Stories from the Farm: Life at Finca T Week 3
Week three at Finca Terrerito has been equal parts calm, chaotic, and caffeinated. The coffee harvest has not officially begun, but all the signs are there. The rains are finally easing up, the soil is warming, and the cherries are ripening. The countdown to picking is officially on, with the first cherries of the season expected to be harvested next week.
In the meantime, the team has been enjoying slower days filled with strong coffee and a few unexpected adventures.
The Great Water Hunt
Hydration became a full-blown quest this week. The team searched nearly every store in Corquín for bottled water, only to find empty shelves. Determined to restock, they made a mini road trip to the nearby town of Cucuyagua. After checking four different stores, success finally came with twenty bottles in hand. It turns out bottled water is not a top seller in the region, as most locals prefer fresh seasonal fruit juices. This time of year, passionfruit juice is the favorite. After a few sips, the team quickly understood why.
Harry’s Week: The Dentist and the Disaster
Harry’s week began with a pleasant surprise. A visit to the local dentist in Corquín turned out to be one of the best experiences yet. A full cleaning, X-rays, and an orthodontic consultation cost about $45 in total, offering excellent care at an unbelievable price. The rest of the week brought a bit more excitement. Harry’s ongoing effort to organize a basketball team finally paid off. After celebrating Lourdes’ birthday with a homemade passionfruit cheesecake, he rallied the team for an impromptu game. About ten team members eagerly joined in, still wearing jeans and work boots. Moments later, Harry returned announcing, “All good! I broke Reynaldo’s pinky, but Oscar popped it back in place!” What everyone hoped was a joke turned out to be true. Thankfully, Reynaldo is doing just fine, and the team is calling it their most memorable bonding activity yet.
Full Circle Moments and Fresh Perspective
This week also brought moments that reminded everyone why the work at Finca Terrerito matters. Two large boxes of donations arrived from Alma supporters back in the United States. Sorting through the clothes and school supplies that had been packed up at Alma just weeks before, and preparing them for the local school, was a powerful full-circle experience.
Another highlight was learning how to make authentic Honduran beans. With just dry beans, salt, and a touch of garlic, the flavor was simple yet unforgettable.
The team also enjoyed a bit of self-care when Lourdes took a few members into town for manicures and pedicures. What would typically cost over $100 in the United States came to just $30 in Corquín. However, with an average local daily wage of about $15, that same service represents two full days of work, offering a striking reminder of the economic disparities that exist.These experiences serve as motivation for Alma Coffee’s mission to make coffee not only environmentally sustainable but also financially sustainable for the farmers and communities who bring it to life.
Piglets on the Farm
The week ended with an exciting surprise when one of the farm’s pigs gave birth. The labor lasted nearly 24 hours, and with the team’s help, the mother successfully delivered thirteen piglets, eleven of which survived. Witnessing the process was both emotional and awe-inspiring, offering a beautiful glimpse into the cycle of life on the farm.
Looking Ahead
With the harvest about to begin and visitors preparing to arrive, the days ahead will be busier than ever. For now, the team is embracing this in-between moment, filled with small victories, meaningful perspective, and deep gratitude for the work being done in Honduras.
