Hello All!
I hope all of you are enjoying the holiday season as much as we are here at the farm! Although one would think that moving to rural Honduras would cause a two year pause in most holiday traditions, we new volunteers are quickly learning that this is not the case. Over the past few days I wrote many Christmas cards, watched ¨Elf¨ and ¨The Santa Clause¨ (in Spanish) with the kids, baked Christmas cookies, helped our kids write letters to Santa, and just last night sang Christmas Carols to some of our beloved house tias (aunts). And in the great spirit of Chevy Chase, each house is decorated to the tee, complete with lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees!
We have also learned to embrace and love new traditions such posadas and tamales. My personal favorite though is the vols role as Santa´s helpers here on the farm. We recently transformed a storage closet into Santa´s workshop; and after sorting through old donations and a few shopping trips in la Ceiba have been able to put together a wonderful pile of gifts that will await each child on Christmas morning! I personally cannot wait to see the face of Cati when she opens her new pooh bear jump rope, or Magdalena´s face when she discovers her light up pink pillow, or Brayan´s face when he finds his Spiderman mini foam airplane. It is truly a beautiful thing to be able to provide these amazing kids who have been through so much in their short little lives, just one day where they can simply enjoy their new toys and feel loved by all those around them!
I hope the Christmas joy that is currently permeating the finca finds its way to you, wherever you may be! Know that I wish you a very merry and blessed Christmas full of peace, joy, hope, and love! May the magic of this beautiful season bring peace to your heart, yummy Christmas cookies to your belly, and joy to your life!
Paz,
Mary Kate
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Finca
In the spirit of the season, here is an adapted version of a holiday classic to let you all know what we at the farm will be up to this Christmas Eve…
¨Twas the Night before Christmas at the Finca¨
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the farm
Not a child was restless, nor even clinging to my arm.
The stockings were hung by the fagon (our stoves) with care,
In hopes that Santa Claus and the volunteers soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of quinceñera waltzes danced in their heads.
And the house parents in their PJs, and I in my own,
Had just settled our brains for a long tropical nap.
When out on the soccer field there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like house three´s favorite hero Superman,
Tore open the wooden shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the freshly raked sand
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and 22 tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be San Nick.
More rapid than a call for seconds in the vol house his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
¨Now Amanda! Now, Deirdre! Now Betsy and Mary Kate!
Now Tami! Now Lily! Now Nils and Felipe!
Now Rachel, Jacob, Jonah, Isaac, and Ruben!
On, Keenan! On, Kate! On Erin and Alisha!
On, Ted! On, Sheena! On Scarleth and Georleny!
On Nely, Kristina, and Francesca!
To the top of the church! to the top of the newly built fence wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As our 22 beloved vols that amidst the wild hurricanes continue to serve,
When they meet with a huelga (strike) forming a road block, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-tops the vols they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each well worn sandal.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Up through the pila (our water basin style sinks) St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes, cloro(x) stains, and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a vol, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose sun burnt like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like an upside down bean,
And the beard of his chin was untidy like that of a late teen.
He held his nalgene bottle tight in his hand,
As his lanyard encircled the top band.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of Ceiba store bought jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, down the pila he goes!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the finca cars on a Sunday mass trip.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!
Paz,
Mary Kate
¨Twas the Night before Christmas at the Finca¨
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the farm
Not a child was restless, nor even clinging to my arm.
The stockings were hung by the fagon (our stoves) with care,
In hopes that Santa Claus and the volunteers soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of quinceñera waltzes danced in their heads.
And the house parents in their PJs, and I in my own,
Had just settled our brains for a long tropical nap.
When out on the soccer field there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like house three´s favorite hero Superman,
Tore open the wooden shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the freshly raked sand
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and 22 tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be San Nick.
More rapid than a call for seconds in the vol house his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
¨Now Amanda! Now, Deirdre! Now Betsy and Mary Kate!
Now Tami! Now Lily! Now Nils and Felipe!
Now Rachel, Jacob, Jonah, Isaac, and Ruben!
On, Keenan! On, Kate! On Erin and Alisha!
On, Ted! On, Sheena! On Scarleth and Georleny!
On Nely, Kristina, and Francesca!
To the top of the church! to the top of the newly built fence wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As our 22 beloved vols that amidst the wild hurricanes continue to serve,
When they meet with a huelga (strike) forming a road block, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-tops the vols they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each well worn sandal.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Up through the pila (our water basin style sinks) St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes, cloro(x) stains, and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a vol, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose sun burnt like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like an upside down bean,
And the beard of his chin was untidy like that of a late teen.
He held his nalgene bottle tight in his hand,
As his lanyard encircled the top band.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of Ceiba store bought jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, down the pila he goes!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the finca cars on a Sunday mass trip.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!
