My introduction to the world of Guatemalan coffee came a short 15 months ago. I really had zero information about coffee, let alone the world associated with it. I am so thankful that my eyes have been opened to the beauty of the world behind my little cup of coffee.

Of course, Guatemalan coffee is superb; every cup is a new beginning for me as I experience the flavor each time anew. It is so multifaceted. It is easy to sell for me, as it sells itself. I could never have imagined, though, that I would fall in love with the country and people behind that cup.

Truly, knowing Pablo Castañeda, our company founder and president, has been the biggest blessing of my life. Not only did he introduce me to this amazing elixir of life, he welcomed me into the world of coffee, and has taught me about the magic and art of it, leading me to understand the most important thing about the coffee: its human value.

The generations of mastering the art of coffee that it takes is remarkable to me, especially as it seems our society is losing its history and past. The Guatemalan people take pride in their work, right from the simple act of hand-picking. I imagine in my mind, the child who comes to the father and says, "Papi, tell me, how do you know when to pick the right cherry?" Then the father tenderly explains the process and the knowledge behind that simple pluck of the fingers that results in an amazing coffee.

It's the people behind it that truly fuel my passion to see Guatemalan coffees explode in the market. The Guatemalan people are beautiful, with such amazing hearts. They are people who work hard for what they have, and unfortunately still struggle in ways we will never understand-- thank the Lord we are blessed!

My heart is especially tender for the children, as there is much poverty, neglect, malnourishment or abuse for many. That our company supports Escuela Integrada in Guatemala through our Kafes Kids program thrills me! We have the opportunity to affect the lives of the children-- the future-- and to provide for them education, healthcare, nutrition, even psychological care, things that we can take for granted. But through my coffee I can give a child hope for a better tomorrow. Who could ask for more!?!

So, when you sit down to your coffee in the morning, whether it be Guatemalan or not, I hope that you will think about the true beauty of that cup, the artistry and magic that produced that cup, and that you will say a prayer for those beautiful people who worked so hard to bring you that joy. We are truly blessed, and usually the most when we stop to regard the simplest things in our lives.

Be blessed!