Ripples of Love
The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the kitchen, and a colorful display of dishes decorated the large dining table. After the “Amen”, it wasn’t long until utensils clanked against plates, laughter filled the room, and our meal began. This is one of my early memories of when I first arrived at Finca del Niño. I was only five years old, and regardless of the wonderful meal and the joy that encircled me, I was scared.
As one of many children born into a at-risk family in Honduras, I faced immense challenges at a very young age, and although I can already see in my life the immense fruit of the love I received since the first moment I came to Finca (and I’m grateful!), it was a difficult to go through so much shifting all at once. Transitioning and facing feelings can be difficult, sad and scary.
Those who met me when I first got there agreed that saying that I was a willful, quirky, and curious child does not even begin to describe me. At that young age, I was trying to understand the world and make sense of what I was going through. I didn’t trust anyone. I was unsure of myself, my place in life, and what was happening around me. I remember that my favorite way to express my feelings was biting people, it didn’t matter if it was another child or an adult. I was also constantly climbing trees and running around the facilities, and to top it all, I had a dislike for the hair brush and profusely refused to get my hair braided or tied up. That was my way of coping, but I am sure I was driving all the adults crazy!
I spent all my childhood at Finca del Niño. During those years, a lot of changes happened in my life, and even though things were not always perfect or easy, I cannot pinpoint when my feelings started to shift. I remember experiencing a transition where I realized I was part of a family and I had people who cared for me. In addition to an incredible sense of belonging, it was clear to me that I was experiencing something – or rather, Someone – very special in this home with its charming surroundings… That Someone is Jesus, who is the heart of everything that happens at Finca del Niño.
Finca gave me the opportunity to learn about God, about myself, and my path in life.
Finca gave me a home and a family. From the first moment, I felt loved. The thing I treasure the most, is the deep, personal relationships I was able to form with the Tías, staff and volunteers. I was always encouraged. I was raised to be a good person. The staff and volunteers taught me about faith, integrity, goodness, and being a productive member of my community.
Last year, my time as a resident and student at Finca del Niño concluded when I graduated, but the people and that little corner of heaven will always be part of my life. When I look back at those years, I am able to recognize a beautiful pattern: a pattern where the Lord brought change in me and stretched my heart, He also brought immense growth!
I am now living the next chapter of my life in which I continue attending school, and with God’s help, next year I will start studies on health and nutrition. My dream is to guide people in the search for integral personal, family, and community well-being, by educating them on the benefits of optimal nutrition.
Finca del Niño is a ministry grounded in the power of the Holy Spirit. The people that serve and work there wholeheartedly believe that through education, spiritual formation, and family strengthening programs, lives can be changed, and all of this is possible because you believe the same. But your impact doesn’t stop there. As Mother Teresa once said, making an impact of love is like throwing a stone into the water, creating many ripples. Your ripples of love not only change the lives of individual students and families in difficult places but also of the community that surrounds us.
One thing is clear to me: if I had not been placed at Finca, I don’t think I would be recounting my life with you now. Thank you for supporting my life and giving me the opportunity to live a full, wonderful life. Your dedication to Finca del Niño is a true blessing, and I pray that God showers you with His abundant blessings.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- Luz Adriana
Former Resident and Student
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