“My name is Faith. I’m a wife, a mother of seven, and a farmer. I live in the Msuu watershed, and I belong to a Purpose Group called Baraka.”

Just a few years ago, Faith never imagined she would describe herself this way. She never imagined she’d be running a business, much less two. She never thought her name would be known in distant cities or that people would travel from Dar es Salaam for her products.

Her journey to this new chapter began at a moment of great uncertainty.

“I was a teacher for many years. I retired five years ago, and at first, I thought I had it all. I used my retirement money to build a decent house, but I spent a lot without earning anything in return. Slowly, I started feeling overwhelmed with stress.”

Retirement brought more anxiety than peace. She had invested her life into education, but once her teaching days ended, she wasn’t sure what would come next.

“I lacked skills in generating income, had no experience in business, and knew very little about agriculture or animal husbandry.”

What troubled Faith the most was the uncertainty about how she would continue to support her family, especially her two youngest children. One was in college, the other in secondary school.

“The hardest part of being a retired teacher is that no one trusts you enough to lend you money. Because I was a full-time teacher, I didn’t have many friends in the village who could trust me and loan me money, and that stressed me a lot.”

At a time in life when many expect things to get easier, Faith felt increasingly isolated and anxious. But then, something unexpected happened.

“A few years in, I met another retired teacher in the village. She told me about how joining a Purpose Group managed by Plant With Purpose helped her save, access loans, start businesses, and even build a house. She encouraged me to join the Baraka Purpose Group. She said it was nearby, had a clear plan, good leadership, and happy members.”

Faith was intrigued. Her friend’s words lit a spark of curiosity and just enough hope to take a step forward.

“I decided to join. I went to the training from Plant With Purpose, and it opened my eyes to new possibilities. I started saving and thought of different ways to diversify my income.”

For the first time in years, Faith began to see opportunities where there had only been obstacles.

“I learned about entrepreneurship, and my fear of engaging in business began to fade. I even learned about environmental conservation, including how to start a tree nursery, manage it, and plant trees. The best part was learning how to graft avocado seedlings. From the moment I learned, I knew I could use this skill to my benefit.”

She didn’t waste any time putting those skills into action.

“After a few months of participation, I started my first avocado tree nursery. I grafted 50 avocado seedlings, and 42 were successful. To me, that was a huge success.”

Her early success gave Faith confidence and a sense of possibility.

“After two months, I sold 35 seedlings and planted the remaining seven on my farm. I used the profit to buy 50 chicks and started poultry farming. I was encouraged. I grafted 100 more avocado seedlings, and 96 survived. Within three months, I sold all of them.”

Her avocado business continued to thrive, and the poultry project soon took flight as well.

“I used part of the money to build a good chicken coop and buy 100 more chicks. My poultry business started to grow. Now I collect 25–30 eggs daily. I use some at home and sell the rest.”

As Faith’s businesses grew, so did her reputation.

“People even come from Dar es Salaam to buy from me. They say my seedlings are good.”

That pride in her work shines through in everything she does. Not just in what she produces, but in the renewed sense of identity and belonging it brought her.

“My life has truly changed. Even though I retired, I’m now very busy with my projects. I also get time to take care of my land because I believe it’s through this land that my life changed.”

Where once she felt like she had no financial future, Faith now has enough income to support both of her daughters through school. But more than that, she has something she once feared was lost: community and connection.

“Being part of the group has also helped me connect with people in my village. I now have friends and people to talk to and support each other through life’s seasons.”

Today, Faith sees abundance not just in the form of income, but in friendships, energy, and vision. Her life is full of purpose and promise.

“I never imagined such a good life after retirement.”

And she’s not done yet.

“Since I live near the Kenyan border in Tanzania, I hope to start getting customers from Kenya,” she said with a smile. “I want my products to cross borders and make an impact on people’s health and the environment.”

Faith’s story is proof that abundance doesn’t end with material wealth. It includes restored confidence. Deep relationships. A renewed sense of contribution and calling.

That kind of abundance is possible even after what appears to be an ending.

“I thought I was finished,” Faith reflected. “But joining the Purpose Group helped me see that I still have something to offer.”

Faith’s transformation was made possible by a network of generous Plant With Purpose supporters who believe that abundance is not reserved for the few. It is possible for everyone, in every season of life.

Abundance isn’t just about money. It’s about hope. It’s about people like Faith discovering that the end of one chapter can be the start of something even more meaningful.

“I now believe that when you’re willing to learn, and when you have the right support, your life can completely change,” she said.

And hers did.