Hello,
I thought it was about time that I did a little update for those of you who said you would like to know how I’m getting on in New York.
I still don’t think it has fully sunk in that I am living in NY, although I have been here for 3 and a half months now! (Yes, really!!) It has gone so quickly.
Well, I am all settled in now, although it did take a while to get used to all of the changes. Including the culture, food, people, and of course the accent. I am still adjusting to all of the American words, and the oldest child I am working with enjoys laughing at the way I say things and correcting me with the “right” way to say it!! Haha!!
I have been very blessed with a great family here! (God’s plan is perfect.) They are lovely and made me feel very welcome from the beginning. I am reminded how blessed I am when I speak to other au pairs in the area who are in rematch to find a new family or tell me about the challenges they are facing with their families! I am very thankful for this and am reminded that god’s hand is on this!
From day 1 the boys responded really well to me and enjoyed the role of “showing me the ropes”. Of course there are good and bad days, but I am positive this is only natural (especially when working with children!!)
Within a few weeks of being here I found a lovely and very welcoming church close by to where I live. It definitely wasn’t a coincidence when I got talking to a girl at karate (when taking one of the boys), who also happened to be an au pair and I found out she was attending the church I was going to go visit that Sunday! Praise God! This was a real encouragement for me.
Already I have had many great experiences, for example, going to the top of the ‘Rockefeller centre’ and looking out across the skyline of NYC, seeing the Harlem gospel choir, visiting Washington DC and Philadelphia and going on holiday with the family to Florida-West Palm beach for thanksgiving. Again, I am very thankful for these opportunities!
I have also had the chance to meet many people from across the world, including Germany, France, Brazil, Israel, Sweden, Austria and Australia to name just some.
Please continue to pray for me to remain settled and especially around Christmas time for homesickness, because as you can imagine it is hard being away from home, family and friends. Also that God will continue to speak to me, guide me and use me to bless the people around me and the family I am working for!
I miss my ACC family and am reminded how blessed I am to be part of such a great church.
May God bless you all over the Christmas season,
With love from Natalie Start xx
Natalie, I am so proud of how you have turned into such a confident and godly woman. Having known you from when you were a little todler, it really shows that God’s hand is upon you blessing you in all that you do. Enjoy your christmas and take hold of God’s blessings, Love Sharon (your old next door neighbour) xx
Thank you for this letter good to hear that things are going well for you.I am sure you are looking forward to seeing some of your family in the early new year. Miss you at church and school but good to hear from you on F.B. ! Glad you are enjoying new experiences that comes your way. Lots of new customs and traditions to be part of. Take care God bless you. love you lots. Sue Whitehouse xxx
Lovely to know how well you gave settled..enjoy this lovely experience..God Bless you xx
Lovely letter and I’m so glad that you are with a great family. We miss you but pray that you will have a fantastic Christmas.
Lovely to hear your news, and I’m so glad that you are settling in well. It is very obvious that God is involved in every area of your life. What a fantastic experience – enjoy every minute of it!
HI Natalie, lovely to hear your news, especially of God’s blessing upon your life there. With love and best wishes for a very happy Christmas. x
Thank yo so much for all of your lovely comments! It really means so much to me. I am truly blessed and encouraged! God bless you all and merry Christmas xx
What a beautiful letter Natalie wishing you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. We all miss you. I’m glad that your American family realise how lucky they are to have you xx
What a fantastic letter Natalie, lovely to hear what a great time you are having and a lovely family you are working for……the boys look lovely. Missing you at CL and wondering if you are coming back anytime soon, lol…….please!!! Have a super Christmas and New Year in NYC. Love Karen & Family x x x x x
So nice to hear all your news in one letter and I’m so glad you’re settled with a lovely family. Have a fab christmas and a great time when your visitors arrive! Miss you love Chrissie xxxx
You sound very positive and settled. Enjoy every single day. It’s great getting updates, you’re always so happy, you deserve to be blessed. Love at christmas xxx
Hi Natalie, sounds an amazing experience, so glad to hear you are enjoying the challenges!! Keep in touch and have a very Happy Christmas xx
I have been a mere witness of God’s favor upon Natalie ‘ s life. She has mentioned the prayers that has been answered like when she found another christian friend and a new group of encouragement here in America. Also, the way she has been blessed with her host family is nothing but a wonder of God. There is a reason why the Lord brought her here so I ask for wisdom, discernment, and for the Holy Spirit to open her eyes so she could see God’s plan for her.