5 minute read
A LEAP OF FAITH
THE JOURNEY OF RASHIDAH NAKIJJOBA MULUNGI:
REFLECTIONS OF RESILIENCE AND IDENTITY
In the quiet dawn hours, Rashidah Nakijjoba Mulungi begins her day in Jordan with a ritual that connects her back to Uganda. With a humble strength, she has transformed her role as a housekeeper abroad into a journey of self-growth and resilience a path she is paving with purpose, prayer, and ambition.
A LEAP OF FAITH: FINDING PURPOSE FAR FROM HOME
For Rashidah, a born-again Christian from Uganda, the choice to work abroad was born out of necessity and hope. In Uganda, she found limited opportunities for the kind of income that could build a future. “The wages here are better than what I could earn at home,” she explains. Yet, her experience as an African housemaid, while enriching, has been marked by the daily navigation of boundaries and sacrifices. Even within the confines of her role, Rashidah has discovered ways to reclaim her autonomy and invest in herself.
“I found that the environment offered me a chance to study,” she reflects, noting the online courses she has pursued to add value to her life. It is through this combination of faith and ambition that Rashidah turns each day’s work into a stepping stone toward a greater purpose.
reshaping her own future but also redefining what it means to be a modern African woman in a globalized world.
Adapting to Jordan has been a test of will and warmth, as Rashidah embraces a drastically different lifestyle. The cultural exchange comes with its challenges both practical and deeply personal. “I hold on to my Ugandan roots,” she says, sharing her choice to forego local staples like lamb, preferring foods that align with her heritage. “It’s important to me to maintain my cultural identity, even if it’s in these small, quiet ways.” Life in Jordan, particularly the biting cold of winter, has been a shock. “I’m often sick with colds and the flu,” she says. The largely indoor lifestyle, compounded by unfamiliar, preserved foods, has taken its toll physically, though Rashidah remains resilient. In a foreign country, her identity becomes an inner strength, one she holds close as she navigates her new surroundings.
A DAY IN THE LIFE: SERVING WITH DEDICATION AND DIGNITY
Rashidah’s workdays are defined by both rhythm and rigor. The early mornings begin with prayer, grounding her in faith before the tasks of the day begin. By 6 a.m., she’s already in motion, making sure her employers’ coffee is ready and starting her daily routine of tidying, cooking, and organizing. She’s found a certain mastery in her schedule, preparing the house for gatherings and handling duties that stretch well into the evening. “My days end around midnight, sometimes later,” she notes, with a practicality that reflects her determination. Each task is carried out with a dedication rooted in purpose, but Rashidah admits the work requires a fortitude she finds through prayer and reflection. “I find my hope in the Bible,” she says, her faith serving as a daily anchor. Vision for the Future: Redefining the Role of the Housekeeper** While her current position is a means to an end, Rashidah is already looking to the future.
Her dreams extend beyond her role, as she envisions a career empowering others in the domestic profession. “I aspire to be a housekeeper trainer, and I dream of starting an institution where people can come and learn to be a successful housekeeper,” she shares. Rashidah’s vision is to elevate this work, instilling dignity in the role and creating opportunities for others to pursue it as a career. The institution she dreams of would provide hands-on training for both housekeepers and employers, helping bridge cultural divides and foster mutual respect. “I hope to make this profession one that is deserving of respect,” she says, a hopeful sentiment that is as much about teaching skill as it is about changing perceptions.
Rashidah’s favorite meal, *matoke* with groundnuts, is a reminder of Uganda, a taste of home that brings comfort and pride. She carries with her a fondness for the modest, covered styles of her upbringing, blending elegance and simplicity. When her long days finally come to a close, Rashidah finds solace in small, restorative rituals reading, reflecting, and simply listening to the quiet sounds of nature. Her educational background O-Level secondary school, Early Childhood Development training, certificates in housekeeping and spiritual life coaching paints a picture of a woman dedicated to self-improvement and growth. These qualifications serve as milestones in her journey, each one a testament to her resilience and vision.
Rashidah’s journey is one of persistence, sacrifice, and quiet strength. Through each challenge, she finds ways to honor her roots and move closer to her dreams, embodying the dignity and potential of those who work quietly behind the scenes. She is not only reshaping her own future but also redefining what it means to be a modern African woman in a globalized world.
