"And who will I be living with?" - this is probably one of the most frequently asked questions in IEC offices from future program participants, their eyes shining with the anticipation of meeting the States.

I couldn't help but dedicate this blog post to the wonderful American family who showed me so much care and love that every time I mention them, a smile spreads from ear to ear on my face.

I spent all three of my Work and Travel USA summers living in different people's homes. Mostly, everything went smoothly and was in fairly neutral "tenant-landlord" terms. But! I wouldn't dare say that about the first family who took me in on the second floor of their house and made my first acquaintance with America simply unforgettable.

Meet the faces of the Jelleme family, or rather, their snouts – Ruru and Scruffy. They were the ones who rushed to meet me every day, dispelling all my worries after work with their wagging tails. We walked miles together and eagerly awaited the return of mom Caitlin, or in other words, their owner, from a week-long trip to New York.

Actually, Caitlin is the owner of the house where I lived for my first 4 months in America. She is the kind of person who will welcome you like family, bake cookies for breakfast, and treat you to a real American MASTERPIECE – brownies.

I found a friend, an interesting conversationalist, and to some extent, an idol in this person. She is 54 years old, and I was very envious of her energy and the number of her talents. It seemed there wasn't a profession Caitlin hadn't mastered yet. It was interesting to learn that Caitlin's great-grandmother was from Siberia, so she was aware of things like a samovar, cabbage pies, and cottage cheese vareniki. Every evening after work, I watched Netflix in my small lounge area on the second floor and heard the ringing laughter of Caitlin and her daughter Marielle. Guys, these people carry so much light and joy that it's impossible not to sit there and smile. The house was always filled with warmth, and our four-legged friends Ruru and Scruffy actively helped with that.

Marielle and I welcomed Caitlin back from her trip with a Mexican lunch, and for dessert, I decided to bake Russian blini so Caitlin could remember her roots a little.

This is the warmest experience ever. That summer, incredible people saw me off home. Caitlin drove me to the bus, helped me pull out my suitcase, and ran away with tears in her eyes saying, "I cannot handle goodbyes.." It was touching and unexpected at the same time. I wanted to hug her one last time and thank her for the comfort and care once again.

BUT.. We met up with Caitlin last summer too! Every time, the meeting starts with loud squeals and shouts like "Oh my God, Viola!!". I wish everyone such an experience of meeting an American family and finding a second home across the ocean..