When Foreign Becomes Family
As the month of April comes to a close, I have reflected much on some of my favorite, and most memorable experiences from the last month. Here’s a look into what the past month has looked like at the Finca:
With the last-minute news of the departure of one of the maintenance team members, all of the Finca workers came together to plan a “despedida,” or going away party, for him. We gathered one afternoon to say words of encouragement and affirmation to our good friend, and didn’t forget some good-old friendly competition as we all joined together to play a last soccer game together–the Security and Maintenance team versus Missionaries and the Finca. Though much of the time on the field was spent laughing way too hard to run, it was wonderful to see the joy and affection of everyone amidst the laughs and friendly competition as the community came together for one last ‘hoorah’ for our beloved maintenance worker.
Security/Maintenance VS. Missionaries/Finca
Piñata party despedida
I am fortunate to work very closely alongside a wonderful group of women who keep the Finca running strong and kids healthy. My co-workers within the clinical team consist of the Director, the Psychologist, the Social Worker, the Franciscan Sisters, and the Missionary Coordinator. With all of the moving parts of the Finca, I have been amazed how efficiently each member gets their job done for the greater whole, and with the joy and laughter they do so with. It has been such a pleasure to work, and laugh, alongside them, while all striving towards the goal of bettering the lives of the kids at the Finca.
The clinical team and our weekly meetings
Francis, the Psychologist
A welcoming to our new director and social worker!
For a few weeks before and during ‘Semana Santa,’ or Holy Week, I spent most of my time hung up in a hammock with a sinus infection on top of Dengue fever, a virus here commonly passed through mosquitoes. Though these last few weeks were brutal and long, as if the sicknesses were never going to pass, I was continually reminded of the community I have surrounding me to support me. Something that really struck me was the psychologist, Francis, kindly brought me snacks and continually checked up on me as I, the nurse, was out of commission for a few weeks.
My view from the hammock during my sick weeks
One of the last weeks of April, I celebrated my birthday at the Finca. As someone that doesn’t advertise my birthday, I was shocked by the love and kindness all of the Finca showed me. Just as an example of all the ways I felt loved throughout the day, the day started off with a 4:30am wake-up by the night security guards playing the “mañanitas” happy birthday song through my window to wake me up. I couldn't help but laugh as I wiped the sleep from my eyes and watched the security guards dancing, playing the air guitar, and attempting to sing “happy birthday” in english at the crack of dawn.
End of the day birthday dinner with fellow missionaries, the director, psychologist and social worker
Within all of the stories from the last month, a common theme that warms my heart is how my co-workers, the kids, and the neighboring communities, who were once unknown faces and names, have become just like family. Amidst all of the pranks, laughs, difficulties, joys, acts of kindness and hard-work, there is a deep, underlying appreciation and love each member has for one another. Despite the cultural and language barriers, and the differing backgrounds and experiences, the Finca feels like home and everyone is welcome to the table.
The Finca-wide management teams of all specialties
Paz y bien,
Natalie
