The Nathan/ Janssen family (Auckland) - December 2016
I am seriously the luckiest girl in the world. How did I wind up
not only living on an island filled with friendly people, fantastic
sunny weather and impeccable food, but having the opportunity to
live with the most friendly family. Over the past three months, the
Nathan/ Janssen family has become my home. I love and cherish the
people within this whanau as if they were my own. Each and every
day I go to bed feeling like an equal member of our family. From
continuous encouragement to go on great adventures and support in
planning practically anything, my family has had my back every step
of the way. They always ensure I am feeling at home and go way out
of their way to make special Canadian events become a part of our
New Zealand life. With Christmas right around the corner, I am so
excited to celebrate my first kiwi Christmas as we share our
traditions with one another. So far it's been amazing preparing for
the big day. I have never had a real Christmas tree before, so
going to pick one out was a family tradition I have never
experienced back home. I always thought that people saying that
they loved someone else's children as their own was just a polite
thing to say. But from the bottom of my heart, I love Johnny and
Charlotte as if they were my own children. I have never been so
amazed by two people. They have taught me so much already in my
short time being here. They are such free birds with open minds
that are ready to explore and embrace the world around them. At age
four and two, they are already so capable and so competent in all
that they do. I adore watching them play and admire how much love
they sincerely have for one another. Johnny is such an amazing role
model and hero for his little sister. He loves to engage her in his
games and loves to help teach her new things. Charlotte loves her
big brother and would do anything for him. She loves copying him
and doing anything that he likes to do. It's amazing watching their
relationship grow as Charlotte gets bigger and more fluent in
language and motor skills. I have already witnessed so much
development, I can't wait to see what is next to come. With the
love from my family back home and my wonderful kiwi family here,
this Christmas will be one I will never forget.
- Kelsey
Strong