Field Trip to the Farm!

Here's a news story I just wrote about our outing to a farm this past Saturday. It was my most favorite excursion that I have ever done in my 13 months here (despite the fact that one of the girls got super carsick on the way there and I had to put on my mom pants to clean up the mess!) I was so so SO proud of our older kids for being so responsible and helpful throughout the day!

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Field Trip to the Farm!

42 pequeños got the opportunity to spend a day on Rancho Cruz, a cheese and honey farm

On Saturday, February 2^nd, the bus left NPH at 8:00am sharp packed full with 42 pequeños, two volunteers, one caregiver, Marijo, and the chauffer for an adventure unlike any other. The day was to be spent at “Rancho Cruz,” a cheese and honey farm located north of the capital. A connection had been made a couple months prior via the sponsorship department. From there, Cruz and Elias, the couple that runs the business, graciously invited NPH to bring a group out for a day of fun on the farm.

The crew arrived shortly after 11:00am and immediately began touring the facilities. Everyone first learned the process for making cheese. They got the chance to see all of the equipment that is used as well as the baby cows. Later on, they were also given the opportunity to see the cows being milked, a new experience for all.  Everyone also got to walk over to where all the beehives are kept and learn about the “Queen Bee” and how honey is harvested. Cruz and Elias were even kind enough to send us home with various jars of honey to share with all. All of the kids, from the 5-year olds to the 18-year olds, were quite fascinated by both the cheese-making and honey-making processes.

Throughout the day, there was the opportunity to see many different animals. There were deer, mules, hens, geese, horses, and dogs. A favorite moment for many of the children was when they got the opportunity to ride a couple of the horses and go for a trot around the grounds. There was also plenty of time to explore the land and run around and play. There were swings, a dock overlooking the river, and much much more. A lunch was prepared by the ranch staff, and the kids stuffed themselves full with rice, beans, pasta salad, fruit, pork, chicken, and fresh juice.

By 5:00pm, the kids were far from ready to leave their new favorite place but it was time to board the bus and head back home. Another cool aspect of the day is that kids from every house were a part of the trip, including the special needs house. The oldest kids were in charge of the younger ones and everything went very smoothly because of it. Not only were the adults on the trip impressed but the people at the farm expressed how amazed they were as well by the responsibility and good behavior of the children.

As it turns out, many of the kids took quite an interest in the farm and on the ride home they professed new desires to become veterinarians or study agriculture. The kids seemed very moved not just by everything they saw and experienced, but also by the passion and expertise that Cruz and Elias demonstrated in the way they run their ranch.

We would like to thank Cruz and Elias and all of Rancho Cruz for their extreme generosity and for welcoming us into their home with open arms. They created an experience with memories that will last a lifetime for all of those that participated. Words cannot express how truly grateful we are for their kindness and selflessness. And beyond the wonderful experience of the day at the farm, their family is beautiful example for our children to see. Thank you very much!

Mayelin, on of our newest kids, with the baby cows!

Jose and Jonathan!

Little Milagros!

Maria del Carmen!

YES! John Deere! (but check out the spelling of Jhon!)

Ramirez, one of the older helpers that was so awesome!

Checking out the lagoon!

A bunch of the boys amidst the bamboo!

Samuel!

Junior and Junior, hehe!

"Never stop smiling!" -Father Wasson

Cristina, Ivelisse, Massiel, and Carmencita!

Yoan, the other boy helper!

Crossing the river!

The crew! Including Elias, Madelon, Cruz, Marijo, and myself!

Joel Jose, Yudelkis, Pedro, and Maria del Carmen who all happened to be wearing the same shirt!

Junior, Randi, Cristina, Kendra, and Marino!

Yudelkis!

Although at age 16, it was his first time riding ever, Yoan looked like a pro within seconds of getting on the horse!

Massiel on the swings!

Yolanda, one of the girl helpers, was a rockstar all day long! SOOO helpful! You can definitely tell that she is the oldest of 5 siblings!