What were you grateful for this week?
Friendly strangers. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?
Finding balance. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. 
Helping any kid with their homework can be a test of patience. I’m glad that I can assist them in furthering their education. I am so impressed by their ability to solve problems in different languages. 

Tell us about your week! 
Had to post a little early due to a great experience! Every week I take both kids to an after school English program. I usually sit on the stairs and read or doodle until their class is finished.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed due to excessive rain and trying to find inexpensive activities to get me out and about I took to doodling as a form of therapy. Behind me another Au Pair was sitting a little bit further up the stairs. I’ve seen her before but she usually seemed preoccupied with her headphone. I didn’t ever engage in conversation because I assumed she just spoke Italian.

After a while she spoke to me and I just smiled and told her that I didn’t know much Italian. She then spoke to me in English and told me that she really liked my drawing. She then told me that I should pursue art and put it out there, that maybe other people would also enjoy it. Her words were so powerful I felt such an emotional reaction.

We then began a discussion on the topic of staying in your comfort zone because it’s easy and it’s familiar. And how we sometimes don’t want to go after something new because we don’t want to start over.

Coming into this program I didn’t know what to expect. It’s already been such a beautiful experience of learning about other cultures while discovering the self. I am so thankful for this opportunity. In all honesty these past few weeks have been challenging but oh so rewarding!