Farm Family of the Week

This week on the farm we started having the Farm Family of the Week. This is for a family that comes on time (I think this is the hardest part…it’s definitely not part of the culture to be on time), works hard, and also has a house mother or counselor working hard with them. The family that I picked for the first week is the family that I worked with on Saturday. I had so much fun working with them that I felt that they deserved the award. Last night at family time, I presented them with a pineapple and thanked them for their hard work. I began to work with this family because I heard them singing. They seemed to be having a good time so I thought that I’d join them. As we worked, we had a very interesting talk about religion. They know that I’m Jewish and began to ask questions. It was hard for them to believe that I don’t believe the same as they do about Jesus. I also asked them questions. I went to Catholic Mass for the first time last week when we had the ceremony to remember the student that died over the vacation. I learned a lot from them and their thoughts on religion. Many have such a strong and very real faith that I always enjoy conversations like this.

It just so happened that there was also a birthday in the family that night and they had a celebration for her. It was great to be with this family as they celebrated…everyone was so happy and joyous! I got to thinking that for many of these kids coming to Agahozo might be their first time celebrating a birthday with family. The girl who had a birthday started the evening with a very solemn look on her face but began to cry out of happiness when the group began to sing. It made me realize how important it is to have family around to share in happy occasions. I just had my birthday this weekend and missed my family so much. I enjoyed being a part of the celebration.