Friends Of The Farm

A Newsletter For Our Supporters

A Journey Up the San Pedro

Zulena Pescatore, Founder

Remembering our first year of missionary service, Vincent, ever the dedicated healer, began to attend to the sick in his clinic, and twice a month he’d fire up our little fiberglass boat and head upstream on the beautiful San Pedro River, navigating for about 2 to 3 hours to visit patients who lived far away and couldn’t come to the clinic. He cared deeply for his patients and wanted to ensure they were doing well, that the medication he had provided was helping.

On one such trip, Vincent invited me to accompany him. With our four children safely under the care of a mother friend we set off. I helped him carry some things to the boat, brought along some food to share on the way. Lush jungle lined the riverbanks, a constant reminder of the raw beauty that surrounded our work.

Vincent took with him his plastic toolbox, similar to the ones used by builders to store their hand tools, only this box was full of medicines. He put on his backpack, where he carried the rest of his clinic instruments for blood pressure and the stethoscope to listen to the lungs and heart. He checked if he had everything, checked the boat’s motor, the gas, life jackets, and we were ready to start our journey on the San Pedro River, which is about 200 feet wide, with its sides covered in virgin jungle, amazing views, and lush trees.

Our first stop was Don Vidal (I hope I remember his name correctly), a weathered man of seventy, and father six children. Some of his grandchildren were running barefoot in the grandparents’ yard. They all welcomed us with such joy that we felt comfortable talking to each one of them. Vincent asked about Don Vidal, “How is he doing?” Instead of responding, they took us to the kitchen where he was having coffee at a small table. Don Vidal warmly welcomed us, offering seats. Vincent, however, politely bypassed the offer, explaining our visit aimed to assess his arm. Don Vidal replied, “I’m better, I just have a little pain, and the fevers have subsided.” Deeply faithful, Vincent began with a prayer, followed by the examination. He donned gloves, retrieved a thermometer to check Don Vidal’s vitals for signs of fever, and explained they would need to remove his shirt to assess his arm.

Don Vidal had a cloth bandage on his arm, soiled with wear. Vincent, with gentle hands, began to remove it. When he finished removing the bandage, I could see his arm was a gruesome sight, a battleground of infection. I was so impressed because there were sores covered in suppuration, no skin, only red, moist flesh could be seen. Fear welled up in me, the urge to turn away overwhelming, I said to myself, “My God, please help him.”

Vincent looked at the wound and asked for a clean cloth. The elderly wife with one of her sons ran to get boiled water and cooled it for a while. Vincent went to his medicine box, called me to help clean the arm while he prepared an injection, antibiotics, and other medications. I looked at Don Vidal’s arm and discreetly said to Vincent, “I’m nauseous, there’s too much secretion!” Vincent, ever calm, looked me in the eyes and said, “Zulena, I trust only you” With those words, a sense of purpose washed over me. I donned gloves, took a deep breath, and with a silent prayer for strength, I cradled Don Vidal’s arm. His grateful whisper, “God bless you,” echoed in my ears as I cleaned his wound. This kind man, despite his illness, offered thanks. His words fueled my determination.

I finished the cleaning, and Vincent treated the wound. Back in the boat, a wave of relief and a newfound strength washed over me.

“I never had the stomach for medicine,” I confessed to Vincent. We both smiled. This wasn’t just a medical journey, it was a journey of faith, love, and overcoming fear.

That day, on the San Pedro River, God, through Vincent, taught me a powerful lesson that is etched in my soul: The power of prayer, the strength of love, the humbling realization that God can use even the faintest of hearts to do his work This experience has stayed with me throughout my life, a constant reminder of the power of service and the unwavering strength found in faith.

In those early years on the mission field, the Lord, through my dear husband Vincent guided me towards a life of love, service, and fulfilling His will.

