When Stories Meet Again

Last night, Wenzel and Leo Ferdinand finally arrived, and with them came a wave of excitement that filled the whole house. It was so special to watch the children all together again. The energy shifted instantly: voices overlapping, stories tumbling out, everyone eager to share what they had seen, learned, and experienced.

They could hardly contain themselves. Each one wanted to give advice, what to do, what not to do, what to look out for. But what struck me most was which stories they chose to tell first.

Polyxena immediately brought out her schoolbook and began explaining tides to her father, full of eenthusiasm and confidence. It was such a beautiful moment to witness… and I have to admit, I felt a little proud seeing how well she understood it all and how clearly she could explain it.

For Assunta, the play from last Friday was at the center of everything. Not just the performance itself, but the story behind it, the children who had to flee their homes and become refugees. You could feel how deeply it had touched her.

Then came the practical advice.“Papi, I want to give you two one tip,” Polyxena said, “take a quick shower before going to bed, you’ll sleep much better.”

This morning, over breakfast, the observations continued. Talking about the supermarket, Polyxena noted thoughtfully: “Papi, the things they don’t have much of here are very expensive, and the things they have a lot of are much cheaper.” My husband simply replied, “That's how prices are made through supply and demand.”I had to smile.

It is such a gift to see the children so full of life, so observant, and so happy to be reunited. We feel incredibly grateful to be together again.

This morning, we visited another project supported by Ocean Sole: the Community Garden, also known as the Ocean Mamaz.

This initiative empowers women through food security, permaculture training, and sustainable income from their “Mama’s Miracle Grow” compost.

We were invited to help plant seeds. The Mamaz showed us each step with care, loosening the soil, placing the seeds, covering them with compost, and finally protecting them with leaves. Everything was done with intention and knowledge.

They also told us about the coconut tree, and how truly remarkable it is. Every part of it is used. The trunk provides wood for building, the leaves can be used for roofing or making brooms, and the coconuts themselves offer endless possibilities. The juice is healthy, especially, they told us, for kidney problems. The flesh can be eaten or made into coconut oil. The hard shell becomes jewelry, lamps, or cups, and the fibrous husk can even be used like a natural sponge for cleaning dishes.

It was fascinating to listen, but even more than that, it was the pride with which they shared their knowledge that stayed with me. It wasn’t just informative; it was deeply inspiring.

As we waited for our tuk-tuk, a woman passed by balancing a heavy bag on her head. Assunta pointed her out, and Polyxena quietly added that she was also carrying a small child in her scarf. It was humbling to witness such strength.

We left the Mamaz with full hearts. What they are building together is truly remarkable.

These may seem like small projects to some, but they are planting seeds that grow. Seeds of independence, of community, of resilience. Women working side by side, supporting one another, creating something sustainable for their families.

It is beautiful work.

The rest of the day unfolded quietly, homeschooling, peeling, cutting, and tasting coconuts, time by the pool, and long hours at the beach. It’s beautiful to observe how the children’s play keeps evolving: from building sandcastles to “baking cakes” in the sand, or simply shaping perfect round balls and testing how firm they can make them.

Happy to be together.

Grateful for this time.

And deeply aware of what a special chapter this is in our lives, here in this fascinating country.