Tag Archives: washington

Homesickness and Scavenger Hunting in a New Home State – October 2017

Over 60 au pairs on a program representing over 60 countries made some time this past Sunday to focus on self care, while they carry out the important work of childcare, culture sharing and adapting to life here in the US.  The Au Pair In America community took a ferry over to Bainbridge as a multi-cluster event.  Starting the day getting to know one another, talking about coping strategies for homesickness, scavenger hunting to know this beautiful island better and ending the day with an ice cream before ferrying home again.  It was perfect and everyone is just where they are meant to be.  #beingthechangetheywishtosee

The Rite of Passage – Au Pairs Meet Rainier – Sept 2017

It was a long way around to get ourselves safely into the park area, but dodging fires and smoke, nearly 80 au pairs made it to their destination.  Mt. Rainier.  This multi-cluster event has become a wonderful kick off to a new year with many au pairs arriving in summer.

The weather was gorgeous and this new cluster did a great job making new friends, sharing stories and having fun!  The marmots even came out in droves to welcome them to town.

If only we had more time…always..

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.

Frozen Treats with Warm Hearts – July 2017

Nothing beats some fro-yo on a hot day regardless of international taste buds!  Au pairs this month were treated to some tasty bites while we discussed the WA APIA Best Of’s.  Best place to go with kids, best classes, best hikes, etc…  A casual cluster event with friends during the heat of summer.

Digging Deep on a Beautiful Morning Beach Stroll – June 2017

It was just a handful of us, but it was one of the most powerful cluster events of the year, I might say.  We got to go deep and really get to know more about each other.  What has been learned, what has been surprising, and what we hope is yet to come.  Thanks to this group of powerful, brave global travelers who put themselves out into the world and are now discovering the power they always had inside of them, but maybe never knew so well.  Seems fitting we had this chat at the birthplace of Seattle here on Alki-New York where the first European settlers landed (cried out of homesickness), but were met by Chief Seattle and a new life in this corner of the U.S.

Mariner’s Fever – May 2017

What a gorgeous and fun day at the ballpark!  Au pairs, thanks in part to a generous host dad who subsidized the seats to celebrate his son’s birthday and a host mom who gifted everyone with baseball caps, enjoyed a very American tradition.  Our annual day at the ball park came complete with beautiful weather.  Thanks to all who came out and all who cheered on their WA state baseball team, The Seattle Mariner’s!

Spring Has Sprung in Seattle – April 2017

Seattle is known for its rain, but we are lesser known for the beauty that comes from the rain.  Au pairs, now making Seattle their home, have discovered a secret those of us who have lived here for years know all too well.  Our springs are gorgeous.  The Bellevue Botanical gardens hosted our hike last Sunday as we strolled about, reading how the city, not that long ago, was a gigantic blueberry bush and looked inside an Armenian American home from long ago – some of the first farmers from overseas making a life here on the Eastside.  We capped the day with a conversation about summer safety.  Along our day’s journey, we talked about homesickness and culture shock.  Our walking opened the parts of our brains we needed to in order to support one another in this year’s emotional (but wildly rewarding) journey into self discovery through cross-cultural exchanging.

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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Resolutions – Conflict and New Year’s – Jan 2017

Au pairs gathered in my home to think about their new year’s resolutions, get to know one another more and discuss conflict resolution skills.  (We really just had a nice, long brunch together as a family away from family!)

New Year’s resolutions included:  saving money, being more positive, playing more sports, studying more English, taking a course that helps a resume, extending the program on the east coast, traveling more, making more friends, meeting as many people as possible, passing the TOEFL, reading one book per month, having fun in Canada, meeting more au pairs, planning the travel month, jumping from a bungee, shopping less, seeing a friend in Atlanta, learning as much about the US as I can, teaching my host kids more about my culture, staying true to myself and becoming confident,  making the best of the rest of the au pair year.

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Au Pairs Celebrate the Season Far from Home

A group of our dedicated au pairs came together in a host family’s home in Kirkland this season to be together as a community.  We shared stories and holiday traditions (including home made delicacies from around the globe).  We then partook in a white elephant where everyone was on their best behavior and stole nothing!  Afterward we discussed how to overcome homesickness and hot travel spots were shared.  Wishing everyone a magical season here in the US, sharing and learning all that you can.

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