So as many of you know, I love brithdays, an excuse to eat yummy food, eat cake, spend time with loved ones, and generally celebrate life is just a wonderful combination. Here at the finca they also love birthdays, this usually implies a song, a card, and a cake made just for you. But my amazing fellow vols outdid themsleves and took my birthday to a whole new level. At morning prayers the entire finca sang me Las Mañanitas, which is the honduran version of happy birthday. Then I spent the day with the kids on the beach, then baking cookies with one of my favorite students, Magdalena. Then my amazing fellow vols made me an amazing dinner of quesadillas. Afterward we headed down the beach to the resort. Here they out did themselves and came out with cake, ice cream, and a glass of wine. I wanted to pinch myself it was so like a dream! Then after they sang me happy birthday for the 12th time that day, and they all said a beautiful prayer for me on the beach, and finally we all headed back to the farm for a good nights rest.
Then the next day I made it into to town to find my inbox full of birthday love!
In the end, I felt super loved and special on my special day! So thanks to everyone who played a part!
Paz
Mary Kate
Friday, January 14, 2011
Its a Wonderful Life!
As some of you know, my favorite holiday movie, and movie in general is the christmas classic, Its a Wonderful Life. This movie for me represents the true spirit of the season, a time to celebrate the great love of friends and family, a time to celebrate the generosity of the human heart, and the general joy that reigns during the special time that is Christmas. Here at the finca this spirit infused every heart, and in turn produced a truly magical Christmas.
On Christmas eve, one could literally sense the excitement in the air. The adorable nativity play before mass, the all finca dinner full of delicious food, and the general excitement and anticipation in the faces of every child put a smile on every face. Then as the kids danced away in the school, we volunteers snuck around playing fed ex for the santa. At midnight we all went out on the soccer field and said a quick prayer for the beautiful birth of Jesus and sang a christmas song. In this whoville esque moment, the great joy that is christmas filled all our hearts, and put smiles on every face.
I then had the true blessing of being able to go back to two of the houses with the kids to watch them open their presents. This truly made the holiday for me. The house 3 boys, ages 4 through 8, literally jumped for joy when they saw their presents. Joels face when he discovered his stuffed frog also made noises was one of pure amazment. Jose Pastor held up his bag of new marbles as if he had found pure gold. The prize though goes to house four, boys ages 10 through 12. When Daniel discoved his new soccer cleats he literally almost fell to his knees in excitement and kissed his new shoes with a face that cannot even be described by words. The pure joy in there sweet faces made my christmas one that I will never forget.
The following morning we as volunteers relaxed and ate large amounts of super yummy food, including fresh made bagels, cinnamon rolls, personalized omelettes, and yummy chocolate covered cookies, courtesy of a much appreciated christmas care package from my parents! After some technical challenges I also got to call my family back home and wish them all a very merry christmas.
All in all, this Christmas taught me that the joy and spirit of this magical season is one that truly makes the heart smile, and teaches us that it truly is a wonderful life!
On Christmas eve, one could literally sense the excitement in the air. The adorable nativity play before mass, the all finca dinner full of delicious food, and the general excitement and anticipation in the faces of every child put a smile on every face. Then as the kids danced away in the school, we volunteers snuck around playing fed ex for the santa. At midnight we all went out on the soccer field and said a quick prayer for the beautiful birth of Jesus and sang a christmas song. In this whoville esque moment, the great joy that is christmas filled all our hearts, and put smiles on every face.
I then had the true blessing of being able to go back to two of the houses with the kids to watch them open their presents. This truly made the holiday for me. The house 3 boys, ages 4 through 8, literally jumped for joy when they saw their presents. Joels face when he discovered his stuffed frog also made noises was one of pure amazment. Jose Pastor held up his bag of new marbles as if he had found pure gold. The prize though goes to house four, boys ages 10 through 12. When Daniel discoved his new soccer cleats he literally almost fell to his knees in excitement and kissed his new shoes with a face that cannot even be described by words. The pure joy in there sweet faces made my christmas one that I will never forget.
The following morning we as volunteers relaxed and ate large amounts of super yummy food, including fresh made bagels, cinnamon rolls, personalized omelettes, and yummy chocolate covered cookies, courtesy of a much appreciated christmas care package from my parents! After some technical challenges I also got to call my family back home and wish them all a very merry christmas.
All in all, this Christmas taught me that the joy and spirit of this magical season is one that truly makes the heart smile, and teaches us that it truly is a wonderful life!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Joys of Christmas
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
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
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
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