Paz,
Mary Kate
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thanksgiving...Hondu Style
So one may think that living in a foreign country which does not celebrate thanksgiving might dampen one´s thanksgiving celebration, but here at the finca, this is not true. As a community of mostly all US volunteers we celebrated in true fashion. In solidarity with my fellow Alexandrians six other vols and myself went for a morning run, aka turkey trot, complete with gobbling victory cheers at the finish line. Then to take a break from the cooking we played a truly epic game of american flag football among the volunteers, while all the kids watched us like we were crazy. The game was complete with singing the national anthem and some good hearted taunting between the lines! Then as a vol community we prepared a truly amazing feast for ourselves and 40 of the neighbors and finca employees, coming to a grand total of 70 finca family members for dinner. We had turkey, stuffing, salad with rommaine lettuce (a true treat at the farm), mashed potatoes, veggie casserole, rolls (hand made by yours turly along with two other vols), and 16 pies (half apple half pumpkin) that were enjoyed by all. All was made from scratch and with love!
Towards the end of the night, while I sat enjoying my second delicious slice of pumpkin pie with Deirdre, a fellow vol, the two of us were truly left speechless by the beauty of the entire day. The fellowship, amazing food that tasted just like home and was so filling, and the general atmosphere of love for our new expanded family was truly intoxicating. We sat there truly thankful for the many blessings in our life, both state side and here in honduras, feeling truly at peace with the beauitiful day, and life, god has granted us.
Wishing all of you continued blessings, and know that this year especially, I am truly thankful for each and every friend and family member I have! Wishing you all a holiday season full of joy and peace!
Towards the end of the night, while I sat enjoying my second delicious slice of pumpkin pie with Deirdre, a fellow vol, the two of us were truly left speechless by the beauty of the entire day. The fellowship, amazing food that tasted just like home and was so filling, and the general atmosphere of love for our new expanded family was truly intoxicating. We sat there truly thankful for the many blessings in our life, both state side and here in honduras, feeling truly at peace with the beauitiful day, and life, god has granted us.
Wishing all of you continued blessings, and know that this year especially, I am truly thankful for each and every friend and family member I have! Wishing you all a holiday season full of joy and peace!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Reasons to Smile
Hello everyone! So a lot has happened since we got out job placements a few weeks ago. But instead of boring you all with a long wordy chronological account, I figured I would share with you ten of my top moments over the past few weeks of training and getting to know the kids.
The past few weeks have taight me that even when your day has been super long, or you really dont want to wake up for 6 am morning prayer, the farm has a way of really warming your heart and making you smile. So here are ten moments which have warmed my heart and made me smile over the past few weeks in no particular order...
1. While shadowing the first grade class I got to work with one of my students for next year, Magdalena. She usually has a lot of trouble with test taking, mostly due to confusion with directions, even though she knows the material. So one day I helped her take her test in the library by reading the directions aloud and explaining them further to her. The next day when she got her test back, she literally giggled in delight, she got a 100 for the first time in a long time. Her joy was truly beautiful and infectious.
2. Every Wednesday and Friday morning we a have a communion service in the chapel with the whole farm. At one point we share a sign of peace. Brayan, an eight year old boy who is just too cute for words, loves this. His big eyes light up, and he always finds me and gives me the biggest bear hug an eight year old can, then he runs off to give as many more hugs as he can. Always brings a smile to my face.
3. One week, Marcela, the six year old daughter of the house poarents for house one, just out of the blue drew me a picture and managed to write my name on it (a long gringa name is a true feat for her). I found it in my mail box the next day and was so happy, so I told her thank you so much for it. I preceeded to get one each day for the rest of the week. This was a week full of smiles!
4. It´s rainy season, this means it rains a lot and often. So whenever we have a day that is dry, even if its cloudy, my dry feet make me smile a ton!
5. In the vol house we live according the pillar of simplicity, which is truly beautiful and liberating in that it allows us to just talk as people, read, and cook big meals together all the time. Our house also has an affinity for the wonderful board game that is settlers of catan. This strategy game about the magical land of catan may appear nerdy, but it brings smiles to all of us volunteers several nights a week, I recommend it to all!
6. Another reason to smile, walking in the front yard that is the beach. Whether we are headed to use internet at the hotel down the way, taking the kids for a little excursion, or just feel like walking, this is a wonderful part of my life here. It frequently causes me to stop and think, wow, this is really my front yard.
7. The grand quiceanos fiesta for Nelly, one of our kids. This was truly a grand fiesta complete with a mass with the bishop, community wide super yummy dinner with pork chops, ballet performance by your truly, choreagraphed waltz, and music ranging from punta (hondu) to tonights gonna be a good night by the black eyed peas. We literally danced till 1130 at night, wehich on finca time is turly an epic night. Nelly´s infectious smile was shared by all!
8. Another truly special day here at the farm was the school graduation mass which also served as brayan´s baptism mass (the adorable 8 year old who loves the sign of peace). Brayans sheer enthusiasm, the teacher´´s pride in their students accomplishments, and the kids pure excitement to graduate, was truly beautiful, causing many smiles!
