Who we are

Rebecca came to Panama through a Princeton in Latin America fellowship for a one-year teaching position in environmental education and found an unparalleled opportunity to grow her dream farm on her own terms. James was working in Africa in the petroleum industry and came to Panama in search of waves and the freedom to design his own life. He is passionate about animal husbandry & old-world recipes for smoking, salting, and curing meats. Rebecca is originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and James hails from a small family-owned cattle ranch in South Texas, but it took a sleepy fishing town in rural Panama to bring them together.

Side by side we have built Finca588 from the ground up, converting a completely degraded cattle pasture to an abundant and beautiful permaculture homestead that sustains their family. We believe that you choose your own hard; Our life is hard work but immensely rewarding and satisfying, as we slowly carve away dependence on outside systems by creating our own. We believe there is a way for everyone to begin practicing a little bit of cultivated independence in their own lives.

We have two beautiful children, who are pretty much the best things we have ever done. They make life fun, and keep us young.

That’s a little about us. Shoot us a message and tell us a little bit about you!