It's hard to find the right words which describe how blessed I am with my host family. 8 months ago I arrived as their first Au Pair and I've directly felt welcomed and as part of the family.

Vincent, the baby, was smiling the whole time and you could only fall in love with this little boy. I remember the first time I met Oliver and he was so proud when he was showing me all his cool train tracks. 8 months later he is still in love with them and Vincy has changed from a little baby into a very active boy who always wants to be involved in everything. Last week he said my name the first time and today he did his FIRST STEPS on his own!! We are so proud of him, but he is even more proud of himself! You should have seen his big smile.

Oliver and Vincy love each other so much and it's the cutest seeing the big hugs between them. Both love music and whenever I put "I am Gummibear" or the German version "Ich bin ein Gummibärchen" on my phone on Oliver is dancing through the whole kitchen and Vincy is sitting on the carpet moving his little body.

My host parents Emma and Dave give me the perfect background for a successful Au Pair year. I've always felt supported and it's good working as a team together. I am also always welcomed to join their weekend activities like going to watch a movie at the cinema with Oliver (he loves it!), trying different food at the Sunday market in Wellington city or going for a weekend to the boys grandparents house in Hawke's Bay or Martinborough.

I am sure that the next Au Pair will feel home as fast as I did.

In the end I can only say a big THANK YOU for all the incredible moments I could spend with them and I am so much looking forward to my 4 remaining months!

- Lea Wolpert

Lea Wolpert