This is the story of the activism of Genivaldo, a family farmer from the semi-arid region of Alagoas. A lay member of the Catholic Church, he once emigrated but failed to adapt to life as a construction laborer; he returned to his hometown, convinced that he belonged there. He was active in the Landless Workers' Movement (MST), participating in land occupations, and ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Inhapi representing the Workers' Party (PT). He founded an organization dedicated to strengthening family farming, staying true to his calling as a political activist, and is now independent, operating outside of churches, movements, and political parties.