To start out our story, I was raised in a rural Illinois town not exposed to many different cultures. Upon meeting my husband in college my outlook on the world changed. My husband and both of our sons were adopted from a small county in West Africa, Gambia. After experiencing world travel and other cultures the au pair program sounded like a program our family had to participate in.
When our youngest son came home we knew we had to change our childcare plan. For working parents this is one of the biggest stressors. After we started our search with Cultural Care we met a lovely young woman from France named Hardjata. After talking with her for a few weeks we asked her to be our first au pair and she accepted.
Hardjata has changed our family in a highly positive way. She provides laughter, love and friendship. She also provides safety and security to our children. She's been an amazing big sister to our boys and a great friend to us. We love the diversity and culture she adds to our blended family.
As she takes on her journey to return to France and complete her education, we know she will do amazing things in her life. We know we will always stay in touch. And we appreciate the sacrifice she and her family made to spend a year with our family.
Submitted by Aleshia Sambou, host mom in Illinois