The Final Four of the Finca

So every two weeks we, the vols, send an update email to our parents letting them know how finca life is treating us. I though you might all enjoy the most recent update which I wrote in the spirit of March Madness

Dear Padres,

As my own family knows very well I believe March to be a truly wonderful month. First of all, my mom, sister, and college roommate were all born during it. Second, it used to be the first month back at Notre Dame when the temperature became slightly bearable again. And third, its March Madness, a time of year when sports addicts like myself get to revel in Cinderella stories and bracketology at its best. So in the spirit of the tournament, here is an update on your children, presented in what I would like to call The Finca’s Final 4.



The first team in the running is team Hurst. This team of Rachel, Jacob, Jonah, Isaac, and Ruben is chock full of potential. The leadership Jacob and Rachel have demonstrated in their first 6 months as volunteer coordinator and accountant, combined with the unmatched energy of their three boys is a true force to be reckoned with.



The second team in the running is team Social Work and Psychology. Co Captains Sheena and Georleny run a tight and impressive ship, while Lily, Francesca, and Scarleth provide amazing depth. These five ladies prove clutch in crisis situations, a skill that is most needed in the big dance.



The third team in the running is Team Teachers. This group lead by the one and only jefa, Tami is a true force to be reckoned with. Our big guys Nils and Keenan prove calm and collected in the toughest of situations, even when faced with the combination of confused middle schoolers and scientific conversions and algebra. In the back court we have the flawless team of Kate, Nely, and Amanda. These primary school teachers can shoot, pass, and assist like no one’s business, after teaching three subjects every day to two different grades, the court looks like a playground to them. Then you cannot forget the amazing bench support of Betsy and Mary Kate. These two health and special ed teachers provide the intangible support needed for many of our students, and prove clutch in close games.



The fourth team in the running is Team Vols. This group is an eclectic bunch, but don’t let that distract you, they are a force to be reckoned with. First off, we have our starting guards Alisha and Erin, the city skills they have picked up while diligently looking after our teens in La Ceiba are unmatched by any other team. Meanwhile Ted and Phil’s recent garden project has converted them into a cohesive unit in the paint which will be hard to break apart. Small forward Deirdre proves a pivotal player in that she not only rocks the 3 ball, she also makes sure all our kids, and her teammates’ health needs are met as team nurse as well. Lastly, we have Kristina, whose work in spiritual life and community outreach lends her unmatched local Honduran skills in the game.



Predictions...while I am pulling for the teachers, I am also slightly biased. Wishing you all the best back in the states!



Best,

Mary Kate