Many of you all have probably spent some portion of the past two weekends either watching or checking scores from the NCAA tournament. In a field that was 68, now only 4 remain, including the great Cinderella story that is VCU, fellow natives of the great state of Virginia. And so despite my apparent inability to give prompt updates during these past six weeks about my life here at the finca, I decided to select my own final four of sorts. I could tell you all many more than 68 stories from my past six weeks of work in the school, but the its not selection Sunday, its Final Four selection Sunday…so here you are, my top four moments form the past six weeks of work at the school:
1. Jonatan’s Big Day
Over winter break I tutored in what we call “escuelita”. While this literally means little school, in reality it is a five week tutoring program for kids who need remedial help or are transitioning into our school from another. I had the great pleasure of working with 7 great kids, one being the son of the finca’s security guard Jose, Jonatan. Jonatan along with his siblings were transferring in from a far less stable school in the local area, and were being assessed to see what grade they should enter for the school year. Apart from being one of the most well behaved and grateful kids I will probably ever meet, Jonatan was a true work horse. Everyday he came and worked for the full hour and a half, always waiting for the next assignment. His goal was to enter into third grade, but after a less than stellar result on his entrance exam he was placed in second.
This did not deter him. He came to after school study sessions every day for the first two weeks, working harder than any 12 year old you have ever met. Without any prompting from myself or direction, both of his teachers soon approached direction and informed them that they believed he not only could handle third grade, but that he belonged there. So the following Monday morning right before Morning assembly, Profa Dania, director of the school, called Jonatan into the office. Here he found, myself, his two teachers from 2nd grade, his new third grade teacher, along with sub director Tami. He little face quickly became frightened. Profa Dania told him not to worry. She then told him how impressed his teachers were with his work, and informed him that if he promised to continue work hard he could move up to third grade, this morning. His normally calm face simply lit up, he did not speak, but simply nodded. Profa Dania smiled back, and told him to go ahead and line up with third grade before school started. He walked out triumphantly to find his younger brother outside the door, he simply held up three fingers. They grabbed their sister and ran over to the security gate near the school, where his Dad just happened to be working that morning. As he raised his arms in triumph as he ran I realized I would never forget this moment. After a big hug from his dad, the bell rang and he ran back and lined up with the third graders for the first time. He then turned around and flashed me the most beautiful smile. My eyes teared up a little with shear pride and joy for him. That afternoon he showed up to study hour once again ready to work, this time with third grade homework.
2. Rony’s 1st Book
Rony is an 11 year old boy who came to live at the farm in January 2010. Before his time at the farm he never received stable and consistent education in any form. After a year of hard work and transition this past year, he now is in second grade. I work with him after school twice a week to help him continue to learn what others learned since they were five in a more expedited fashion.
One Monday at the end of February he finished all his work super fast so we decided to read Where the Wild Things Are with the time left. Normally Rony read about 75%, and I helped him with the rest. But during this fateful Monday he simply continued page after page reading all by himself out loud in his adorable 11 year old voice. After he finished,I walked him back to his house. I congratulated him saying, “Rony, this is the first time you’ve read a book by yourself with me, congratulations.” He then responded, “This is the first time I’ve ever read a book alone. Before I couldn’t read, but you taught me, so now I can.” He then smiled and walked along like nothing. I of course stopped him and told him that reading your first book was a huge accomplishment and that he should be super excited. His face finally started to let on to the great euphoria going on inside. When we got to his house he went up to his tia and told her his big accomplishment. He proceeded to tell everyone else he saw for the entire afternoon. I will probably forget the majority of my lesson plans as time goes on in my life past the finca, but I will never forget Rony’s epic reading of his first book.
3. Magdalena: Star Student of the Week
While I have many students, the one I spend the most time with is my beloved Magdalena. While here disabilities are undiagnosed her unique spirit and infectious smile are known by all here at the finca. Last year she struggled greatly with school, despite several amazing people working with her. This year has proven different. She hasn’t gotten below a 95% on a single test. She has only missed two days of school. She even has a smile most mornings when she arrives. Last year she was noticed by those outside her classroom mostly for disciplinary things, as she frequented the office often. This year she has turned over a new leaf.
Each week in first and second grade a student is selected as the star of the week.This student behaved well, did well in all their work, and was a general rock star. The winner gets a prize and their name on the board as star of the week. During the fifth week of school, Nely, the 1st grade teacher, told me at recess that after school I should ask Magdalena who the star of the week was and smiled. I was so excited for her, it took all my effort not to break the news to her right away. Then after school as Magdalena walked past the library with a huge smile and colorful pencil with a special Dr Seuss eraser in hand, I asked her is she was star of the week, she didn’t even need words, she simply nodded her head over and over. I told her congratulations, and then she ran off to her house, excited to share her big news.
