Hi Guys,
I know it’s been a long time since my last blog. How are you doing?
In this blog I will talk about how I felt going home for the first time, after spending 16 months in the US. As you know, I extended for 12 more months with my host family. So, at the end of 2018 I decided to surprise my family, fly to Brazil and spend Christmas with them. I had only 4 weeks to organize everything. Here’s what happened…
PRE-SURPRISE PREPARATIONS
Firstly, you have to bear in mind that as a second year au pair, I needed to apply for a new visa to come back to the U.S. This decision has to be made carefully because you can’t guarantee that they will approve your visa. If you are in your second year, these are the steps you need to follow;
- Talk with your host family and listen to their opinion
- Schedule your visa appointment in the consulate in your home country – it is the same process as before
- Search for flights
- Send your DS-2019 form to the Au Pair in America office to sign
- Smile! You are going to see your family!! 😀
TRAVELLING HOME
My flight was booked for the evening from Newark Airport which is the closest to my host family’s home. I didn’t realize that saying goodbye to my host family even for just a few weeks, would feel the same as saying goodbye to my family in Brazil. I was amazed how hard it was to say goodbye, it shows just how important they are to me. ❤️
With my backpack ready I headed for the airport, looking out of the car window it seemed like I was saying goodbye to my second home.
SURPRISE!!
First stop was my aunt’s house! I thought my mom would be there. The Uber stopped in front of the front door and the driver said to my aunt “I brought a gift for you. Do you know someone called Jessika?” My aunt, her husband and my cousin hugged and kissed me, it was indescribable to be at home.
Now it was time to surprise my mom. It was so late that she was already sleeping when I arrived. (Sorry mom! I didn’t mean to scare you 😊) The only thing she could say was “what are you doing here?” That night I had my mom’s food and I felt SO thankful to be home. These little things that we take for granted are actually so special and we only realize that when we’re apart.
😍
HOME IS WHERE YOUR ❤️ IS
I had such a good time back in Brazil. I saw my family, friends and just enjoyed being at home. My visa was approved and I came back to the USA at the end of my vacation with a full heart. Now I really know that no matter what, I have support from my family in Brazil and from my family in the U.S. I love them all and I couldn’t be more grateful for having them in my life.
🔅❤
If you are in your first year or your second year, whatever your decision is, you already know that America is amazing. But to come back home after all that time is simply indescribable. Cherish every moment!
