Tag Archives: peace

Host Family Community Day – August 2017

Over 150 kids, au pairs and host parents gathered in West Seattle to share stories, pot luck dishes from around the globe, donate shoes for J-1 day and partake in an international scavenger hunt and water balloon toss.  Our Au Pair In America programs are all about trust between peoples and nations and this year’s water balloon toss was symbolic of the gentle communication and actions required to make a strong match and a connection based in trust.  This group of young women and the families who welcome them into their homes to share in their family life is simple inspiring.

We Are (also) Impatient Optimists (for peace)

The au pairs gathered at the Gates Foundation this month to bear witness to all the good works being done around the world and learn about US American philanthropy.  The Gates Foundation made our international community feel right at home amongst those who cherish the idea of helping and understanding one another better on this planet we all share.

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International Cookie and Culture Exchange

Close to 50 of our au pairs gathered in the home of one of our host families in Medina this month to celebrate the season.  We heard stories of children’s shoes in the window sills, Santa Lucia, barbeques, Saint Nikolas, songs from South America and Germany, food celebrations with fish on the 24th and many other traditions celebrated in this time around the globe.  Cookies and treats were exchanged as well as information and we ended our time together with a good old fashioned US American white elephant gift exchange.

However you celebrate, APIA wishes you the very best of seasons!

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The world comes together to celebrate the holiday season – December 2011

photo(9)photo(10)Our au pairs from all other the globe share their customs and traditions during the holiday season.  Spanish-speaking, German-speaking, English-speaking, Mandarin-speaking, Thai-speaking au pairs shared songs of the season.  What talent!  What passion!  Gives us pause that the future of our world will be just fine in the hands of these brave, dedicated women of peace.