9. This coming week we start esculeita, which is bascially extra tutoring for the kids who need it over the break. I am going to work with Rony and Magadalena. When Rony found out he was with me, he not only smiled, but walked with me to rosary on tuesday night in the chapel telling me how excited he was. At one point he asked me if we could read each day, I told him we not only could, but we could read multiple books a day if he wanted, he face lit up with excitement. This made me smile for the entire night.
10. Monday evening before dinner, the volunteer community holds a communion service in english just for the volunteers. It is super laid back, as we generally pick songs as we go along and sit on the floor in a circle as we do the readings. It proves a kind of retreat away for us every week. This past week the readings realted to supporting one another spiritually, and the reflectioins which we shared as a community were truly beautiful. We all walked away feeling supported and refreshed.
These and many other moments continue to remind me of the beautiful work the farm does everyday, reinstilling in me a passion and commitment to this beautiful place almost every day.
Wishing you all the best wherever you may be!
Paz, Mary Kate
The past few weeks have taight me that even when your day has been super long, or you really dont want to wake up for 6 am morning prayer, the farm has a way of really warming your heart and making you smile. So here are ten moments which have warmed my heart and made me smile over the past few weeks in no particular order...
1. While shadowing the first grade class I got to work with one of my students for next year, Magdalena. She usually has a lot of trouble with test taking, mostly due to confusion with directions, even though she knows the material. So one day I helped her take her test in the library by reading the directions aloud and explaining them further to her. The next day when she got her test back, she literally giggled in delight, she got a 100 for the first time in a long time. Her joy was truly beautiful and infectious.
2. Every Wednesday and Friday morning we a have a communion service in the chapel with the whole farm. At one point we share a sign of peace. Brayan, an eight year old boy who is just too cute for words, loves this. His big eyes light up, and he always finds me and gives me the biggest bear hug an eight year old can, then he runs off to give as many more hugs as he can. Always brings a smile to my face.
3. One week, Marcela, the six year old daughter of the house poarents for house one, just out of the blue drew me a picture and managed to write my name on it (a long gringa name is a true feat for her). I found it in my mail box the next day and was so happy, so I told her thank you so much for it. I preceeded to get one each day for the rest of the week. This was a week full of smiles!
4. It´s rainy season, this means it rains a lot and often. So whenever we have a day that is dry, even if its cloudy, my dry feet make me smile a ton!
5. In the vol house we live according the pillar of simplicity, which is truly beautiful and liberating in that it allows us to just talk as people, read, and cook big meals together all the time. Our house also has an affinity for the wonderful board game that is settlers of catan. This strategy game about the magical land of catan may appear nerdy, but it brings smiles to all of us volunteers several nights a week, I recommend it to all!
6. Another reason to smile, walking in the front yard that is the beach. Whether we are headed to use internet at the hotel down the way, taking the kids for a little excursion, or just feel like walking, this is a wonderful part of my life here. It frequently causes me to stop and think, wow, this is really my front yard.
7. The grand quiceanos fiesta for Nelly, one of our kids. This was truly a grand fiesta complete with a mass with the bishop, community wide super yummy dinner with pork chops, ballet performance by your truly, choreagraphed waltz, and music ranging from punta (hondu) to tonights gonna be a good night by the black eyed peas. We literally danced till 1130 at night, wehich on finca time is turly an epic night. Nelly´s infectious smile was shared by all!
8. Another truly special day here at the farm was the school graduation mass which also served as brayan´s baptism mass (the adorable 8 year old who loves the sign of peace). Brayans sheer enthusiasm, the teacher´´s pride in their students accomplishments, and the kids pure excitement to graduate, was truly beautiful, causing many smiles!
9. This coming week we start esculeita, which is bascially extra tutoring for the kids who need it over the break. I am going to work with Rony and Magadalena. When Rony found out he was with me, he not only smiled, but walked with me to rosary on tuesday night in the chapel telling me how excited he was. At one point he asked me if we could read each day, I told him we not only could, but we could read multiple books a day if he wanted, he face lit up with excitement. This made me smile for the entire night.
10. Monday evening before dinner, the volunteer community holds a communion service in english just for the volunteers. It is super laid back, as we generally pick songs as we go along and sit on the floor in a circle as we do the readings. It proves a kind of retreat away for us every week. This past week the readings realted to supporting one another spiritually, and the reflectioins which we shared as a community were truly beautiful. We all walked away feeling supported and refreshed.
These and many other moments continue to remind me of the beautiful work the farm does everyday, reinstilling in me a passion and commitment to this beautiful place almost every day.
Wishing you all the best wherever you may be!
Paz, Mary Kate
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Bienvenidos a La Finca!
Hola a todos!
So as many of you have figured out…I safely arrived at the finca about two weeks ago. The joy filled kids, dynamic volunteers, and all the great employees who make the finca run everyday have truly welcomed us with open arms. I think I have recived more hugs in the past two weeks than I did all summer! Their excitement for our arrival and enthuasiam to get to know us has been truly infectious. Suyapa, the house mom for house four has even figured out how to pronounce my name correctly, this has proved a great challenge for most on the farm!
