I have had an Ethiopian cleaning lady and found her to be very good. The only recommendations I have are to tell her or show her exactly what you want done or not done. That goes with any nationality. Secondly, I have told all my maids, if you break something - tell me. I can then replace it, accidents happen (I break things myself). I get ticked off if I go to use something and find it broken.

I have trusted my maids with my children, my house and my possessions and I have been fortunate in that only the possessions have suffered any "damage" - those I can replace. It is best to remember that we are all fallible human beings. If you're not paying your maid the same wages you earn - why would you expect more from her?