Easter Letter

Here is a letter I recently wrote my benefactors, enjoy!

Dearest Friends and Family,

I write to wish you the most joyful of Easter seasons. May the glorious resurrection and amazingly yummy taste of chocolate bunnies and Cadburry eggs brighten your days and bring peace to your hearts. I apologize for the long delay since my last letter (Christmas 2011), and now wish to update you all on life here in Honduras at the Farm of the Child.

In the past fifteen months the finca celebrated its grand 15th anniversary, welcomed seven new children, received the gift and construction of a much loved playground from a visiting brigade, and proudly witnessed the graduation of thirteen kids from our primary and secondary schools along with the graduation of Dalila from high school in la Ceiba. Most importantly, due to the great generosity of our benefactors, we have been able to continue to care for our now 41 amazing kids.

I personally spent the majority of the year teaching special education in our school. While I was challenged daily, I found true joy in working with my students and watching them grow and reach such amazing milestones. Then in July I also took over middle school math classes, this proved a new adventure, but one that brought much grace along with hilarious moments courtesy of my beloved teenage students. During this time I also taught ballet to the younger girls and swimming to the little boys and girls.

When November arrived I took on the new position of caretaker of our teenage girls (Marina, Nolvia, and Nelly) who attend high school and live in the nearby city of La Ceiba. I work with Nils, fellow volunteer and caretaker of the two teenage boys, Carlos and Arturo. Sor Keidy, a Franciscan sister, supervises our program. This job proves truly unpredictable, but also beautiful in its many small moments of grace and hilarious commentary that our teens never fail to provide. I will remain in this post until the end of the year.

The more time I spend in Honduras, the more I come to appreciate how amazing the children of the Farm of the Child are. Our kids are truly amazing testaments to the ability to overcome all obstacles and to continue to love unconditionally. Their amazing example is a daily reminder of how important the farm and its mission are here in the very troubled country of Honduras. I therefore simply want to say thank you. Thank you for supporting me in my service here in Honduras, and allowing me to take part in this amazing mission. Thank you for keeping Honduras, the Farm of the Child, myself, and most importantly the amazing children of the farm in your prayers.

If you ever want more information, or simply wish to say hello, feel free to email me at marykate.battle@gmail.com. You are also welcome to follow my blog, which I update about once a month at www.mkatthefinca.blogger.com.

With a grateful heart, Mary Kate