Over the past two weeks we have spent most of our time getting to know the kids, house parents, and fellow vols, attending many “charlas”/ talks about life at the farm, and shadowing different jobs that make up the many responsibilities of the farm. We also have learned the many ways to season a meal of rice and beans, discovered several breath taking hiking routes, and taken a couple calming walks on the beach...which happens to be our front yard. It has been a lot to take in, but also a very tranquil transition all things considered!
Then yesterday we had an epic meeting in which we finally found out our jobs! I am very excited to announce that I will be the new special education teacher at the school here on the farm! I will get to work with kids from all grades helping them with whatever special needs they may have in the school. In addition to this I also was given the small job of being one of two swim coaches for Saturday morning swim lessons. Lastly, I received official permission to start organizing ballet lessons here on the farm! Within 24 hours I already have big plans and have talked to several people!
So yes, I promise pictures and more specific and interesting stories soon, and wish you all the best wherever you may be!
Paz,
Mary Kate
So as many of you have figured out…I safely arrived at the finca about two weeks ago. The joy filled kids, dynamic volunteers, and all the great employees who make the finca run everyday have truly welcomed us with open arms. I think I have recived more hugs in the past two weeks than I did all summer! Their excitement for our arrival and enthuasiam to get to know us has been truly infectious. Suyapa, the house mom for house four has even figured out how to pronounce my name correctly, this has proved a great challenge for most on the farm!
Over the past two weeks we have spent most of our time getting to know the kids, house parents, and fellow vols, attending many “charlas”/ talks about life at the farm, and shadowing different jobs that make up the many responsibilities of the farm. We also have learned the many ways to season a meal of rice and beans, discovered several breath taking hiking routes, and taken a couple calming walks on the beach...which happens to be our front yard. It has been a lot to take in, but also a very tranquil transition all things considered!
Then yesterday we had an epic meeting in which we finally found out our jobs! I am very excited to announce that I will be the new special education teacher at the school here on the farm! I will get to work with kids from all grades helping them with whatever special needs they may have in the school. In addition to this I also was given the small job of being one of two swim coaches for Saturday morning swim lessons. Lastly, I received official permission to start organizing ballet lessons here on the farm! Within 24 hours I already have big plans and have talked to several people!
So yes, I promise pictures and more specific and interesting stories soon, and wish you all the best wherever you may be!
Paz,
Mary Kate
Monday, September 27, 2010
Adios Antigua...Hola Honduras!
So soon I will be leaving my most recent home of Antigua. This will be bittersweet as I have grown attached to my super kind host family, yummy bakeries, ballet and yoga classes, and the general ease of life. Antigua has treated all of us volunteers very well (despite those nasty parasites), and we are very grateful for that.
But more importantly we are all super super excited to finally arrive at the Farm this Friday!!! Wednesday we begin our venture in an epic 13 hour bus ride to La Ceiba, Honduras, where the Andrea, the executive director of the finca, lives. Here we can stock up on whatever we need for finca life, and catch one last breath before the farm. Then Friday morning we have a brief 3 hour journey to the Finca! Then we get to meet the rest of our vol community, the amazing kids, and soon eneough find out our official jobs at the farm!
So yes, if you have a moment on Wednesday or Friday, a quick prayer for our safe arrival would be very much appreciated. Otherwise, I will apologize in advance, because starting wednesday my internet becomes super limited, so if I don´t respond for a two week period to an email know that you all remain in my thoughts and prayers, I just will be living with limited access to internet very soon! But snail mail to the farm and emails are still very very wonderful. Please know that each little piece of contact with friends and family truly brightens my day, so send away, and I will do my best to respond as fast as i can!
Wishing you all the best!
Mary Kate
But more importantly we are all super super excited to finally arrive at the Farm this Friday!!! Wednesday we begin our venture in an epic 13 hour bus ride to La Ceiba, Honduras, where the Andrea, the executive director of the finca, lives. Here we can stock up on whatever we need for finca life, and catch one last breath before the farm. Then Friday morning we have a brief 3 hour journey to the Finca! Then we get to meet the rest of our vol community, the amazing kids, and soon eneough find out our official jobs at the farm!
So yes, if you have a moment on Wednesday or Friday, a quick prayer for our safe arrival would be very much appreciated. Otherwise, I will apologize in advance, because starting wednesday my internet becomes super limited, so if I don´t respond for a two week period to an email know that you all remain in my thoughts and prayers, I just will be living with limited access to internet very soon! But snail mail to the farm and emails are still very very wonderful. Please know that each little piece of contact with friends and family truly brightens my day, so send away, and I will do my best to respond as fast as i can!
Wishing you all the best!
