A Typical Day

4:30 AM

Before the sun rises, Tía Gloria is up. Since the three boys that live in her house will be hungry when they get back from Morning Prayer, Gloria likes to have breakfast ready before she leaves for church.

5:00 am

Morning cups of coffee accompany quiet time of personal prayer before starting the day in the missionary house. This smile is Spirit-filled and (soon-to-be) caffine-fueled.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:4-5

5:45 am

The entire Farm family, including children, tías, missionaries, and religious sisters, gather in the chapel to pray Laudes, Morning Prayer in Liturgy of the Hours. Morning silence breaks as we pray the psalms, reflect on the gospel, and intercede for various intentions.

6:30 Am

Everyone goes back to their homes to get ready for the day. Kids eat breakfast before heading to school. Tías are busy braiding hair and making sure backpacks are full. Missionary teachers grab one last sip of coffee before trekking to the school, office, or clinic.

7:20 AM

The children from the local community trickle into the Farm and the school day begins with morning assembly, prayer, and recitation of the national anthem and school song. Educators make their daily announcements and students proceed to their classrooms for a day of learning and fun!

8:00 AM

Maria Ofelia plans her meetings for the day. As on-site director, her daily responsibilities include meeting with various department supervisors, strategic planning for the coming months, and collaborating with Farm of the Child USA on the budget. Whatever her workload you can count on a big smile and a snack when you walk into her office.

9:15 am

Profa Ally and her Kindergarten class enjoy their mid-morning recess time. This active bunch gets excited about every game, project, or song their teacher presents. Our missionary teachers collaborate with Honduran professionals to learn strategies to engage with their students in a meaningful way.

9:45 am

Darwin plays on the porch while his tía makes tortillas on the outdoor stove. We believe that the therapy of play does wonders in building trust with children that come to the Farm. We stop to enjoy these little moments with the littlest and most curious children.

10:00 AM

José drops by the missionary house to fix a leak in the roof. Men who serve as house parents at the Farm and men from the local community compose our maintenance staff. Their expertise in carpentry, agriculture, and construction are indispensable to the Farm.

10:45 AM

It is exam time in the middle school. Shhh!

11:30 Am

Kelsey reviews medications in the clinic to prepare for consultations tomorrow. Twice a week, a general medicine doctor from the neighboring town of Santa Fe arrives at the Farm to offer consultations for the surrounding communities. Our clinic offers some of the best free health care in the area.

12:15 pm

Georgi makes his rounds to drop off filtered water jugs at all of the children’s houses. A generous donation in 2018 enabled the Farm to install a water filtration system in the maintenance workshop. Access to clean drinking water is a human right that the Farm does not take for granted.

1:00 pm

The children arrive home from school and change into comfortable clothes. Today, Tia Ercilia brings a table outside to enjoy lunch with a beautiful ocean view. Our tías are truly super-stars! After spending the morning washing clothes, cleaning the house, and preparing food, they choose to go above and beyond in lunchtime creativity.

1:25 PM

Alicia is enjoying a mid-day moment to relax in the hammock before jumping into her afternoon tasks. Our missionaries are hard-workers with many responsibilities around the Farm. It is important to take these ten minute breaks so that they can dive back into their work with energy and enthusiasm!

1:45 pm

Homework time in Casa Virgen de Suyapa! Because of their varying academic backgrounds before arriving at the Farm, children have vastly different academic needs. Most need additional one-on-one tutoring, especially right when they arrive at the Farm. Farm employees often help with homework amidst their other responsibilities.

3:00 pm

Britney brings the girls to the computer lab for PAVI. Puente a la Vida Independiente (PAVI) or Bridge to Independent Life is a vocational program that teaches the teenagers of the Farm both hard and soft skills they can use once they transition into adult life. Today is Typing PAVI. The girls are excited to make progress on their online typing game.

4:15 pm

Guadalupe meets with her psychologist, Norma, for an afternoon session. Separation from family is a traumatic experience for all children. Regular therapy sessions offer each child the opportunity to explore their own story, learn about healthy relationships, and experience the healing that Christ offers.

4:45 pm

Oscar rakes the backyard of his house after coming back from playing soccer. Honduran youth have many family responsibilities and chores in the typical home. The Farm strives to embrace this cultural reality and nuance it. Children at the Farm live a healthy balance of carefree play and diligent work.

5:00 pm

Time to go to the chapel for rosary! Every week the houses take turns leading prayer. Under the guidance of their tía, the children decide what songs to sing or special reflections to add to the meditation. The spiritual life of the Farm is rich and truly unifies the community.

6:05 pm

Faustina is in charge of dinner tonight. Baleadas are on the menu, a traditional Honduran meal of tortillas, beans, cheese, and a bit of egg or avocado if you’re lucky! The teenagers at the Finca, boys and girls, are responsible for cooking one meal a week for their homes. This valuable skill will serve them for life.

7:15 pm

The missionary community gathers after dinner for their weekly Community Night. Every week has a different flavor. Sometimes it’s a silly game or craft. Sometimes it’s a podcast group-listen and discussion. Sometimes it’s watching an episode of The Office. This week it’s playing cards and baking cookies. Whatever the theme, missionaries cherish this time to simply be together.

8:30 pm

The security guards make their routine rounds through the Farm. Most of the children are settling into bed for the night and the property is quiet. Whether signing in visitors at the front gate, updating the community on local security concerns, or watching over the Farm at night, our team of security guards make everyone feel safe.

10:00 pm

¡Buenas Noches!