Chojoba Factory & Bottle House Part 2

Today our destination was a chocolate factory nestled deep in the jungle, run entirely by a group of remarkable women. The drive there wasn’t long, but it felt like a journey into a different world, surrounded by dense forest and the hum of nature. The closer we got, the more groves of cacao plants were seen along the side of the roads in Joba Arriba, 20 minutes outside of Gaspar Hernandez.

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the women who manage the factory called Chojoba. We were about to get a firsthand look at how they turn cacao pods into delicious chocolate, a process that is as fascinating as it is complex.

The factory itself was made up of two small buildings. The women guided us through each step of the process, from harvesting the cacao pods to cleaning, drying, roasting, and grinding the beans. Their knowledge and skill were evident in the way they handled the machinery and explained each stage of production. It was clear that this was more than just a job for them; it was a passion and a point of pride in their small community.

Our visit included a small lesson in Spanish, which added an extra layer of depth to the experience. Wilson, our 7Element guide for the program, and a fellow student stepped in as translators, helping bridge the language gap. They conveyed the women’s explanations and answered our questions, making the whole process much more engaging and interactive. It was inspiring to see these women talk about their journey and their success — a testament to their hard work and determination.

Exploring the facility, we got up close with the different machines used to transform raw cacao beans into finished chocolate. The smell of roasting beans was intoxicating, and we marveled at the intricate process that culminates in the creation of the chocolate we all love. It was a privilege to witness the transformation from pod to bar and to appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

After the tour, we visited the factory shop. The opportunity to buy some of the chocolate we had seen being made was too good to pass up. Each piece felt like a small token of the incredible journey we had just witnessed, and I couldn’t wait to share them with friends and family back home. The dark chocolate was definitely my favorite and the cocoa butter that was made from the oils smelled so good.

Returning to the lodge, we put our purchases away and gathered for lunch. The midday meal was a welcome break, giving us time to reflect on the morning’s experiences and recharge for the afternoon’s activities.

Post-lunch, we set out on foot to the bottle house we had started working on during our first day here. The walk wasn’t far, and as we approached the site. Today, we aimed to complete most of the house, a task that promised to be both challenging and rewarding. Previous volunteers had joined in the project the day before so it helped to see the work they had done.

Our main task today was mixing cement and applying it to the foundation, a labor-intensive process that required teamwork and perseverance. We worked together, hands coated in cement, as we shaped and smoothed the mixture over the bottle-filled walls. The bottles, which had been meticulously placed to form the structure’s skeleton, now began to take on the solidity and permanence of a finished building.

Each of us contributed our efforts, whether it was hauling materials, mixing cement, or applying it to the walls. The sense of collective accomplishment grew with each passing hour, and by the end of the day, the bottle house had transformed significantly. We snapped a picture of all of us outside the building and shared a group cheer. Building a structure like this out of recycled materials and cement in the hope to provide a homeless family with a place to call their own is a remarkable feeling. This two day project wasn’t just about the physical labor but about the connections we made and the lessons we learned along the way.

The day had been long and filled with hard work, but it was also incredibly fulfilling. We cleaned up and headed back to the lodge. Every day here has opened my eyes and created lessons for me to examine. I’m always filled with anticipation for what the next day will bring and the knowledge that each day here is a step towards a deeper understanding of this incredible country and its people.