2009 was Just Coffee's first ever visit and Delegation to El Salvador. The trip went well logistically and gave us an excellent opportunity to learn more about El Salvador's history and present state.

Anticipating the Delegation I talked to everyone I could about El Salvador to try to find out as much as possible before going. Just about everyone I talked to, at least those who had not been there before, found a way to try to freak me out...warning me about the high crime rates, the high percentage of automatic weapons within the population, the kidnappings, "Oh, and have you read the US State Department web site cautions against El Salvador yet?" Yes. Sigh. Even my boyfriend expressed his worry and concern. I was like, "um yeah, but we live in East Timor and co-own/manage a nightclub!?!".

From the moment I arrived at the airport my fears were calmed as I was immediately met by the kind smiling face of Don Hernan our driver. From that moment until the delegation ended and I was boarding the plane to fly back to the USA, not a single person was ever rude to me. To the contrary, every person was extremely kind and caring, generous and patient. The last person that spoke to me was the immigration official as I left the airport that made sure to let me know what beautiful eyes I have. Ha!

I feel that good connections were made and new relationships have been forged. I look forward to continuing to build and strengthen these relationships in the coming year and into the future.

Here are reports and more information about our visits to:

Cafe Ereguan
and
ACOES, the Asociación de Caficultores Orgánicos del Occidente de El Salvador written by one of Just Coffee's owners, Ben Hung.