Where to begin?

I am having a hard time synthesizing my thoughts and feeling overwhelmed with how I want to live. No need to comment on how I should take it easy or encouragement on choices I am making. All I'm saying is that I have a huge desire to be the best possible steward of the resources God has given us and becoming a knowledgeable person takes so much time!

Perhaps the most interesting thing I've learned recently is how systemic the global problems really are and, therefore, how my decisions really do matter.

For instance, let's take the issue of coffee/immigration/tax money. I never would have imagined these things are interconnected.

We all know the problems occurring on the Mexican border. And the US isn't the only country with migration issues. Just about any border that divides a better and worse situation is going to face migration problems. I'm not sure we as Americans will ever be able to empathize with those facing hunger and extreme poverty or war induced fear. But imagining myself as a mother in that situation gives me a whole new perspective on border crossing. All of a sudden I'm in the back of an overloaded truck fighting for survival and the future of Aidan, Ella, and Sophie.

And I justify it.

So one small example of this is the coffee industry.

There's a company called Just Coffee (www.justcoffee.org) just over the Arizona border. They are partnered with a church to become a sustainable business. The church gave them a micro-loan for a roaster and now they have paid it back and have been able to "bring back" family members who were living illegally in the States. The relatives have said they never wanted to leave Mexico, but felt like they had no other options before. Now they are a family again, making a living, and growing their business. They are Fair Trade because they make a livable wage and don't lose money to a large company benefiting from all the profit. Their workers are treated fairly and they are learning the trade. (see www.fairtradefederation.org for more info) Compare this to the estimated 3.3 billion dollars spent on border patrol last year. One $20,000 micro-loan seems well worth it.

I'm a coffee lover. And historically a Starbucks fan. I was at the grand opening of the first Starbucks in Turkey. We made invitations for people to join our celebration. But Starbucks does not verify that their beans are bought Fair Trade. So here's where I need to make a choice. Knowing how small businesses ultimately help curb illegal immigration and therefore better use my tax money, not to mention reunite families, return dignity, and promote healthy practices, how could I choose otherwise?