4. Jessica: Master of Order of Operations
Jessica is one of our neighbor students at our school. She is a tall and fun loving 13 year old sixth grade girl who loves dancing with her friends and swimming at the beach. She has continually struggled in school, especially with the more advanced math concepts that are introduced in 5th and 6th grade. I work with her three times a week, and love every minute of it. She is truly the most patient learner you will ever meet, always willing to try again. She also has no fear of asking questions and letting me know she does not understand. At the end of February she had her first math test. We reviewed for two weeks to help her get ready. While we reviewed everything, we spent most of our time on order of operations. It was not until the day before the test that she finally understood the concept fully. Her face was so excited. The following morning I wished her the best of luck on her test. That afternoon, Amanda, her math teacher, let me know that she just barely missed passing the test, but unlike everyone else in the class she got every single thing correct on the page with order of operations. Not a single error. For Jessica and me that page mattered much more than the rest of the test. It showed that it may take longer, but she can do it.
While school continues to challenge me day in and day out, and many of my students struggle to understand basics of math and reading, it is moments like these that keep me inspired and give me the energy to wake up every morning and teach our amazing kids.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Magdalena’s Infectious Smile
Over the past few months a few dates stick out in my mind. August 26, 201o I arrived in Guatemala; October 1, 2010 I arrived at the Finca, and now I have a new one to add to the list, February 1, 2011 the official school years starts! As the new special ed teacher, in a school with very little to no special ed in its past, this was a big day to say the least. All of our kids arrived in their adorable little uniforms (navy slacks/ skirts, white button up short sleeve shirts), nervous and excited for a new year.
While I have 7 students this year which I work with in different ways, and two different study groups of other kids, I spend almost half of my teaching time with my beloved Magdalena, a 10 year old girl with a heart of true gold. During the first week we had mostly assemblies, and procedural things with their mainstream classes, so I didn’t get to actually teach that much. But I did get to help out the younger grades, including Magdalena’s class. She asked me at recess if I was going to help her for the rest of the year as well. I told her yes, and then explained our special schedule of time together. She smiled, gave me a hug and went off to play. Then at the end of the day she went up to her mainstream classroom teacher and said I will see you tomorrow. This just about made my year. Just last October, she regularly complained about school, often even refusing to come and sit in class. And although its only been 6 days, she has come 5 of 6 days with a huge smile ready to learn (one day she was home sick). Just today she actually giggled with joy when she turned in her Spanish homework, confident that it would come back with a smiley face stamp because everything was correct. She was right, and then continued to giggle with happiness when she got the paper back.
Watching her confidence levels grow little by little with each correct answer, and her general increase in zest for school can only be summed up in her amazing smile; a smile that inspires my heart on a daily basis. (Check out my fb profile picture to catch a glñimpse of it) I know their will be many tough days in her and my own near future, but for now, her infectious smile inspires us both to come to work every day.
While I have 7 students this year which I work with in different ways, and two different study groups of other kids, I spend almost half of my teaching time with my beloved Magdalena, a 10 year old girl with a heart of true gold. During the first week we had mostly assemblies, and procedural things with their mainstream classes, so I didn’t get to actually teach that much. But I did get to help out the younger grades, including Magdalena’s class. She asked me at recess if I was going to help her for the rest of the year as well. I told her yes, and then explained our special schedule of time together. She smiled, gave me a hug and went off to play. Then at the end of the day she went up to her mainstream classroom teacher and said I will see you tomorrow. This just about made my year. Just last October, she regularly complained about school, often even refusing to come and sit in class. And although its only been 6 days, she has come 5 of 6 days with a huge smile ready to learn (one day she was home sick). Just today she actually giggled with joy when she turned in her Spanish homework, confident that it would come back with a smiley face stamp because everything was correct. She was right, and then continued to giggle with happiness when she got the paper back.
Watching her confidence levels grow little by little with each correct answer, and her general increase in zest for school can only be summed up in her amazing smile; a smile that inspires my heart on a daily basis. (Check out my fb profile picture to catch a glñimpse of it) I know their will be many tough days in her and my own near future, but for now, her infectious smile inspires us both to come to work every day.
