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!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
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
Monday, September 27, 2010
Adios Antigua...Hola Honduras!
So soon I will be leaving my most recent home of Antigua. This will be bittersweet as I have grown attached to my super kind host family, yummy bakeries, ballet and yoga classes, and the general ease of life. Antigua has treated all of us volunteers very well (despite those nasty parasites), and we are very grateful for that.
But more importantly we are all super super excited to finally arrive at the Farm this Friday!!! Wednesday we begin our venture in an epic 13 hour bus ride to La Ceiba, Honduras, where the Andrea, the executive director of the finca, lives. Here we can stock up on whatever we need for finca life, and catch one last breath before the farm. Then Friday morning we have a brief 3 hour journey to the Finca! Then we get to meet the rest of our vol community, the amazing kids, and soon eneough find out our official jobs at the farm!
So yes, if you have a moment on Wednesday or Friday, a quick prayer for our safe arrival would be very much appreciated. Otherwise, I will apologize in advance, because starting wednesday my internet becomes super limited, so if I don´t respond for a two week period to an email know that you all remain in my thoughts and prayers, I just will be living with limited access to internet very soon! But snail mail to the farm and emails are still very very wonderful. Please know that each little piece of contact with friends and family truly brightens my day, so send away, and I will do my best to respond as fast as i can!
Wishing you all the best!
Mary Kate
But more importantly we are all super super excited to finally arrive at the Farm this Friday!!! Wednesday we begin our venture in an epic 13 hour bus ride to La Ceiba, Honduras, where the Andrea, the executive director of the finca, lives. Here we can stock up on whatever we need for finca life, and catch one last breath before the farm. Then Friday morning we have a brief 3 hour journey to the Finca! Then we get to meet the rest of our vol community, the amazing kids, and soon eneough find out our official jobs at the farm!
So yes, if you have a moment on Wednesday or Friday, a quick prayer for our safe arrival would be very much appreciated. Otherwise, I will apologize in advance, because starting wednesday my internet becomes super limited, so if I don´t respond for a two week period to an email know that you all remain in my thoughts and prayers, I just will be living with limited access to internet very soon! But snail mail to the farm and emails are still very very wonderful. Please know that each little piece of contact with friends and family truly brightens my day, so send away, and I will do my best to respond as fast as i can!
Wishing you all the best!
Mary Kate
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Round 1: Mary Kate 1, Parasites 0
So some of you may have noticed I have had very little online activity over the past week and a half...although this is in part due to limited internet access, it is more due to the fact that I have spent the majority of this time in my bed in an epic battle with some parasitic amoebas which decided to take up residence in my stomach. But no worries, after 5 days in bed, 3 days half in bed, some very strong anti parasite medicine, and a special unbelievably bland diet of rice and non citric fruit my stomach is now digesting normal food again and should be officially parasite free in just 1 more day! I even had the energy to go to church and hike around some ruins this morning! I must say I have never been so grateful to consume food and have moderate amounts of energy again :)
But yes to use a boxing metaphor big thanks must go out to the great people in my corner during my fight. First, to the second doctor I saw who actually figured out what I had (unlike the first who just told me i had stomach problems and overcharged me), and got me my meds. Second, to the amazing vols here in Antigua who visited me in my disheveled state everyday to get me whatever I needed. A special shout out to Deirdre, who literally was a super nurse and helped me with everything from walking to the doctor to reminding me I still needed rest even when I got a little energy and was very resistant to resting. Gold Star for her! And lastly, for my host mom Maudi, who kindly cooked me special meals for the better part of a week to work with my special amoeba friendly diet.
So yes, feeling fresh and new now, and ready to finally travel to the Finca this Wednesday!
Wishing you all the best wherever you may be!
Best,
Mary Kate
But yes to use a boxing metaphor big thanks must go out to the great people in my corner during my fight. First, to the second doctor I saw who actually figured out what I had (unlike the first who just told me i had stomach problems and overcharged me), and got me my meds. Second, to the amazing vols here in Antigua who visited me in my disheveled state everyday to get me whatever I needed. A special shout out to Deirdre, who literally was a super nurse and helped me with everything from walking to the doctor to reminding me I still needed rest even when I got a little energy and was very resistant to resting. Gold Star for her! And lastly, for my host mom Maudi, who kindly cooked me special meals for the better part of a week to work with my special amoeba friendly diet.
So yes, feeling fresh and new now, and ready to finally travel to the Finca this Wednesday!
Wishing you all the best wherever you may be!
Best,
Mary Kate
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Meet my fellow vols
So I realized that I keep mentioning my amazing fellow newbie finca vols, but have rudely failed to introduce them. I promise a picture soon, but for now here is a quick run down of my amazing new finca newbie vol family.
The Hurst Family: Jacob, recent grad of ND's Master of Divinity program, and his lovely wife Rachel, a ND undergrad grad herself, and their three boys Jonah (5), Isaac (3), and Ruben (1) provide us all with a wonderful family model to emulate among our community. They also kindly host us (along with Tami and Lili) in the apartment they rent for Sunday dinner and Wednesday Lectio. The boys also always find a way to make you smile with their bright smiles and never ending energy.
