Life at the Finca

Hello to all. I know it has been a terribly long time since my last entry in my blog, but never fear, I am here and doing well. Things are under full swing here at the Finca, and let’s just say life is not dull at all here. In fact, it has been surprisingly busy already.

We arrived on Oct. 1st to Finca del Niño. We were greeted with smiling faces, signs with our names on them, and Honduran style music. It was a wonderful welcome and just so amazing to finally be here. It seemed unreal. For the first two weeks, we were being oriented. There is a tremendous about of information to learn about the Finca. We have learned about the structure of the Finca, our pillars (Community, Service, Faith, and Simple Living), how to work with our kids, cultural differences, and just aquainting ourseleves with the area. Even after being here for about a month, I still feel that I know very little about what is going on here. It is going to take a fair amount of time, but we will learn.

On our third week, we had “interviews” to express what position we saw ourselves in at the Finca. The personal commity, who interviewed us, probably already had an idea of where they wanted us, but it was a chance to let them know what we were thinking. I was really torn. At first, I wanted to be a social worker here. Then I realized that you really need to be up on your Spanish to do that because Social Workers start working right away. Then, I thought I wanted to be a teacher. Though I don’t know if I am teacher material full-time, I do love working in a school environment. Also, as a teacher, you get a little more time to get adjusted because the school year doesn’t start until Feburary here. (It goes from Feb. until the end of Oct.) Although, the new teachers are in charge of winter school. I was really torn. I felt like I could probably do either. And both had its positives and negatives. So, ultimately, I left it up to the Personal Committee to decide what was best.

It turns out my new title at the Finca is “Trabajadora Social de Casas 1 y 2” aka “Social Worker of Houses 1 and 2.” I was a little surprised by the decision but also really excited. It is going to be a challenging job. As social worker for houses 1 and 2, which are the youngest girls at the Finca. As of now, I have seven girls between the two houses ranging in ages from 4 to 10. They are beautiful little girls, who are so full of life. Seven is a low number between two houses, so it is very likely over the next year or so I will be getting new children. As of now though, I work with all the girls and their house parents to ensure their saftey and well-being. In addtion, I work on a social work team in taking care of all our 38 children. (we have the capacity for 50)

It is going to be a challenging job for a couple of reasons. One, though we have the ability to make our own schudules, our job is pretty much non-stop. Two, as the people who ensure the safety and well being of our children, it is necessary for us to be the people who handle all the tougher situations here at the Finca. This is going to be an emotionally trying job. Yet, at the same time, there will be so many chances to love these children. So, keep myself and the rest of the new social work team in your prayers, please.

Everything else is going just beautifully. I am still learning more and more Spanish every day. I am by no means fluent nor even conversational, but I am learning. Everyone who has come before us has learned, so I know I will to, eventually. Our community is great. Right now we have 23 volunteers, however, that will go down to 15 once all the transitions of people going home or changing jobs happens. I live with some great people, and I am so looking forward to getting to know them better. The scenery here is just amazing. I was told the other day that we actually live in a jungle! So, not only do I live 20 yards from the Caribbean Sea, but I also live in a jungle! Amazing. I still find it hard to believe that this is my home for the next 2 years.

Well, I could keep blogging for hours, but I won’t keep you. And really, I should be getting back to my work as well. First, however, I want to thank all of you who have asked how I am, sent emails, letters, or packages. My friend Lizzy and I have dubbed Thursdays “Make or Break” day as it is the day we get all our mail. So far, I have had 3 “make” days in a row! Keep the letters coming!

I hope all is well with you at home in the United States. Know that I think of you all often. Much love and peace to you all.