A weekend with Esmeralda...

9 more lovely folks took part in the Esmeralda story this past weekend! Daniel Williamson tried his second cup and loved it (you have to see the pictures of him trying it on facebook, they are priceless). Others to try it this weekend we're Marty Messineo, Jordan Meiss (Zach Pflederer's cousin), Steve Elmore (one of my favorite customers, sorry to be bias), Blair Hill, Amber Austin, Hannah Huebner, John Kargol, and another June Restaurant chef, Tom McGill.

A special thanks to Blair Hill who not only paid $12 for the cup but also donated an extra $25 to the cause. Also thanks to Zuzu Madanat who donated $10 but didn't want to try it because he was honest enough to say he wouldn't be able to appreciate it like someone else because he doesn't like any form of coffee. So thanks Zu for the extra $!

I've told many curious onlookers, as I've snapped photos of everyone trying it, about what I'm doing with this little project and many find it incredibly fascinating and exciting and are planning on coming in this week to try some of this nectar of the gods.

What's shocking to me is that not one person has complained about the $12 price...which is great because it means that people are realizing that a cup of coffee might actually be worth that, which also means more money to farmers for all of their intense labor. This whole project has provided for a multifaceted story in that there are many who are benefiting from this (the customer, us at copper river, and the farmer, and a lot more who are being educated about coffee in general. This little bean is opening the door to a whole new world of coffee connoisseurs and really helping to show people the capabilities of what coffee can taste like.

It's so encouraging to see everyone's face light up as the sip this particular coffee. It really affirms to me that I'm where God wants me to be. This may sound strange to many people but I see this profession as not only a means to interact with customers on a daily basis but also to totally transform the lives of many farmers who have been exploited for centuries. I've found a way to make a direct impact on the third world and be a part of that redemption process that God has for this beautiful creation and be on the side of the oppressed and those taken advantage of rather than on the side of the oppressor and corporate giants who only want to make profit no matter who or what they have to destroy to get it.

..and to think all of this evolves around this little seed from a cherry. Simply amazing!

As I see all of this take place with the Esmeralda story it proves to me that we all love stories. We want to be a part of a story and we love good stories. I believe we feel this way because we we're ALL made to live a good story. We have a plan and a purpose and many things get in the way...there is conflict all along the way just like any other good story and we must overcome to reach our goal.

God wants you to be a part of His story in working toward the redemption of all things. He wants us to partner with him to make this world the way it was meant to be. Are you living a good story? Are you living in away that will aid in this overarching story of redemption? Of love, mercy, grace, justice, and peace?

If not, why not? Join us! Here is a chance to play a part in one of those small chapters! An invitation to see a glimpse of heaven on earth...

Don't miss your chance to come try some of this delicious Panama Esmeralda coffee this week! And be thinking of something awesome for us to do with this money when we're done. I think some of the other students and leaders who are also doing something similar to this have also raised a pretty good chunk of change. So if anyone has any thoughts or ideas or knows anyone with a specific need please let us know!

...The REDEMPTION of ALL Things...