The Gower family (Auckland) - November 2015
Dear Tom and Zelda,
Where do I begin....?! As cheesy as it may sound I couldn't have
asked for a more amazing, fantastic, supportive, awesome, kind and
understanding family if I tried! (I could keep going... But I would
run out of space on the page!) From the moment I spoke to you on
Skype I just knew you were the ones! You were so open and chatty
with me and so patient with all the questions I had! I couldn't
wait to start as your new au pair. If I'm honest the idea of moving
away from home for the first time was pretty daunting, so it meant
so much to me for you all to come and pick me up from the airport
even after my flight was delayed. You were so kind to let me stay
in your house the night before orientation so I didn't have to stay
in a hotel on my own! The kids were very excited to meet me which
was nice and they showed me round the house, Otis let me stay in
his bedroom as you had guests staying which was very kind of
him!
It was great getting to know you guys and see how your family
worked at the beginning and the kids were very good at getting to
know me, it must be very difficult to change au pairs! They were
amazing at telling me what they were used to doing in a normal day
and that meant I could try and keep as many things normal as I
could. From the moment I joined you, you were so inclusive
and invited me to to go everywhere with you! I love joining you on
weekend trips , whether just into the city, down to Otorohanga, up
to Snells beach, to Waiheke island, up to an amazing Bach in Omaha
beach, or to Karaka to watch the all blacks rugby World Cup final!
(A summary of you guys wouldn't be complete without the mention of
rugby!) Your whole extended family have also been so welcoming too
which has made all the difference! I soon came to learn that you
guys are pretty bonkers but this made me feel at home! ;) From just
chatting and laughing at home to chasing the kids around in the
garden to jumping and screaming and leaping around Jessie and
Simon's lounge while watching the World Cup final, a day never
passes without a giggle.
For the past month or so I have been a bit unwell and had some
personal things going on at home, back in England, but you two have
been so helpful, caring and understanding. Although Zelda and I
joke about how I now have three mum's, (my real mum, Zelda and
Zelda's mum), who all look out for me, I really appreciate all that
you've done to help me get through this rough patch. Whether that
be recommending a doctor to go to or reassuring me that everything
will be fine, or giving me days off/telling me to rest or actually
being there to be a replacement mum at a doctors appointment! I
have felt that I can talk to you about anything and everything and
you seem to always have all the answers to everything! Whether that
be medical answers... Tom! Or life answers... Zelda! You're always
there for me so thank you so much!
When I first came out here in September I thought to myself how
am I going to cope being away from home for 9 whole months...?
However now I'm thinking how am I going to be able to leave you
guys in June and probably not see you for a while, until you come
out to England probably?! You guys are just so awesome and you
really are my second family. I literally can't thank you enough) !
I look forward to spending the rest of my time out here with you
and all the adventures) and fun and laughter we have together!
Love Josie xx