led to wisdom. They studied and planned and prayed, and
when they didn’t know what to do, they took a leap. But in
that “leap,” there is a lot to unpack.
The Carlsons didn’t just decide to move anywhere. They
researched the industry and found an opportunity to help
producers get high-quality coffee to an exploding global
market.^11 And they made their move on far less of a whim
than we might think, spending a decade in South Africa
before making the transition. Sure, it was still an adjustment
to learn French and acclimate to another culture, but calling
it a “leap” isn’t quite right. If anything, they built a bridge.
Ben and Kristy were able to do all this because they
understood the why behind what they were doing. They had
a reason that went beyond themselves and their own
comfort. This wasn’t just about them—it was about the
difference they wanted to make. So when doubt crept into
their minds, they didn’t get stuck or stop. They found a way.
Instead of waiting for the perfect path to be revealed, they
saw an opportunity and took it. They started, knowing that
flexibility would be essential—but they also weren’t foolish
in how they made the transition.
Even now, two and a half years later, there are
challenges and cultural differences that frustrate them.
Realizing the purpose behind the work they do, though, and
that they’re a part of something bigger than themselves, has
made it worth all the trouble. They didn’t take a leap; they
built a bridge. And the beauty of a bridge is you don’t have
to see too far ahead in order to get to the other side. You just