Neftaly Melara Santos, Farms: La Casa, El Balunal, La Peña, Las Cruces

During harvest time, my wife and daughter help us. It's a very stressful time, working seven days a week, no matter the hours. But once the coffee is sold, the pace slows down a bit, and we can—at least occasionally—rest.

On the farm, we also have many fruit trees. There are citrus trees, like oranges, limes, and lemons. We also grow some plums, peaches, guavas, and papayas. All of these fruits are for our own consumption and to share with other family members and friends in our village. And these trees provide the shade that we also need for the coffee plants at 1,700 meters.

For some years now, we've also been growing avocados. We sell them at the local market to earn some extra income. I own four plots of land, but I'm not a landowner. On the contrary, the four plots together measure 2.5 hectares, so we need any extra income to meet our family's basic needs.

I'd like to improve my house and have a better car, but coffee market prices don't allow it. However, I'm happy with what I have and especially with what I do in my life. What I enjoy most is spending time with my family; I never feel alone. It's sad that two of my children are in the United States, but these days video calls are so easy, so at least we "see" each other once or twice a week. Yes, truly, I feel blessed and happy.