Mary Kate
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Round 1: Mary Kate 1, Parasites 0
So some of you may have noticed I have had very little online activity over the past week and a half...although this is in part due to limited internet access, it is more due to the fact that I have spent the majority of this time in my bed in an epic battle with some parasitic amoebas which decided to take up residence in my stomach. But no worries, after 5 days in bed, 3 days half in bed, some very strong anti parasite medicine, and a special unbelievably bland diet of rice and non citric fruit my stomach is now digesting normal food again and should be officially parasite free in just 1 more day! I even had the energy to go to church and hike around some ruins this morning! I must say I have never been so grateful to consume food and have moderate amounts of energy again :)
But yes to use a boxing metaphor big thanks must go out to the great people in my corner during my fight. First, to the second doctor I saw who actually figured out what I had (unlike the first who just told me i had stomach problems and overcharged me), and got me my meds. Second, to the amazing vols here in Antigua who visited me in my disheveled state everyday to get me whatever I needed. A special shout out to Deirdre, who literally was a super nurse and helped me with everything from walking to the doctor to reminding me I still needed rest even when I got a little energy and was very resistant to resting. Gold Star for her! And lastly, for my host mom Maudi, who kindly cooked me special meals for the better part of a week to work with my special amoeba friendly diet.
So yes, feeling fresh and new now, and ready to finally travel to the Finca this Wednesday!
Wishing you all the best wherever you may be!
Best,
Mary Kate
But yes to use a boxing metaphor big thanks must go out to the great people in my corner during my fight. First, to the second doctor I saw who actually figured out what I had (unlike the first who just told me i had stomach problems and overcharged me), and got me my meds. Second, to the amazing vols here in Antigua who visited me in my disheveled state everyday to get me whatever I needed. A special shout out to Deirdre, who literally was a super nurse and helped me with everything from walking to the doctor to reminding me I still needed rest even when I got a little energy and was very resistant to resting. Gold Star for her! And lastly, for my host mom Maudi, who kindly cooked me special meals for the better part of a week to work with my special amoeba friendly diet.
So yes, feeling fresh and new now, and ready to finally travel to the Finca this Wednesday!
Wishing you all the best wherever you may be!
Best,
Mary Kate
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Meet my fellow vols
So I realized that I keep mentioning my amazing fellow newbie finca vols, but have rudely failed to introduce them. I promise a picture soon, but for now here is a quick run down of my amazing new finca newbie vol family.
The Hurst Family: Jacob, recent grad of ND's Master of Divinity program, and his lovely wife Rachel, a ND undergrad grad herself, and their three boys Jonah (5), Isaac (3), and Ruben (1) provide us all with a wonderful family model to emulate among our community. They also kindly host us (along with Tami and Lili) in the apartment they rent for Sunday dinner and Wednesday Lectio. The boys also always find a way to make you smile with their bright smiles and never ending energy.
Tami: Tami is from Southern California and left her teaching job at a local Catholic school there to join our Finca family. She is one of our resident movie aficionados along with Betsy, which is always great for starting conversation. She also is one of the fellow residents in the apartment the Hursts rent, along with their close friend from home.
Lily: Lily graduated from school a year ago and worked in youth ministry over the past year in Southern California with the Hursts and Tami. She also happens to be the godmother of Jonah. Lily already speaks fluent Spanish, so she is a wonderful buddy to have to wander around town while those of us still in school get restless :)
Phil/ Felipe: Phil also graduated a year ago from school, and after a year of working in his native state of Washington, has joined our finca family. Phil is always a funtime to hang out with, as well as a great person to have fun life chats about whatever you so desire with.
Amanda: Amanda is a recent graduate of Illinois State University, and is from a neighboring town of Peoria, IL (home of my dear friend Anna Seghetti). She was a teaching major there, and is now bravely learning Spanish is a short two month period. A fun fact about Amanda is that although she may appear pettite and unassuming, she is actually a black belt in Karate!
Deirdre: Deirdre is a recent grad of The College of Saint Scholastica in Minnesota, and is our resident nurse. Deirdre was also my travel buddy on the way here, and current roomie with my host family. Deidre and I have had many fun times around town, as we both have an obsession with sweets!
Nils: Nils is a recent grad of the University of Portland and wins the award for tallest newbie volunteer at 6 feet 4 inches. Nils also lives in the next room over at my host family, and always kindly volunteers to split the last piece of whatever is left at dinner, and offer my stomach can rarely refuse.
Betsy: Betsy is a recent grad of ND like myself and along with being a movie aficionado proves the most competitive at Banana grams, a favorite game of the newbie vols, winning almost every time.
So yes, this is my new finca vol family, which will soon grow as we join the current vols at the farm this friday!
Endorphins Guatemaltecos + Yummy Panaderias = Happy Volunteers
Low blood sugar and lack of exercise can make people grumpy and unhealthy anywhere, but especially while adjusting to a new country. So the other volunteers and I have been making a serious effort to avoid both. aka we have been visiting the many cafes and bakeries while also finding our own unique ways to stay fit. Here is a brief summary of our favorite spots so far:
Cafes and Bakeries:
1. Bagel Barn...Sometimes we just need a little American loving sprinkled with free wifi on top, so we have spent many a rainy afternoon in this little bagel cafe, home of very scrumptious bagels and delicious hot chocolate.
