I live with the McDonald/Smith family, a great family of 4 with extra family members, Sam the dog and Jack the cat! I'm so happy to have landed in this family, who have done everything they could to make me feel at home and as a part of the family. They are so easy-going, helpful and generally just nice people.
Before I left for New Zealand, I was a bit nervous to feel homesick, but having them including me in everything and helping whenever I needed it, made me feel so at home here.  For example at my birthday, they made an effort to celebrate it with me, surprised me with pancakes for breakfast and champagne for 'afternoon tea'.

The two girls I take care of, Abi and Milly, quickly welcomed me and our relationship was great from the start. I love spending time with them and we have so much fun together. 
The parents, Emma and Tim, has also been very welcoming and helpful, whether it was planning of weekend trips, things to do in Auckland, restaurants to visit or help with anything at all really, they're always there and ready with good advice.
On top of that even the dog in the family has won me over, and we have become good friends, even though I'm not really a dog-person.

I've nominated my family to be family of the month, because I don't think I could've ended up in a better place or with better people. 

- from Maria

The McDonald/Smith family