Stories from the Farm: Life at Finca T Week 4

First Coffee Cherries of the Season and Heartfelt Visits at Finca T

No trick-or-treating took place this year, but there were plenty of sweet moments at Finca T. This week marked a major milestone: the first coffee cherries of the 2025 season were picked.

The First Pickings Begin

The 2025 harvest is officially underway. While only a small percentage of cherries have ripened, those early ones must be picked before over-fermenting on the tree. Since quantities are still small, the entire wet processing plant has not been powered up to avoid wasting water and energy. Instead, these first cherries are processed using a fermented natural method, creating a unique flavor profile while making the most of the initial harvest.

Alma Team Visits the Farm

Excitement was high as members of Alma HQ visited Finca T. Max returned for a second visit, while Kiersten and Lilly joined for the first time. From the moment they arrived, the team was fully immersed in farm life.

Visitors toured Finca T, explored sister farms including Finca La Única, Finca Leticia, and Finca Mariposa, visited the on-site school, cupped coffees, learned about organic soil regeneration, and even experienced traditional Honduran folkloric dance. A full photo gallery captures the highlights of the trip.

The most impactful experiences, however, were centered on community.

Visiting the Local Special Needs School

A particularly emotional stop was the local special needs school, located on land donated by Finca T. This school is one of the few of its kind in the region, with the next closest one an hour and a half away in Santa Rosa. The director greeted the team warmly, proud of the progress made.

Last year, in partnership with the Matiak Foundation, Finca T helped repaint the school and purchase a sign, fulfilling a long-held dream of the staff. Seeing the sign displayed brought goosebumps to everyone.

The classrooms are simple and resources are limited, but the energy is full of joy. Small donations of toys and tents created a Christmas-morning-level excitement for the children, who laughed, played, and shared their world with the visitors. The experience was humbling, heartwarming, and deeply grounding.

A Visit to the Local Hospital

The team also visited the local hospital, supported by Finca T through donations. As the only medical facility within an hour of Corquín, the hospital operates with minimal resources. Sanitation is limited, sterilization liquids are stored in reused bottles, and each room houses multiple patients, even during childbirth.

A recent ambulance donation was a significant victory, though the hospital often struggles to afford fuel. In emergencies, local donors, including Finca T, are called upon to contribute a few dollars, literally saving lives. Despite government funding, the hospital relies almost entirely on private support to function.

Operating with just three nurses and one doctor, the hospital often faces difficult situations. On one night, a patient needed to be transported to a larger city. With the only doctor and nurse accompanying the patient, the hospital had to temporarily close, leaving any other emergencies untreated. These challenges highlighted the critical importance of supporting the local community.

Wrapping Up the Week

As the week concluded, Kiersten and Lilly returned home, and Nikki joined Max for a first-time visit to the farm. The week was filled with laughter, learning, tears, and moments that brought perspective. Alma’s goal of impacting a mile deep within an inch of width was clearly evident throughout the week, demonstrating the powerful difference that care and support can make.