Stories from the Farm: Life at Finca T Week 7
A Week of Goodbyes, Celebrations, and Reflection at Finca T
The week began on a somber note as the Alma Coffee team prepared to leave Finca T after six weeks of living and working on the farm. Packing up brought an unexpected wave of emotion and a deep sense of gratitude for the people, pace of life, and food that had become part of the daily rhythm.
Before the team could officially depart, they were asked to stop by Finca Leticia, another one of the family farms. What seemed like a quick detour turned into a heartfelt surprise goodbye party organized by the entire Finca T crew. Homemade Honduran pizza made with quesillo, cake, hugs, and plenty of laughter filled the afternoon. The sendoff made the farewell even more meaningful.
During the drive back that evening, the question arose: what if the stay was extended just a little longer? After checking in to make sure responsibilities at Alma Coffee were covered, the team rescheduled flights, unpacked, and embraced one more week at the farm before heading home for Black Friday preparations.
Black Friday Prep
With the extra time, the focus shifted to preparing for the biggest sale of the year. Seventeen emails were written for Black Friday week, every product image was reviewed, and all ads across platforms were approved. Planning also began for the holiday season, including a redesigned 12 Days of Alma campaign returning bigger and better than before. The bonus week quickly proved productive and well spent.
A Sudden Cold Front
Midweek, a cold front swept through Honduras. Temperatures dipped into the low 40s, and while that may seem mild elsewhere, it is unusually cold for a region where homes are built from concrete with airflow in mind rather than insulation. Families bundled together at night, pets were wrapped to stay warm, and the experience served as a reminder of how often climate control is taken for granted.
Celebrating Nelly
The week brightened with a joyful celebration for Nelly, Alma’s Director of Finance. Known for planning events for everyone else, this time the team celebrated her. The men handled the grill while the women organized decor, cake, flowers, and photos. Dinner included two pasta dishes, garlic bread, and fresh banana bread, a treat the team has grown to love. The night was full of laughter and community, marking another memorable moment before the final departure.
A Visit to Aníbal’s Tilapia Farm
Another highlight was a visit to the tilapia farm owned by Aníbal, a longtime family friend and respected coffee farmer. Although known for his work in coffee, tilapia is his true passion. One of his ponds holds 180,000 fish, and nearly every aspect of his operation has been built by hand. He is currently digging a new water reservoir himself and drives four hours daily to complete the project. He shared a piece of wisdom from his father that guides his work ethic: “Work like you will live forever. Live like you’ll die tomorrow.” Lunch at his home included fresh-caught tilapia ceviche that guests described as the best they had ever tasted.
One Last Match and One Last Goodbye
Before leaving, the Finca T team hosted a farewell fútbol match for Harry, turning the soccer field into an afternoon of friendly competition and heartfelt goodbyes. The final repack was emotional and full of gratitude for every moment spent during these seven weeks on the farm.
As the journey back to Atlanta began, the team carried full hearts, cherished memories, and a renewed sense of purpose as Black Friday approached. The time at Finca T was impactful, restorative, and unforgettable.
If the stories of life on the farm and the flavors of Honduras have sparked your curiosity, now is the perfect time to bring a taste of Finca T into your home. Explore Alma Coffee’s roasts and stock up for the holidays—your next favorite cup is just a click away.