Come and See

By Nate Janssen, Misionero 2021-2023, Service Coordinator 2023- Present

If there is anything that I have learned in my almost three years at the Finca, it is how difficult it is to explain the Finca life to someone who has never been to the Finca in-person. It is nearly impossible for potential missionaries and visitors to truly understand the Finca and all its complexity prior to arriving inside our fence along the BEAUTIFUL Honduran coast. Nearly every single person comments, “Well it isn’t what I was expecting!” when asked on how their time at the Finca has been and how it lined up with their expectations.

Therefore, it is incredibly helpful for potential missionaries, long-time benefactors, and other Finca partners that diligently work for our mission to come experience the Finca in-person. We believe that is best executed through week-long immersion trips that allow for a real- life glimpse into the reality of the Finca in all its beauty and challenges. A week-long immersion trip will never be the same as committing to the Finca for at least two years, but it can bring incredible value to discernment among potential missionaries and pure satisfaction for benefactors that have supported the Finca for years.

We had the amazing opportunity to host two different immersion trips this past winter at the Finca! 6 students and 2 faculty from Zamorano University near Tegucigalpa, Honduras visited the Finca for two weeks, which was an incredible opportunity to have college students from Central and South America come to visit our beautiful home and relate to our Finca kids on a different level. The missionary house was filled with incredible laughter, late-night poker games, and so many enriching conversations throughout their two weeks at the Finca.

On the same day that the Zamorano students left the Finca, we received an immersion group of about 15 people from the United States! It was a crazy transition in just one day, but we were happy to open our home to so many people around the holidays, which is an AMAZING time of year at the Finca. The U.S. group was able to experience so much during their time at the Finca, including the large New Year’s Eve party, a torrential downpour that made leaving the missionary house difficult for almost a full day, great moments swimming in the ocean with the Finca kids, and a touching party honoring the anniversary of Vincent’s tragic death.

All in all, what an incredible experience for both these groups of visitors and for the Finca! We are hosting another immersion trip in October for anyone who wants to simply visit our beautiful home in rural Honduras and see where God s leading you. The slogan is pretty simple:

Come and See.

Jenny: Growth and Gratitude

Jenny, Former Finca Resident

I arrived at the Finca del Niño on February 23, 2002, a mere one and a half years old. My time there was filled with cherished memories, from birthday celebrations to joyous Christmas festivities. The people who touched my life during those formative years hold a special place in my heart. Each missionary, director, Franciscan Sister, aunt, and teacher who graced the Finca’s doors left an indelible mark on my soul, imparting invaluable lessons that continue to shape me today.

Ismary, the director during my time, instilled in me the virtues of honesty and simplicity. Mami Zulena, the Finca’s founder, demonstrated the unwavering perseverance required to achieve great things in life. From each missionary, I absorbed the essence of humility and witnessed their dedication to a noble cause – selflessly giving their all to the children at the Finca.

I firmly believe that my experiences at the Finca played a pivotal role in shaping me into the woman and professional I am today. The Finca provided me with a nurturing environment where I could grow and thrive, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate the world beyond its walls.

While leaving the Finca was a bittersweet moment, I carried with me the confidence and resilience instilled in me during my time there. I was prepared to face the world, armed with the lessons learned and the love I received from those who cared for me.

Today, I stand tall, filled with pride and gratitude for my accomplishments. My journey to becoming a Social Worker stemmed from the admiration I held for the social workers who visited the Finca during my childhood. I aspired to follow in their footsteps, to give back to the Finca and to those who had enriched my life.

Holding the distinction of being the first in my family to earn a university degree, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I have fulfilled the dreams my siblings held for me. My success is a testament to the transformative power of the Finca and the opportunities it provided. I am eternally grateful for the support they extended to me, which paved the way for my admission to the Asociación Jóvenes para Honduras in Tegucigalpa, where I received a scholarship that enabled me to pursue my academic aspirations.

As I look towards the future, my heart swells with hope and determination. I dream of empowering children and youth to continue their education and pursue their dreams. Alongside my professional growth, I aspire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, embodying the values of compassion and service that were instilled in me during my time at the Finca del Niño.