2. Restaurante Dona Luisa...Breakfast and Bakery heaven. But really, 5 of us had breakfast here on Sunday and there was about one crumb left between all of our plates. Also their cookies and banana bread are beyond words amazing.
3. The Panaderia around the corner from school...aka the one place we have found so far with real american cupcakes, and therefore one of our favorite places.
Exercise:
1. Betsy and I have been enjoying yoga class on Monday and Thursday evenings with some retired ex pats and fellow volunteers.
2. Nils and Phil have been enjoying their visits to Antigua's Gym, where both of my host brothers happen to work as well. Phil has also had some fun playing in local pick up futbol games with his host brother.
3. Rachel and I have had fun finding running routes not over run with cobblestone streets, which can be somewhat of a challenge in a town of all cobblestone streets, but we are finding ways!
4. And lastly, I have been able to rent the yoga studio for only $12 per hour and a half to teach myself a ballet class. The stair well works perfectly as a bar, and my ipod is well prepped with several ballet class playlists. So no worries, ballet lives on in my life!
Wishing you all beautiful days!
Mary Kate
Cafes and Bakeries:
1. Bagel Barn...Sometimes we just need a little American loving sprinkled with free wifi on top, so we have spent many a rainy afternoon in this little bagel cafe, home of very scrumptious bagels and delicious hot chocolate.
2. Restaurante Dona Luisa...Breakfast and Bakery heaven. But really, 5 of us had breakfast here on Sunday and there was about one crumb left between all of our plates. Also their cookies and banana bread are beyond words amazing.
3. The Panaderia around the corner from school...aka the one place we have found so far with real american cupcakes, and therefore one of our favorite places.
Exercise:
1. Betsy and I have been enjoying yoga class on Monday and Thursday evenings with some retired ex pats and fellow volunteers.
2. Nils and Phil have been enjoying their visits to Antigua's Gym, where both of my host brothers happen to work as well. Phil has also had some fun playing in local pick up futbol games with his host brother.
3. Rachel and I have had fun finding running routes not over run with cobblestone streets, which can be somewhat of a challenge in a town of all cobblestone streets, but we are finding ways!
4. And lastly, I have been able to rent the yoga studio for only $12 per hour and a half to teach myself a ballet class. The stair well works perfectly as a bar, and my ipod is well prepped with several ballet class playlists. So no worries, ballet lives on in my life!
Wishing you all beautiful days!
Mary Kate
Monday, September 6, 2010
Estoy en Guatemala!
Hello Everyone!
So about two weeks ago now I arrived in Guatemala for langauge school. Time has flown, but it also seems like way longer since I have been in the states. So here is a brief summary of my life so far:
After a quick flight Tuesday night (August 24) from DC to Chicago, I met up with fellow Finca vol Deirdre. We had a quick 3 hour nap in an airport hotel then took off at 530 am fom Chicago to Houston, then after a quick layover we had our last flight into Guatemala City. Then, Hugo, from our school, picked us up at the airport and we then took a short 1 hour ride into Antigua. We arrived at the student house to find the lovely faces of our fellow vols Betsy and Amanda. In an effort to get adjusted to the time (only 2 hours off the east coast) and not just crash after travelng we ventured around the city, which is truly beautiful. It is full of traditional latin american colonial houses in red, yellow and white, beautiful churches every few blocks, sweet smelling panaderias, and street vendors with yummy tortillas. I will post some pictures as soon as I get a chance.
That night all the Finca vols who were here in town (9 of 10) went over to the apartment 4 vols are currently renting. We all got along instantly, and had a fun time sharing stories and getting to know one another. Then Deirdre and I, half asleep already, finally made it to bed. The next morning we started school bright and early at 8 AM. Our school works by setting each student up with a personal tutor. My tutor is a very nice guatemalteco whose name is Domingo. He has been a teacher for over 20 years now. Our first day we just spent chatting, he trying to figure out my level of spanish for lesson plans.
That afternoon myself, Betsy, Amanda, and Phil went out for a weekend excursion to the city of Lanquin. One of the most famous national parks in Guatemala is there, Semuc Champey. So Thursday afternoon we hopped on a small shuttle bus. After 8 hours of crazy turns and heavy rain and darkness for the last 2, which was quite entertaining, we arrived at our hostal in Lanquin. It was truly beautiful. It was set on the outskirts of town in the beautiful green mountains. It basically was a giant tree house with tons of hammocks outside and breathtaking views all around. Tired fom our long drive we fell asleep quickly.
