I would send her recipes and she cooked what we wanted just how we wanted. She also made very healthy meals. She learned that I like lots of fruits and vegetables, so with every meal, there was always a fresh salad and berries or grapes at the table.
Doren is so great with the kids. She related to them on their level. She would play basketball with my 11-year-old, and during daily walks with my 3-year-old, pick rocks and flowers, and lie on a big rock in our neighborhood to look up at the sky. She would sing songs with them, in the car or in the house, and dance with them. She was gentle with them, but would be firm when she needed to be.
Doren became like family to us. The kids were completely comfortable with her, and I trusted her with them, so much so that I left my kids with her for four days while I attended my niece’s wedding in Mexico.
Doren is one of the best people I’ve ever known. She made my family’s experience in South Africa tremendous and we miss her so much. Any family would be lucky to have her. Working with kids is her gift.
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