Love at first sight

Dear Helen and Mike,

When I first started looking for Host Families I didn't have much results and only skyped one family for like 15 minutes. But then I found you. We skyped for 1 hour the first time and after that I knew I want to be your Au Pair. You seemed so friendly, loving and really interested in me.

I was so nervous when you picked me up after the orientation days and you were probably as well. I can still remember exactly how you told me that Mike cancelled a meeting to be able to pick me up and Jonathan finished school earlier that day and he was so keen to have me sitting next to him.  Then we had the most delicious Pizza à la Mike and I already felt at home.

You as Host Parents, but the boys as well made it easy for me to settle in because you're such a lovely,active and open-minded family.  I really appreciate always getting feedback from you what you liked and what you wanted me to do different. All this love continued all through the year I've been with you and I really don't feel like a employee I fell like a big sister for the boys and an accepted family member.

I had 2 lovely holidays with you at 2 different baches. It was awesome!! Especially the second I really enjoyed because I could feel that the boys really accepted me and being on holiday is so much different without a timetable and that's what gives the boys a better feeling as well. So we could really enjoy this week in the lovely house. I had so much fun in the big waves with Jonathan. That was very special because I don't get to spend much time with him as he's going to school.  But even with Samuel and Christopher it was different because it's so much more relaxed without the busy routine we're sometimes managing during the week.

Although we are busy sometimes I like that you are very organised and it's really good to know that you always try hard especially in the holidays to get the boys to have their special time with their grandparents and aunts which also makes it easier for me when I don't need to look after all 3 boys for a whole day. As lovely and handsome the boys are as full of energy they are! It is a lot of fun and I really enjoy playing outside with them so they can use their energy for running and bouncing on the trampoline.

I can't imagine my life without you any more and you supported me so much during the year - thanks for that! I could always ask you for advise , if it was travelling,cooking or family. Especially with you Helen I had some deep conversations. It just feels so easy to talk to you and there is a big trust from both sides. It really feels a bit like a mother-daughter relationship sometimes :-)

I feel so honoured that you trusted me so much to let me look after your children who are super special to you. It is so nice to see you how happy you are when you're coming back home from work. You're showing so much love to each other and I like that Samuel and Christopher already copied that attitude even though they're still little.

You definitely became my second family and I will miss you all so much when I'm back in Germany!  You'll always have a space inside my heart and I hope that the boys will have the opportunity to come and visit me in Germany when they are older. You are always welcome!

Lots of love

Lena