The next morning we all hopped in the back of a pick up truck with 5 other travelers from Israel, and our awesome guide Otto and headed to Semuc Champey. We are pretty sure Otto has some special climbing and caving gene because he moved around the cave and the park like it was his natural habitat, and always managed to smile and make a joke in the mean time. When we arrived we went straight to the Cuevas de Maria. Here we had one of the most intense and amazing cave tours ever. We literally swam through the cave while holding a candle for light and watching out for rocks along the way. After climbing up several ladders next to mini waterfalls and crawling through tiny spaces, we reached the edge of the safe part for visits, and headed back. Two hours I will remember for a long time to come. After this we hiked up to the mirador, or look out, to see the entire park at once. It was truly breathtaking. There are over 50 different sized clear water pools, a very strong river, and green mountains all around. After this we treked down to the clear water pools to relax. It literally felt like we had entered Fern Gully. The water was so clear and the pools just flowed into one another. After eating our sandwiches and swimming around for a while we headed back to the truck and back to our hostal for some much needed showers. That night we ventured into town and ate some yummy street tacos.
The next morning we slept in a bit and then spent the morning reading and laying around in the hamocs. Then after lunch we went for what was supposed to be calm river tubing. But since the water was so high because of all the rain, it was actually a pretty strong current at points. In the end we all made it to shore safely, myself with the help of holding onto a tree. That night we hung out at the hostal and headed back early the next morning for Antigua. After another long 8 hours, but these in the light and only light rain, which was a true luxury, we arrived back in Antigua. Amanda and I went to mass at a local church, and I must say it was really exciting when I still remembered half of the responses in Spanish for mass. After that we headed over to the Hurts (other vols) house for a community dinner, which was full of wonderful people and food.
Then this past week I had my first full week in Anitgua and of school. It went very well. My teacher and I are getting along well. Each night I write a story, and then in the morning we edit it, and then review whatever areas of grammer I was having trouble with. Domingo and I also enjoy talking about food, every day I learn a new fruit I should try. During the afternoons I hang out with the other vols as we explore Antigua, or if its raining, as it did almost all last week, we like to hang out at The Bagel Barn, which has arguably the best hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls in town. The community is forming really well, and my Spanish is coming back very fast, both of which are very good things!
On Tuesday, I finally moved in with my host family, who live convienantly 1 block from the school. They are very kind, and have a very warm and welcoming home. The food is yummy, and they have orange juice every morning, which is just wonderful. Maudi and Francisco (aka Paco) are the grandparents, Diego and Andres are the adult sons who live in an apartment on the back of the house, Christina is the daughter, she lives there with her two adorable children Adrianna (7 years old) and Alejandro (2 years old), and lastly there is John (an Aussie who rents a room while he teaches English in a local school). I live in my room with fellow vol Deidre, and Nils, another vol, lives in the next room down. There are always people, and Adrianna and Alejandro are always entertaining.
This past weekend we all stayed in Antigua because with all the rain this past week several of the roads were shut down, and it was also fun to have a weekend here to hang out and explore. Some of you may have heard of the mud slides around Guatemala, but no worries, Antigua is very safe and unharmed, minus the fact that it rained like crazy on and off all of last week. But this weekend was beautiful. We went around taking pictures (I promise to post them all soon), went to the movies (Sherlock Holmes and Avatar), and had a nice community dinner on Sunday followed by an epic game of uno which started off with a draw 14.
So that is all I can think of right now. Sorry it is so long, but alot happened in the past two weeks. I promise shorter and more frequent posts in the future. Also, some of you have been asking for my address, mail is wonderful, but also takes a while to arrive, so please send it to the Finca in Honduras, and it can be there when I arrive October 1. The address is at the bottom of my blog so just scroll down and you will find it.
Wishing you all the best!
Mary Kate
So about two weeks ago now I arrived in Guatemala for langauge school. Time has flown, but it also seems like way longer since I have been in the states. So here is a brief summary of my life so far:
After a quick flight Tuesday night (August 24) from DC to Chicago, I met up with fellow Finca vol Deirdre. We had a quick 3 hour nap in an airport hotel then took off at 530 am fom Chicago to Houston, then after a quick layover we had our last flight into Guatemala City. Then, Hugo, from our school, picked us up at the airport and we then took a short 1 hour ride into Antigua. We arrived at the student house to find the lovely faces of our fellow vols Betsy and Amanda. In an effort to get adjusted to the time (only 2 hours off the east coast) and not just crash after travelng we ventured around the city, which is truly beautiful. It is full of traditional latin american colonial houses in red, yellow and white, beautiful churches every few blocks, sweet smelling panaderias, and street vendors with yummy tortillas. I will post some pictures as soon as I get a chance.
That night all the Finca vols who were here in town (9 of 10) went over to the apartment 4 vols are currently renting. We all got along instantly, and had a fun time sharing stories and getting to know one another. Then Deirdre and I, half asleep already, finally made it to bed. The next morning we started school bright and early at 8 AM. Our school works by setting each student up with a personal tutor. My tutor is a very nice guatemalteco whose name is Domingo. He has been a teacher for over 20 years now. Our first day we just spent chatting, he trying to figure out my level of spanish for lesson plans.
