The Job That Made Me Feel Seen

This past season our coffee producing partner Bright Lantern has been changing lives through their loving hiring process. 

Here's one amazing story...

Meet Thazin Nyein

All my life, I’ve faced rejection. I was always the one who didn’t fit in. But this coffee sorting center—this place—is the first where I’ve truly felt love from people outside of my mom and dad.

I was born with a congenital muscle weakness disorder. I’m my parents’ only daughter. My father believed deeply in education and dreamed of seeing me graduate. He supported me every step of the way. But the disorder affected more than just my body—it made it harder for me to remember things. In the end, I couldn’t finish school the way he hoped. I couldn’t fulfill his dream.

Worse, I never felt like the kind of daughter society values. Or even the kind of person it accepts. I’m 26 now. I’ve searched for work, again and again. No one would hire me. I wanted, more than anything, to give back to my parents—to hand over a salary and say, “This is for you.” But no one gave me a chance. Not even my own relatives.

Then I met Teacher Lai Ya.

When I first applied for this job sorting coffee beans, I was scared—afraid of being rejected all over again. But when I met Teacher Lai Ya, she greeted me with warmth and kindness. I couldn’t believe it. Could someone really accept me?

And then something amazing happened: I got the job.

With my first paycheck, I finally gave my parents something back. That small act meant everything to me. It was a dream come true.

Here, at the coffee sorting center, I’ve found more than just work. I’ve found community. Every day I feel love, joy, and peace. Every night, we pray and worship together. I’m not a Christian, but I’ve seen the love in your hearts. It’s real. And I’m grateful for it. You Christians are truly full of love.