"In February of 2020 my friend Matt and I were riding along the Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam. A surreally beautiful 400-mile trek through the heartland of an unfairly maligned country. We marveled at the landscapes and green jungle while we spoke via wireless ear communication.

A few hours into our journey I noticed a run-down domicile ahead on the left. A battered sheet of plywood with a primitive hand painted coffee cup, steam rising from its depth, something written in Vietnamese, adorned the top of the structure. An old bicycle leaned against the shop, a clucking chicken keeping watch. I knew we had to stop.

We pulled in and entered walked in out of the morning sun, our eyes trying to adjust to the dimly lit room. Squinting, not totally focused on the gentleman who greeted us, I asked for two coffees. The gentleman smiled and said, “I have no coffee here, wait and I will bring ya’ some.” He hopped on his bike and rode off. Matt and I take a seat at a table. A little curious as to why a coffee shop had no coffee. My eyes had finally become accustomed to the dimly lit room when I see a woman breastfeeding her infant on a bed, a young girl sat at the foot.

​

The realization that I was not in a coffee shop, but someone’s home left me quite embarrassed and a little scared. Immediately I rose to leave and leave this nice family alone. What must they think of the two of us? We were making our exit when the husband returned. He held up his hand, “No, no, sit I make you coffee.” What we discovered after some brief conversation was that he was a proud coffee picker. The sign atop his home was advertising his pride for his product. He served us our coffees. His pride evident on his face. We drank and chatted. Four other children of various ages came in, smiling and happy to us. Matt and I gave them candy and pencils.

I looked at this man’s family living in this simple setting. Not much to speak of, no electricity, running water, not even windows, but they were truly happy. Laughing and smiling. Enjoying our presence in their abode. At that very moment I felt a surge of electricity through my being. An overwhelming feeling of empathy and love like I’ve never felt before.

 

I had to walk away, my eyes filling with tears. Matt sees my condition and asks what was wrong. All I could say was “I don’t know.” But I did. I am by no means a religious man. However, this single event was an amazing spiritual experience for me and one that will never disappear from my memory.

​

I hope that this little experience that I had makes a bit of sense to you. This life changing event is why I started this business. To try and share an event that was both amazing and overwhelming. To discover this land and its people. If you can get 10% of this adventure that I did, you will never forget it…………."