I have been with two families during my time as an Au Pair. I spent my first year in Connecticut in a place called New Heaven. Most of the people there love nature and being outdoors. It is only minutes away from New York City. For my second year I stayed in Maryland in a town called Potomac, which is a suburban area and the people there love parties and clubbing. 

Even though I lived in different places I was fortunate enough to stay with nice families who are still willing to take me back. I would also want to go back to them if I had the chance or if there was no age limit. It was the most wonderful adventure ever. We were a blessing to each other and the kids were wonderful. I felt like part of the families. With my second family I also had the privilege of doing whatever I wanted and even drive their cars if I wanted to. I had a very good relationship with my host parents. I learned a lot about the American way of life, not only from my host mum, but also from other people that I met. I went to different places with my hosts when they went on vacation. Everything was so different, not only the weather but also the food, driving, holiday celebrations and the accent. I adjusted very quickly and now still have a bit of an American accent.

I made lots of friends from all over the world and the US who are still in contact with me via e-mail or SMS. My friends and I traveled all over the United States during our vacation time and on the weekends that we had off. I went to clubs and parties, and learned some new dance moves.

Holidays, like Halloween, were some first time things for me, where you have to buy costumes and go from house to house with the kids to trick or treat and people give you lots of candy, and if it is your first time they give you more. So I got more candy than my kids and we had so much fun. Thanksgiving is also a special day in America for families to gather and have lunch together, especially turkey and being thankful for all the things you have. On New Year’s Eve I went to Times Square in New York although it was snowing. I would never have wanted to miss it in a million years, the crowd and famous artists – it was just wonderful!

Thank You Au Pair in America, my counselors in the States: You were wonderful!

To Nombuso, thank you for helping me. You all keep up the good work!