Audrey began school with the Horst children on Monday. One room in our house serves as the main classroom, but we spend most of our reading time in the “living room” on comfortable chairs. Due to our weekly Wednesday trip to Teguc for groceries and other errands, the children have a break. So, school takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Overall, the first week went well. The children seem to have embraced the school schedule even though all the other children at La Finca are still taking full advantage of winter break. Angelica and Ali are enjoying The witch of blackbird pond (based on the witch hysteria in New England colonies during the late 1600’s) while Zack’s favorite book at the moment is The lion storyteller bedtime book.

The weather this week was much like April in the Northeast - cloudy, chilly and drizzly with promising short breaks of sunshine. We’ve attempted to make the most of it. The pattern of La Finca helpers is developing. Working in the garden is a daily privilege. Every morning, volunteers help dig, prepare the soil, plant seeds and water emerging seedlings. The energy of these children is amazing!

In the absence of a team of oxen, Dwain is implementing “minimum-till” variations for the garden. The children dig trenches for lettuce, carrots, greens, peas and beans approximately 9 inches deep so that a layer of nutrient-rich and water-laden banana stems can be placed on the bottom of the trench and covered with a light layer of aged cow manure or just plain sifted soil before carefully raking the small seeds into the surface.

Warm sunshine on Friday was a reprieve from clouds and coolness. After lunch, many children sprawled out and slept on any flat sun-warmed areas they could find. Here are some boys in front of the library.

The “A Team” (Audrey, Andrea, Angelica and Ali) enjoyed baking a carrot cake and some chocolate cupcakes in celebration of Janelle’s birthday. The aroma of warm baked goods reminded us home is just a recipe away.