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