Dear Host family My name is Luyanda. When I was little I told everyone I wanted to become a mom, not because I understood what it meant but because I knew how it felt like not to have one. I imagined a warm kitchen filled with love, bedtime stories and car rides to school, but life does not always give you what you dream of, it gives you what you fight for or so I believe.Now looking back my life turned out so great, my grandmother was my mom and dad in one I don’t think I could ever experience this love ever and I know that my parents left me for a reason I don’t think I would be this confident, loving, caring and amazing girl if it wasn’t for my grandmother. So that’s why I believe in everything happens for a reason, even if things don’t go our way and it hurts there is a reason and one day you’ll wake up and forget the hurt you felt because of the happy you will be feeling, that’s me that’s how I look at life . I am 21 years old turning 22 in March.My family is divided into two parts and here’s how ,I come from a small and big family , my father’s side of the family includes three of my uncles who are my fathers brothers , my aunt , my grandfather and a lot of cousins, so I come from a big family from my father’s side , and my mother’s side includes my grandmother, my sister who 37 and works in sales and my brother who is 36 and a taxi driver, so I would consider my mothers side a small family and my fathers side a big family.Both of my families contributed in my upbringing and made me the woman I am today. In high school I was sent to an all girls boarding school, not because I was a problem child or anything my grandmother wanted to groom me, give me the experience of being around different people with different personalities and more especially to keep me safe from the evil world , during my years there I didn’t understand I thought she was sending me away cause she didn’t want to be with me , I was sad but now that I’m older I’m forever grateful for that opportunity that school contributed in making me who I am today and I’m grateful for my grandmother for sending me there because I got closer to God since it was a Christian school too , I made friends for a lifetime, I learned independence and I got the best education. The name of my high school was Our Lady of the Rosary Secondary school and I was there from Grade 8 to Grade 12 which was 5 years. I completed my grade twelve and obtained a bachelor’s pass with a distinction in English and life orientation. I then went to University which was three hours away from home and did my bachelor’s degree which was from 2021 to 2024 and it took me four years and I completed it last year November and I just received my certificate and I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Industrial Sociology. Currently I’m at home unemployed but I am taking care of my brothers twins which are my niece and nephew and they are two years old , I love children and having them here everyday makes me so happy, I actually offered to look after them since my brother and their mom have heavy working schedules and they were looking for a babysitter and I offered to help until I possibly leave and move abroad. The first time I ever spent time and took care of a child was in 2017 I was in grade 9 and I was 14 years old and one of the buildings in school had burned down so we were all sent home for about three weeks and during that time my Uncle and Aunt had just had newborn baby girl which was my baby cousin and I went to live with them for the duration of three weeks and I got to take care of the baby I would change her nappies , feed her , her bottle but not bathe her since she was so tiny and I was scared she would just fall from my hands. I had an amazing experience it was my first time spending that much time with a newborn I was so excited that when we got back to school and we were asked to write essays of our time on holidays that’s what I wrote about because honestly as young as I was I really enjoyed taking care and just holding babies. Then that’s when my love for children developed I would offer to play or carry babies at church when I was back home , take care of family children and even offer to babysit. Then more family members and family friends and neighbour were aware of my love for kids and started trusting me with their children. Over my high school years I would take care of children but not the whole day but a few times a week for half a day . I have a lot of childcare experience with all ages from newborn to 10 years . Becoming an aupair is more than just a travel opportunity for me but it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful. I’ve always loved caring for children and the idea of becoming a big sister in a new home excites me . I want to be more than someone who helps out but someone your children can laugh with, learn from and trust . The idea of stepping into a new culture and embracing new traditions and becoming part of a family across the world is something I look forward to with all my heart. During my year abroad I hope to grow in ways I never imagined, I want to gain independence, build lifelong connections and more than anything make a positive impact on your family. I hope to return to South Africa with not just memories but with greater understanding of the world and a heart full of love from the family I get to call my own for a year. I am excited to learn about your culture, your family traditions and more especially your language. I want to experience life in your country the way you do , to celebrate your holidays, try your favourite foods and learn from the little everyday moments. I also hope to improve my childcare skills, learning from both your parenting style and the experiences I’ll have with your children .If you looking for an aupair who is caring , responsible and full of warmth then I would love to be part of your family . I am patient , adaptable and always eager to help. Whether it’s preparing meals , helping with homework , playing games and creating a safe environment for your kids I am more than ready to contribute. I bring not just my hands to help but my heart to love and care for your little ones as if they were my own siblings. Thank you so much for considering me , looking forward to a year filled with amazing experiences and creating beautiful memories together. Take care With warmth and excitement. ( Luyanda )