That afternoon myself, Betsy, Amanda, and Phil went out for a weekend excursion to the city of Lanquin. One of the most famous national parks in Guatemala is there, Semuc Champey. So Thursday afternoon we hopped on a small shuttle bus. After 8 hours of crazy turns and heavy rain and darkness for the last 2, which was quite entertaining, we arrived at our hostal in Lanquin. It was truly beautiful. It was set on the outskirts of town in the beautiful green mountains. It basically was a giant tree house with tons of hammocks outside and breathtaking views all around. Tired fom our long drive we fell asleep quickly.
The next morning we all hopped in the back of a pick up truck with 5 other travelers from Israel, and our awesome guide Otto and headed to Semuc Champey. We are pretty sure Otto has some special climbing and caving gene because he moved around the cave and the park like it was his natural habitat, and always managed to smile and make a joke in the mean time. When we arrived we went straight to the Cuevas de Maria. Here we had one of the most intense and amazing cave tours ever. We literally swam through the cave while holding a candle for light and watching out for rocks along the way. After climbing up several ladders next to mini waterfalls and crawling through tiny spaces, we reached the edge of the safe part for visits, and headed back. Two hours I will remember for a long time to come. After this we hiked up to the mirador, or look out, to see the entire park at once. It was truly breathtaking. There are over 50 different sized clear water pools, a very strong river, and green mountains all around. After this we treked down to the clear water pools to relax. It literally felt like we had entered Fern Gully. The water was so clear and the pools just flowed into one another. After eating our sandwiches and swimming around for a while we headed back to the truck and back to our hostal for some much needed showers. That night we ventured into town and ate some yummy street tacos.
The next morning we slept in a bit and then spent the morning reading and laying around in the hamocs. Then after lunch we went for what was supposed to be calm river tubing. But since the water was so high because of all the rain, it was actually a pretty strong current at points. In the end we all made it to shore safely, myself with the help of holding onto a tree. That night we hung out at the hostal and headed back early the next morning for Antigua. After another long 8 hours, but these in the light and only light rain, which was a true luxury, we arrived back in Antigua. Amanda and I went to mass at a local church, and I must say it was really exciting when I still remembered half of the responses in Spanish for mass. After that we headed over to the Hurts (other vols) house for a community dinner, which was full of wonderful people and food.
Then this past week I had my first full week in Anitgua and of school. It went very well. My teacher and I are getting along well. Each night I write a story, and then in the morning we edit it, and then review whatever areas of grammer I was having trouble with. Domingo and I also enjoy talking about food, every day I learn a new fruit I should try. During the afternoons I hang out with the other vols as we explore Antigua, or if its raining, as it did almost all last week, we like to hang out at The Bagel Barn, which has arguably the best hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls in town. The community is forming really well, and my Spanish is coming back very fast, both of which are very good things!
On Tuesday, I finally moved in with my host family, who live convienantly 1 block from the school. They are very kind, and have a very warm and welcoming home. The food is yummy, and they have orange juice every morning, which is just wonderful. Maudi and Francisco (aka Paco) are the grandparents, Diego and Andres are the adult sons who live in an apartment on the back of the house, Christina is the daughter, she lives there with her two adorable children Adrianna (7 years old) and Alejandro (2 years old), and lastly there is John (an Aussie who rents a room while he teaches English in a local school). I live in my room with fellow vol Deidre, and Nils, another vol, lives in the next room down. There are always people, and Adrianna and Alejandro are always entertaining.
This past weekend we all stayed in Antigua because with all the rain this past week several of the roads were shut down, and it was also fun to have a weekend here to hang out and explore. Some of you may have heard of the mud slides around Guatemala, but no worries, Antigua is very safe and unharmed, minus the fact that it rained like crazy on and off all of last week. But this weekend was beautiful. We went around taking pictures (I promise to post them all soon), went to the movies (Sherlock Holmes and Avatar), and had a nice community dinner on Sunday followed by an epic game of uno which started off with a draw 14.
So that is all I can think of right now. Sorry it is so long, but alot happened in the past two weeks. I promise shorter and more frequent posts in the future. Also, some of you have been asking for my address, mail is wonderful, but also takes a while to arrive, so please send it to the Finca in Honduras, and it can be there when I arrive October 1. The address is at the bottom of my blog so just scroll down and you will find it.
Wishing you all the best!
Mary Kate
Friday, August 6, 2010
Welcome!
Hello everyone!
So I promised many of you that I would set up a blog to keep you all updated on my time of service with the Farm of the Child (the finca) over the next two years, so here you are! Right now I am just getting everything ready to head out on August 24 (so soon!) I will spend my first month in Antigua, Guatemala attending language school (so as to switch my toledana/ castellano accent to a lovely hondu one) and getting to know the other awesome "newbie" volunteers headed down with me. Then on October 1 I will head down to the farm! So for now, I lack exciting news, but if you want a preview of what is to come, feel free to check out the finca's website at www.farmofthechild.org.
En Paz,
Mary Kate
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