Using food to build a good relationship with your helper
When you travel overseas, what do you eat?
Whatever the local people eat
A mix of local and your favorite cuisine
Only food from your home area
Before starting Arrow I worked for a religious organization. While working there I went with HK people on a short term mission trip to India. After we settled into our accommodation I was surprised when some members of our team opened their suitcases. Instead of clothing, the suitcases were full of Doll Noodles, Cup of Noodles and other assorted HK instant meals. We were in another culture to learn and serve, but my teammates were afraid of the spicy local food, so, to be safe, they brought their own food.
When I first moved to Hong Kong in 1988 there was one day when I had to have American food. I found a restaurant called the American Restaurant and went there for a pancake breakfast. To my great disappointment they did not taste anything like American pancakes! I was so glad when McDonald's finally came to HK and I could get a good hamburger or pancake meal! Now when I need a good hamburger I can go to Shake Shack!
When we travel from home for only a few weeks - we all long for the comfort of food from home. We take food with us, and search for restaurants with a touch of home cooking. We sometimes can't go for even 2 weeks without eating food from home. Imagine what it must be like for a Filipino worker to go 2 years without eating food from home??? At best, they only get food from home, once a week on their day off.
One of the biggest issues Filipino workers have with life in HK is the food. They often complain about NOT receiving enough food and being given leftovers to eat. Being a good employer involves making sure your helper has a happy tummy. The good news is: IT'S NOT DIFFICULT!
typical Filipino breakfast
SUGGESTED MENU:
Breakfast: All the rice she can eat, 2 eggs with some onion and a few veggies and some meat.
Lunch: Noodles with an egg or some meat & veggies
Dinner: Whatever she is cooking for the family.
Coffee break: coffee & a pastry or bread
Keeping a good Filipino helper begins with making sure their stomach is happy. Food, rest and encouragement are their 3 big needs. I'll talk about the latter 2 in another email. Bon Appetit!