I walked on the moon
Some of you may know the comedian Bryan Regan. For the past 4 years my amazing friends Adrianna Chuh, Colleen Minta, Kacy Deering, Meghan Thornton, and Anna Seghetti and I loved to quote him during our many adventures at ND while living in Lyons Hall. One of our more popular sketches of his is about dinner parties. He says that he always wants to be an astronaut at dinner parties. Then when everyone tries to one up one another with stories, he can just sit back, and then when all are done all he has to say is “I walked on the moon.” So whenever one of us does some ridiculously cool or awesome, we like to say, congratulations moon walker.
On January 30, my fellow vols and I were true moon walkers. We decided after lunch to hike up to a local waterfall. When we got there, we then proceeded to hike up part of the waterfall. It was such a fun time to spend together, and the naturally beauty of the land was truly breathtaking. After hanging around for a while, we enjoyed some baleadas (tortilla with beans and cheese) while sitting in the little pool at the bottom of the waterfall. While hiking back to the farm I thought to myself, hey we just hiked a waterfall, and it was no big deal…aka we just walked on the moon!
On January 30, my fellow vols and I were true moon walkers. We decided after lunch to hike up to a local waterfall. When we got there, we then proceeded to hike up part of the waterfall. It was such a fun time to spend together, and the naturally beauty of the land was truly breathtaking. After hanging around for a while, we enjoyed some baleadas (tortilla with beans and cheese) while sitting in the little pool at the bottom of the waterfall. While hiking back to the farm I thought to myself, hey we just hiked a waterfall, and it was no big deal…aka we just walked on the moon!
Eso es su mami!
So during the week of January 16 I received a wonderful belated birthday present…a visit from my mom! Between picking her up at the airport in San Pedro, spending a few days on the farm, and then spending time in Ceiba and San Pedro again on her way back to the airport, we were able to take many mini adventures and enjoy many little indulgences. Here is a list of my top ten memories from the week...
10. 4 Hot showers….yes during the week my mom was here I got 4 hot showers at the various places we stayed at while traveling. These were my first hot showers since October 1, 2010…needless to say they felt somewhat amazing.
9. New Clothes from my sisters…my amazing sisters both sent me adorable birthday cards and two new skirts, a shirt, and shorts, all wrapped in cupcake wrapping paper! Fresh smelling super clean clothes and personalized cards all accompanied my cupcake paper made me feel super loved and put a big smile on my face.
8. Sweet new toothbrush from my dad…As many of you know my dad and I like to exchange gifts appropriate for 3-6 year old children. My dad outdid himself this time though…sending a light up snoopy toothbrush. It lights up for 1 min so little kids, and 23 year old volunteers, make sure they brush their teeth long enough. I now enjoy brushing my teeth on a whole different level!
7. Appleby’s Dinner…While in La Ceiba my mom took myself, fellow vol Deirdre, and her friend Jamie who was traveling back to the states, out to dinner at Appleby’s. I ate a bacon cheeseburger with fries and my stomach smiled like it had not in several months. I had forgotten how wonderful burgers, cheddar cheese, and bacon can taste! Needless to say there was not one crumb left!
6. Amazing Donations for the School…My old High School, led by religion teacher Mrs. Henry Gross, decided to do a little supplies drive for my school here…they not only got pencils and stickers, they got the coolest pencils, and tons of stickers! The teachers and students here are all extremely grateful, and enjoying their fun new supplies.
5. Luz…my mom’s new best friend…While I took my mom around the finca when we first arrived I showed her all 6 of the houses where our kids live. When we passed by the little girls house the light was out…aka it was nap time, so we tried to sneak away quietly. But Luz, one of the most adorable 6 years olds you will ever meet decided it was time to wake up. She then called me from the window, “Eso es tu mami/ This is your mom?” I told her yes, but please got back to sleep. She was far too excited and in about 2 min was outside being held in my mom’s arms. She did not want to let go, and was obsessed with her for the rest of the week!
4. Special Friend Dates…Here at the farm each vol has one of two kids who are their special friends..just so each kid has someone who is not their teacher, or social worker, etc, just a friend. My mom and I took both of my friends (and 2 of their friends they invited) down the beach to the resort to have a soda and give them some little gifts. They had so much fun and just glowed the whole time. My favorite moment had to be when the little monkey Chimmy who lives at the resort down the beach climbed up my mom while we were entering the little restaurant…really wished I had a camera right then!
3. Brayan’s Great Reaction to his gift…each of our kids has a sponsor back in the states, Brayan’s happens to work with my mom at my old high school, Mrs. Henry-Gross. Normally our kids only get gifts on Christmas and their birthday. But Mrs. Henry Gross sent down a special present just because. Brayan little face lit up so big when he found out he had a present, and loves his new t shirt and legos more than anything. He then proceeded to draw Mrs. Henry Gross three pictures as thank you cards, it was just too cute!
