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Nanny Rosie, a well-known Kenyan nanny, has shared her heartfelt story of emotional distress, depression, and the tough decision to leave her job in Lebanon to be with her children.
Returning Home: A Difficult Choice
Rosie's return to Kenya was widely covered by the media. Contrary to the belief that she was sent back by her employers, Rosie decided to come home due to personal and family reasons. Despite her employers paying for a round-trip ticket, Rosie knew she wouldn't complete her two-year contract.
"I only worked for six months. I came back in June. When I went back, I knew I wouldn’t complete the two years. But I hadn’t told my bosses because I knew it would break their hearts," Rosie shared during a conversation with Oga Obinna.
The Struggle of Separation
Leaving her children in Kenya was emotionally taxing for Rosie. Her children felt jealous and abandoned due to the close bond she had formed with her employers' children. "My girl is turning 14. This is an age where a child needs their parents. She used to call me crying, saying she wanted me home. My boys also felt abandoned," Rosie recounted.
Choosing Family Over Money
Rosie faced a heartbreaking decision: stay in Lebanon for the money or return to Kenya for her children. "They saw it as if I had another family somewhere. The love was fading. I didn’t have peace. I was crying all the time, seeing my kids crying all the time. I had to choose between my kids or the money," she explained.
Despite needing the income as a single parent, Rosie decided to prioritize her children. "No, they didn't do anything wrong. As much as I needed the money, it was the most difficult thing to deal with. I wanted to be with my kids as they became teenagers," she said.
Reflecting on Her Own Childhood
Rosie's own upbringing influenced her decision. She tearfully recounted her experience of getting pregnant at 14 due to a lack of guidance. "Growing up without anybody to talk to affected me. Those memories haunted me. While I was there, I feared my daughter might be misled in my absence," she said.
A New Beginning
Currently jobless, Rosie plans to start a project in Kenya. "I'll maybe find a project here, and whatever little I get, I will share with my children. I feel happy that I am near my children," she said.
Rosie dreams of creating a support system for women who go abroad for job opportunities, where they can leave their children if they don’t have trusted family members or friends to look after them. Her experiences have driven her to help others in similar situations.
Despite the challenges, Rosie remains optimistic about her future, prioritizing her children's well-being over financial gain. Her story is a powerful testament to the sacrifices parents make for their children
