It was a completely last-minute decision. Today, a few Tse-Xin project coordinators received an urgent invite and immediately jumped in to help harvest millet.

The weather forecast warned that Typhoon Jangmi was coming. Before the wind and rain hit, farmer Lanpaw Kalijuvung had only one goal: save as much millet as he could.

Recent extreme heat had already shrunk some of the crops. On top of that, strong winds broke many ripe millet stalks in half. If the rain soaked them, the millet would be ruined—it would either sprout right there in the field or grow mold.

This is the daily life of a farmer. You plant according to the seasons, and you take risks with the weather. It looks like they just go with the flow, but through these uncontrollable changes, they learn to accept, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward!

Farmer Lanpaw Kalijuvung said:

"Recently, everything at home happened all at once. My wife and I just have to stay strong. We handle each task one by one, based on risk and priority. Thank God, we have made it through every step of the way."

Indeed, growing millet is never as simple as throwing seeds into the ground and waiting for the harvest. It is a long journey shared with the weather, time, physical strength, and pure willpower.

Racing Against the Storm
It was 1:30 PM, and the sun was at its hottest. Usually, this is the worst time to harvest millet. But this time, they had to race against time.

The millet field is hidden deep in the mountain forest where cars cannot go. Lanpaw Kalijuvung rushed ahead on his motorcycle. Meanwhile, his wife, Dradrivy Qaljecime, led the Tse-Xin team into the woods on foot. Even walking fast, it took nearly 20 minutes from the trail entrance to the field.

Along the way, Dradrivy Qaljecime shared stories:

"Someone used to live here... that was someone's old home. Later, everyone slowly moved to Tuban village..."

"There are also a few hunting grounds in here..."

When she saw large rocks blocking the path, she easily picked them up and tossed them aside. She explained that in their village, the youth usually walk in front to clear the way, while the elders follow behind. That keeps the path smooth.

She also reminded everyone to stay to the left because there are animal trails on the right where hunters might have placed traps.

Working Together as a Family
When they reached the work hut, the kettle was already boiling. Dradrivy Qaljecime had been so busy she hadn't even eaten lunch yet. She brought the team to the field first, then quickly made a bowl of instant noodles for herself.

The Tse-Xin helpers put on their straw hats. After listening to Lanpaw’s quick guide, everyone got straight to work.

Under the blazing sun, Lanpaw Kalijuvung harvested quickly while reminding everyone:

"For Indigenous people, harvesting millet is a job for the whole family. It’s not a race to see who is faster or who picks more."

"Just go at your own pace. My wife and I will cover whatever is left."

Taking care of each other is the most beautiful spirit of village farming.

"Remember to pick up the broken millet on the ground too!" Every single ear of millet takes hard work to grow.

The Real Weight of Food
As the harvest wound down, they walked back to the hut. Suddenly, a small barking deer ran out of the forest and quickly disappeared into the shadows of the trees.

Everyone took a break in the woods and drank some cold water. They were covered in sweat, but they truly felt the hard work behind that bowl of millet on the dinner table.

A Tse-Xin team member couldn't help but share:
"Being a farmer is just too hard. Just standing in this hot sun for half an hour is too much for most people. Let alone doing organic and eco-friendly farming, which takes so much more heart. From now on, we must fully support local millet!"

Lanpaw Kalijuvung replied, "Gratitude to all."

These words are never just a polite phrase. It means that finishing any job relies on many people silently carrying the weight and working together.