Development begins by picking up a hoe.
Without working these fields,
we will never move forward.
What has made you the happiest in this life?
Being taught by my father how to farm. It is what has sustained me.
Who is your role model in life?
My grandfather. When he left this earth he passed on something to his children. I hope I am able to do the same.
What do you hope for your children?
I hope that they have a good future in agriculture. None of them have had much education. I believe that development begins by picking up a hoe. Without working these fields, we will never move forward.
Have you ever tasted your coffee?
Yes, it’s delicious and sweet!
Charles has been farming coffee since the 1970’s and has 480 trees. Since our washing station opened four coffee seasons ago, he’s been walking from nearby Gaharo hill to deliver his coffee cherries to us.
Follow our #fridayfarmers hashtag on Instagram to see more!
I have been reading your family’s story over the last few days. It has been such a gift to me way over here on our coffee hills in Honduras. Not often lately do I feel a “me, too” moment, but as I read your words, I often thought, yes, me too on things like how precious our limited supply of books are here and how taxing it gets to be constantly stared at and feeling the need to wash our hands after handling the money here and how a majority of the coffee farmers here have not tasted their own coffee and how electricity and a shower with decent pressure are never guaranteed and the exhausting reality of day to day life where nothing is simple or convenient or timely and so often seems to requires some random stamp or approval from someone who works only certain days and it is never the day we are there :) and CHEESE, oh I miss good cheese!!!! Thank you for your honest words. I so relate to worrying about how all of this will affect our boys. Will it soften their hearts for the needs of others or will they get so fed up with the needs? Will they resent their time here or will it get into their heart in someway? I loved your words apologizing to Jesus for whining along the way. I way too often am right there!!! He proves himself good and faithful over and over again and I struggle with doubt and worry and wanting comfort and ease over and over again.
Thank you for sharing your story and the stories of the people you are helping. The pictures are amazing. I love seeing the hands that work the coffee. A lifetime of struggle shows in the hands and in the depths of the eyes you show and in the weathered skin. Your efforts are blessing many. I will be praying for your family and for strength to keep on when it gets hard and discouraging. God bless your harvest this year! Thank you again for the time you have taken to record your experiences and thoughts.
Wow. Thank you for your thoughts! So needed your encouragement today and your kinship from afar.
pure simplicity and yet he thinks about what sober.