Tami: Tami is from Southern California and left her teaching job at a local Catholic school there to join our Finca family. She is one of our resident movie aficionados along with Betsy, which is always great for starting conversation. She also is one of the fellow residents in the apartment the Hursts rent, along with their close friend from home.
Lily: Lily graduated from school a year ago and worked in youth ministry over the past year in Southern California with the Hursts and Tami. She also happens to be the godmother of Jonah. Lily already speaks fluent Spanish, so she is a wonderful buddy to have to wander around town while those of us still in school get restless :)
Phil/ Felipe: Phil also graduated a year ago from school, and after a year of working in his native state of Washington, has joined our finca family. Phil is always a funtime to hang out with, as well as a great person to have fun life chats about whatever you so desire with.
Amanda: Amanda is a recent graduate of Illinois State University, and is from a neighboring town of Peoria, IL (home of my dear friend Anna Seghetti). She was a teaching major there, and is now bravely learning Spanish is a short two month period. A fun fact about Amanda is that although she may appear pettite and unassuming, she is actually a black belt in Karate!
Deirdre: Deirdre is a recent grad of The College of Saint Scholastica in Minnesota, and is our resident nurse. Deirdre was also my travel buddy on the way here, and current roomie with my host family. Deidre and I have had many fun times around town, as we both have an obsession with sweets!
Nils: Nils is a recent grad of the University of Portland and wins the award for tallest newbie volunteer at 6 feet 4 inches. Nils also lives in the next room over at my host family, and always kindly volunteers to split the last piece of whatever is left at dinner, and offer my stomach can rarely refuse.
Betsy: Betsy is a recent grad of ND like myself and along with being a movie aficionado proves the most competitive at Banana grams, a favorite game of the newbie vols, winning almost every time.
So yes, this is my new finca vol family, which will soon grow as we join the current vols at the farm this friday!
Endorphins Guatemaltecos + Yummy Panaderias = Happy Volunteers
Low blood sugar and lack of exercise can make people grumpy and unhealthy anywhere, but especially while adjusting to a new country. So the other volunteers and I have been making a serious effort to avoid both. aka we have been visiting the many cafes and bakeries while also finding our own unique ways to stay fit. Here is a brief summary of our favorite spots so far:
Cafes and Bakeries:
1. Bagel Barn...Sometimes we just need a little American loving sprinkled with free wifi on top, so we have spent many a rainy afternoon in this little bagel cafe, home of very scrumptious bagels and delicious hot chocolate.
2. Restaurante Dona Luisa...Breakfast and Bakery heaven. But really, 5 of us had breakfast here on Sunday and there was about one crumb left between all of our plates. Also their cookies and banana bread are beyond words amazing.
3. The Panaderia around the corner from school...aka the one place we have found so far with real american cupcakes, and therefore one of our favorite places.
Exercise:
1. Betsy and I have been enjoying yoga class on Monday and Thursday evenings with some retired ex pats and fellow volunteers.
2. Nils and Phil have been enjoying their visits to Antigua's Gym, where both of my host brothers happen to work as well. Phil has also had some fun playing in local pick up futbol games with his host brother.
3. Rachel and I have had fun finding running routes not over run with cobblestone streets, which can be somewhat of a challenge in a town of all cobblestone streets, but we are finding ways!
4. And lastly, I have been able to rent the yoga studio for only $12 per hour and a half to teach myself a ballet class. The stair well works perfectly as a bar, and my ipod is well prepped with several ballet class playlists. So no worries, ballet lives on in my life!
Wishing you all beautiful days!
Mary Kate
Cafes and Bakeries:
1. Bagel Barn...Sometimes we just need a little American loving sprinkled with free wifi on top, so we have spent many a rainy afternoon in this little bagel cafe, home of very scrumptious bagels and delicious hot chocolate.
2. Restaurante Dona Luisa...Breakfast and Bakery heaven. But really, 5 of us had breakfast here on Sunday and there was about one crumb left between all of our plates. Also their cookies and banana bread are beyond words amazing.
3. The Panaderia around the corner from school...aka the one place we have found so far with real american cupcakes, and therefore one of our favorite places.
Exercise:
1. Betsy and I have been enjoying yoga class on Monday and Thursday evenings with some retired ex pats and fellow volunteers.
2. Nils and Phil have been enjoying their visits to Antigua's Gym, where both of my host brothers happen to work as well. Phil has also had some fun playing in local pick up futbol games with his host brother.
3. Rachel and I have had fun finding running routes not over run with cobblestone streets, which can be somewhat of a challenge in a town of all cobblestone streets, but we are finding ways!
4. And lastly, I have been able to rent the yoga studio for only $12 per hour and a half to teach myself a ballet class. The stair well works perfectly as a bar, and my ipod is well prepped with several ballet class playlists. So no worries, ballet lives on in my life!
Wishing you all beautiful days!
Mary Kate
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