2. Posa Trip with House 2…As we live between the beach and the mountains here there are lots of beautiful rivers around, and many form posas, or fresh water swimming holes. One of my favorites is about a 30 min uphill walk away. On our last day at the farm my mom came along with fellow vols Kristina and Nely and the house 2 girls (ages 10-12). She hiked like a champion, and then got right in the water with the girls and me. It was really fun to be in such a beautiful place with such a range of beautiful people, a great fusion of natural beauty and human companionship.
1. Time with a friendly face from the states…in the end it was super nice just to see a friendly face from the states, especially my mom’s. Being able to physically talk with someone from back in the states and share my new life here was truly the best birthday present I could have gotten.
10. 4 Hot showers….yes during the week my mom was here I got 4 hot showers at the various places we stayed at while traveling. These were my first hot showers since October 1, 2010…needless to say they felt somewhat amazing.
9. New Clothes from my sisters…my amazing sisters both sent me adorable birthday cards and two new skirts, a shirt, and shorts, all wrapped in cupcake wrapping paper! Fresh smelling super clean clothes and personalized cards all accompanied my cupcake paper made me feel super loved and put a big smile on my face.
8. Sweet new toothbrush from my dad…As many of you know my dad and I like to exchange gifts appropriate for 3-6 year old children. My dad outdid himself this time though…sending a light up snoopy toothbrush. It lights up for 1 min so little kids, and 23 year old volunteers, make sure they brush their teeth long enough. I now enjoy brushing my teeth on a whole different level!
7. Appleby’s Dinner…While in La Ceiba my mom took myself, fellow vol Deirdre, and her friend Jamie who was traveling back to the states, out to dinner at Appleby’s. I ate a bacon cheeseburger with fries and my stomach smiled like it had not in several months. I had forgotten how wonderful burgers, cheddar cheese, and bacon can taste! Needless to say there was not one crumb left!
6. Amazing Donations for the School…My old High School, led by religion teacher Mrs. Henry Gross, decided to do a little supplies drive for my school here…they not only got pencils and stickers, they got the coolest pencils, and tons of stickers! The teachers and students here are all extremely grateful, and enjoying their fun new supplies.
5. Luz…my mom’s new best friend…While I took my mom around the finca when we first arrived I showed her all 6 of the houses where our kids live. When we passed by the little girls house the light was out…aka it was nap time, so we tried to sneak away quietly. But Luz, one of the most adorable 6 years olds you will ever meet decided it was time to wake up. She then called me from the window, “Eso es tu mami/ This is your mom?” I told her yes, but please got back to sleep. She was far too excited and in about 2 min was outside being held in my mom’s arms. She did not want to let go, and was obsessed with her for the rest of the week!
4. Special Friend Dates…Here at the farm each vol has one of two kids who are their special friends..just so each kid has someone who is not their teacher, or social worker, etc, just a friend. My mom and I took both of my friends (and 2 of their friends they invited) down the beach to the resort to have a soda and give them some little gifts. They had so much fun and just glowed the whole time. My favorite moment had to be when the little monkey Chimmy who lives at the resort down the beach climbed up my mom while we were entering the little restaurant…really wished I had a camera right then!
3. Brayan’s Great Reaction to his gift…each of our kids has a sponsor back in the states, Brayan’s happens to work with my mom at my old high school, Mrs. Henry-Gross. Normally our kids only get gifts on Christmas and their birthday. But Mrs. Henry Gross sent down a special present just because. Brayan little face lit up so big when he found out he had a present, and loves his new t shirt and legos more than anything. He then proceeded to draw Mrs. Henry Gross three pictures as thank you cards, it was just too cute!
2. Posa Trip with House 2…As we live between the beach and the mountains here there are lots of beautiful rivers around, and many form posas, or fresh water swimming holes. One of my favorites is about a 30 min uphill walk away. On our last day at the farm my mom came along with fellow vols Kristina and Nely and the house 2 girls (ages 10-12). She hiked like a champion, and then got right in the water with the girls and me. It was really fun to be in such a beautiful place with such a range of beautiful people, a great fusion of natural beauty and human companionship.
1. Time with a friendly face from the states…in the end it was super nice just to see a friendly face from the states, especially my mom’s. Being able to physically talk with someone from back in the states and share my new life here was truly the best birthday present I could have gotten.
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Birthday to Remember!
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
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
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!
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