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.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
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!
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
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