Au Pair: Lisa Hottek from Germany
Host Family: Suleman family in Florida
Our au pair, Lisa Hottek, has earned the credentials to be the International Au Pair Association’s Au Pair of the Year.
Lisa joined our family in early August 2010 to take care of our six month old little boy. Like any new au pair she arrived bright-eyed, excited and a little apprehensive about her new role. Although the grueling baby duties she embraced could push anyone to the forefront for this award, it is a combination of her growth and unmatched love and devotion for our children and family for which she deserves this recognition.
Some of the most memorable highlights and best attributes of her time with our family include the following:
She supported our family’s 1200 mile move from Connecticut to Florida. She helped provide the security we needed to ensure our child was safe, growing, and thriving as we explored and rooted our new work and home base.
Lisa has been nimble and agile to juggle our complicated work and international travel schedules that change on a minute’s notice. She’s able to wake-up early and stay-up late to ensure that the house is at peace before she retires for the evening.
Lisa welcomed the birth of our second son and all the wonders and stresses that came with it. She stayed focused and in sync and was there for support during the pregnancy, the delivery, and the growing pains of raising young boys. And even today, her streamlined focus and teamwork attitude shines brighter than ever.
Lisa has become a master of the English language. She is constantly engaged and studying her new craft. Post-its with new words are regularly found on her bathroom mirror. She has also started learning Spanish. This is an important necessity in South Florida. Although English is the United States’ official language, in our area approximately 40% of the population’s primary language is Spanish.
Lisa has done a fantastic job of sustaining strong relationships with her family in Germany. They visit each other, send letters and care packages, and Skype. Our oldest son, who is almost two years old, recognizes her family, calls them by name, and even knows to bring Lisa her laptop on Sunday. This for us is a friendly reminder of her devotion for her loved ones.
Lisa has assimilated seamlessly into the American culture and holidays, including her love for IHOP, dressing up on Halloween, and basting the Thanksgiving turkey. Additionally, she has engaged and enlightened our family on the principles and special occasions of her county including my children’s favorite holidays: Martinstag, a holiday in November where the children have a lantern light procession, sing festive holiday songs and eat the most adorable Weckmänner; and Nikolaustag, a holiday on December 6th where St. Nicholas brings gifts to children who leave their shoes in front of the door the night before.
The International Au Pair Association and its members strive to promote and strengthen cultural ties between the nations. Lisa is their ambassador of success. She has taken the vision of IAPA to the highest of levels and has earned a special part in all of our hearts, and with that, our au pair, Lisa Hottek, has earned the credentials to be the International Au Pair Association’s Au Pair of the Year.
Lisa joined our family in early August 2010 to take care of our six month old little boy. Like any new au pair she arrived bright-eyed, excited and a little apprehensive about her new role. Although the grueling baby duties she embraced could push anyone to the forefront for this award, it is a combination of her growth and unmatched love and devotion for our children and family for which she deserves this recognition.
Some of the most memorable highlights and best attributes of her time with our family include the following:
She supported our family’s 1200 mile move from Connecticut to Florida. She helped provide the security we needed to ensure our child was safe, growing, and thriving as we explored and rooted our new work and home base.
Lisa has been nimble and agile to juggle our complicated work and international travel schedules that change on a minute’s notice. She’s able to wake-up early and stay-up late to ensure that the house is at peace before she retires for the evening.
Lisa welcomed the birth of our second son and all the wonders and stresses that came with it. She stayed focused and in sync and was there for support during the pregnancy, the delivery, and the growing pains of raising young boys. And even today, her streamlined focus and teamwork attitude shines brighter than ever.
Lisa has become a master of the English language. She is constantly engaged and studying her new craft. Post-its with new words are regularly found on her bathroom mirror. She has also started learning Spanish. This is an important necessity in South Florida. Although English is the United States’ official language, in our area approximately 40% of the population’s primary language is Spanish.
Lisa has done a fantastic job of sustaining strong relationships with her family in Germany. They visit each other, send letters and care packages, and Skype. Our oldest son, who is almost two years old, recognizes her family, calls them by name, and even knows to bring Lisa her laptop on Sunday. This for us is a friendly reminder of her devotion for her loved ones.
Lisa has assimilated seamlessly into the American culture and holidays, including her love for IHOP, dressing up on Halloween, and basting the Thanksgiving turkey. Additionally, she has engaged and enlightened our family on the principles and special occasions of her county including my children’s favorite holidays: Martinstag, a holiday in November where the children have a lantern light procession, sing festive holiday songs and eat the most adorable Weckmänner; and Nikolaustag, a holiday on December 6th where St. Nicholas brings gifts to children who leave their shoes in front of the door the night before.
The International Au Pair Association and its members strive to promote and strengthen cultural ties between the nations. Lisa is their ambassador of success. She has taken the vision of IAPA to the highest of levels and has earned a special part in all of our hearts, and with that, our au pair, Lisa Hottek, has earned the credentials to be the International Au Pair Association’s Au Pair of the Year.