From Cultural Exchange to Critically Important Love
/“Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us,”
The world is an amazing place filled with beauty and diversity. I love to travel and experience the world and other cultures. Travel begins on our plate. We like to recreate dishes from all over the world. Alivia and Audrey each had passports before they were two.
While researching childcare options, it became clear that participating in an Au Pair program was a great fit for my family. Of all the applicants, we chose Sayuri and Sayuri chose us. How beautiful!
Sayuri is from a small town near Veracruz, Mexico. When we met, her smile brightened the room and her quiet disposition spoke volumes. She is full of kindness and love. She arrived in the US July 2018 and we welcomed her into our home with open arms.
We are big on time and experiences. We have had great adventures and rich experiences together from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
We have taken separate flights to the same destination. We have run the corridors of airports. We have missed flights. I have bought air flights for her with last name as Jackson ( her last name is not Jackson:) to be discovered while checking into the flight at the airport. We road trip! I try to keep things fun and interesting! Only some are on purpose.
She was by our side loving us as we faced my mom’s illness and brought her home through Hospice. Sayuri is a huge part of our family. The children love her and so do I. Together, we make a great team. Without question, I am better because she is here. She is amazing. I thank God for her each and everyday. What started off as a cultural exchange has developed into love.
We have packed life in! She was scheduled to leave the first week in July. We weren’t ready for her to go, but we will never be. When Sayuri was offered an unprecedented extension on her Visa, It was an answer to prayer. With all the changes going on, I was concerned that she might not choose to stay. I didn’t know how it was all going to work out. She wanted to stay! What a wonderful day!
With our time together, we live each day making the most of it. We attempt to make everyday an adventure! As I focus on this day, we are so grateful for her love and kindness.
“Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
The last post I wrote was nearly two years ago. I have been grieving, slaying giants, raising champions, and growing in faith.