Kate Mattoon: RB High grad helping orphans in Honduras

By Elizabeth Marie Himchak

Because of the rewarding experience Kate Mattoon is having teaching children at Farm of the Child in Honduras, she extended her missionary commitment from 27 months to 39 months.

The 2005 Rancho Bernardo High graduate, San Rafael Catholic Church parishioner and daughter of Rancho Bernardans Renee and Terry Mattoon became a missionary following her 2009 graduation from the University of Notre Dame.

She teaches third- and fourth-grade math, science and English — along with duties like catechist, swimming teacher, newsletter coordinator and non-food donations manager — at the Catholic orphanage on the northern coast of Honduras. Mattoon said it provides a permanent home to about 50 children were who abused, abandoned or orphaned without known family. They live in six houses, divided by age and gender.

The missionaries, who raise money to finance their stay, live simply by cooking outside often, conserving food rations, taking cold showers and washing clothes by hand, she said. They have limited access to phones, Internet and watch a movie once every two weeks.

“Though giving up some of the material luxuries we have in the States can be challenging, I have found ... that it has freed me to be truly present to the kids and the volunteer community, and appreciate life and the natural world around me in new ways,” Mattoon said.

“I knew that I wanted to do service when I graduated from college and I was drawn to the Farm because of its four pillars ... and the way they are lived out (here),” she said. The pillars are spirituality, simplicity, service and community.

Though she did volunteered in high school and college, Mattoon said she had never attempted something like this or visited a developing country. In addition, she did not know Spanish, the language she is required to speak most of the day.

She began to learn Spanish through an eight-week intense language course in Xela, Guatemala, two months before her missionary work began in October 2009. The now-24-year-old will return to the U.S. this December and said she hopes to teach at a Catholic and/or bilingual elementary school.

Mattoon was to return last December, but extended her commitment a third year for many reasons, she said.

“I love the kids and I love my job,” she said. “At this point in my life, though I really miss the people I am close to in the States, it wouldn’t feel right for me to be anywhere but here. My first year teaching ... was pretty rough. The second year went so much better. I was excited to see what a third year would bring.

“Though it might not look like it to some, I live a privileged life here,” she said. “I work hard and obviously have to make some pretty big sacrifices, but I receive so much more than I give, every single day. To know these kids and get to share life with them is to see the face of God in a different way than I ever have before.

“They make me believe that despite the violence and injustice and general desperation that comes closer and closer to our fence each day, people are good, because goodness lies in every single one of them,” she said. “They overcome abuse and tragic abandonment and loss and little by little grow into healthy, happy, loving kids. They challenge me every day to be the best version of myself that I can.”

Mattoon said she has learned two lessons: “It’s not about winning. It’s not about me.” With these in mind, she focuses on being part of a team, being compassionate with children struggling with behavioral problems who sometimes do not treat her well, and putting others first.

Mattoon said the Farm, solely funded through donations, has suffered during the economic recession. “The San Rafael Knights of Columbus and San Rafael Parish as a whole have been incredibly supportive of my mission and of the Farm,” she said. “I am so grateful for their faithfulness in accompanying me in prayer and through donations on my mission.”

To donate or become a missionary, go to www.farmofthechild.org.