Where do I start? First with a huge thank you to Au Pair Link NZ. If I could give Cecilia Robinson and her team at Au Pair Link the world I truly would. My decision to be an Au Pair in New Zealand was a very spontaneous one. I come from a huge family. I am the oldest of 12 and growing, in fact I just found out there is another sibling on the way. J I was happy with life at home, but a bit bored and needed a change. I checked out a private Au Pair website online, chatted with a few families in different countries, but ultimately chose a family in New Zealand. I had heard nothing but amazing things about New Zealand and I wanted to witness them myself.

So, I accepted a private position and came over to New Zealand on a whim. This was one of the biggest life lessons I have ever learned. I was put in a really bad situation with a Kiwi family, I was overworked, unappreciated, and most of all disrespected. Needless to say Au Pair Link NZ came to the rescue.  I will never forget what they did for me. I heard of them through another Au Pair in the area within a few weeks of being here, and decided I needed to see what they were all about. This was the best decision of my life.  Long story short, Au Pair Link got me out of the horrible situation I was in and was going to make every effort possible to turn my kiwi experience around. They went above and beyond for me. The hospitality that Cecilia and Kimberlie with Au Pair Link showed me was incredible. They were not going to let me settle for anything less than the best.  They took a very scary situation for me and turned it into a lifetime memory I will keep with me forever.

As soon as I signed on with the agency, I realized things could only get better for me and my time here in New Zealand. Within a limited amount of time, I was offered heaps of families to choose from. I felt so lucky. I ended up choosing a family in Christchurch, and I feel like I won the lottery. My family in Christchurch is incredible; I take care of two little girls, and another one on the way in January.  I could not be more excited. I feel like I have been handed the world at my fingertips, and I would do anything to give that back to Au Pair Link.

They care so much about each individual Au Pair and the families we work with. They want each of us to have the experience we dream of having in New Zealand, and with the help of their qualified teachers they do absolutely everything they can to make sure your dream experience happens. To put it in perspective, I work 11-12 hour days and can't complain! Who can say that??? I LOVE my job as an Au Pair. I have gained such a passion in my work here as an Au Pair; that I hope to bring it back to the U.S.A. with me.  I want other Americans who love working with children to see the opportunities they have over in NZ - to travel while doing something they love. I want to open the eyes of families in America to the idea of an Au Pair and what they are all about. It's a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.  I've been in New Zealand for only 3 months thus far, and I have 9 months to go. I can only imagine what I will have to say at the end of the year about my experience and Au Pair Link.

For anyone out there that's reading this and is interested in becoming an Au Pair in New Zealand. Sign up today, it will be the best decision of your life.  You come in with an open mind, and leave with a second family, lifelong friends all over the world, an unforgettable experience, and a story that you can tell for years to come.

Again... to Cecilia, Kimberlie, and the rest of the team at Au Pair Link, you have given me the opportunity of a lifetime here in NZ. Without your help, I wouldn't be here.  You all have opened your hearts to me, and for that I will be forever grateful!!! I have 9 months left here in NZ, and I know when my time comes, someone is going to have to drag me away, because I'm not going to want to leave this "HOME" you have made for me. Thanks again, I know I have said it a few times already, but I will say it again, Au Pair Link NZ - I OWE YOU THE WORLD!!!!

P.S. A big hug and thank you to my host family The Waters Family (Christchurch), and two amazing families in the North Island who showed me real "Kiwi" hospitality....The Hanna Family (Rotorua) and The Dodd Family! (Waihi) I'll never forget you guys, and I will see you again before this year is over!

Mandi