Au Pair Testimonials
Au Pair: Chiharu Matsumoto, Japan
Host Family: The Marcaccinis
Location: Minnesota
I came to Minnesota to the Marcaccini house in May 2007. I didn't know anything about Minnesota, winter or lakeside living until I met them. I remember well my first weekend here and the impression it had on me. I was out in the pontoon boat with the Marcaccini family, they anchored the boat and since we were all wearing swimsuits, one by one, they began to jump into the water and swim. Each time someone jumped in, they would comment on how warm the water was. Finally, it was my turn to jump in. Since they had all said how warm it was I was expecting warm water, but when I jumped in the water was really cold!!! Regardless of the water temperature, I thought it was a warm welcome reception with my host family, Minnesota-style. I have learned that the same spirit which allows them to endure the freezing waters in the summer, allows them to survive the long, cold freezing winters. It is a spirit that this girl from Tokyo learned with great pleasure. I will always remember my host family here as the "Little Lodge on the Lake" named after the "Little House on the Prairie" show that was also popular in Tokyo.
The children I look after, Grifyn and Gwyna, are my best little friends. I'm so glad that I can share all my favorite things with them like doing art projects, baking cookies and exploring outside. I am grateful to be able to relive my childhood with them within the nature of Minnesota. I will always cherish the memories of riding bikes with them and feeling the wind on my face, exploring nature trails in the woods, swimming from the pontoon boat, growing a vegetable garden, nighttime marshmallow roasts, picking raspberries from the bushes in the yard, and the long summer days lasting until 9:00 pm in Minnesota.
