Radiating Joy
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call him while he is near... This beautiful reading from Isaiah, which coincidentally is the first reading for this coming Sunday at Mass, is a true invitation to grace, and it takes on a special meaning when you meet people who radiate joy.
This kind of person draws you in with their peace and kindness. Their love is so sincere that you enjoy simply being in their presence. And even though you can’t quite put into words what sets them apart, encountering them stokes a desire within you to seek out whatever it is that they have, to seek the Lord and find Him in their joy. This has been my experience every time I visit Finca in Honduras, and have the privilege to enjoy the simplicity of spending time with our beloved children.
Growing up in the Atlanta area, I married my husband, Greg, in 1990. Our beautiful daughter, Tiffany, was born in 1991, and three years later, our amazing son, Matthew, followed. I wasn't raised Catholic but fell in love with the faith as an adult. I was a Life Teen Music Director at our parish for many years, and during this time, I led a youth group from my parish to the Farm, and fell in love with their noble work.
When I first stepped on the campus, I thought this place is holy ground. Children were laughing and singing. Our Franciscan sisters greeted us at the gate, and the missionaries were there to guide us. It was a moment I will never forget, and it stays with me every time I return.
During the two missions that I was a part of leading, we were able to help build the playground and prayer garden, replace the roofs of all the buildings, painted the convent, and buried the electric lines all over the campus. My entire family was involved, and it was such a blessing for all of us.
In 2013, our daughter Tiffany decided to become a two-year missionary. While it was hard for Greg and I to let go of our firstborn, nothing could have prepared us for the grace I received from her decision to become a missionary. Our family spent nearly a month around Christmas to help her and the entire Farm community.
Finca del Niño is a very unique and holy place. With the Holy Family as our model, we give children the opportunity to live in a loving, safe home with a family structure. We work to heal past traumas, educate, and give faith formation so that our children can have a bright future as they leave our care.
Giving back to the community of Farm of the Child is my unique way to thank God. The Lord has blessed me with much; besides being a wife and a mother, I am also a hands-on Nana and enjoy my three grandchildren as much as possible.
I love to serve God in many different capacities. I am in music as a cantor at two different Parishes, St. Brendan's and St. Jerome's, and I'll be going on a Pilgrimage in September to Fatima, Lourdes, and Santiago de Compostela, where I will be singing with a small ensemble and performing solo in concert at Compostela (an exciting trip because this is a huge bucket list trip for me to sing for Our Lady!). I am part of the Board of Directors of Farm of the Child and love how this mission continues to grow and serve the most vulnerable.
By seeking the Lord and finding Him in this small but wonderful community, I have learned that God doesn't call the prepared; He calls the open. Every time I am at the Farm I am a mom, a music minister, and a teacher, and I am wonderfully surprised that in each one of these roles, I can encounter Him.
God called my entire family, and we were open to His call, and this decision changed our lives forever in such an incredible way. We are so grateful for His call and our Farm of the Child Family, and we are grateful for YOU, who support us in making this mission possible.
Thank you for playing a crucial role in supporting us in our efforts to serve our children and our community at Farm of the Child in Honduras. A community that is setting the world ablaze and bringing radiant joy with them wherever they go.
Big hug,
- Cathy Ross
Board of Directors Member
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