Two Years of Saying Yes to the Land

Happy Anniversary to us.

Two years ago, we committed to this land — not as owners, but as stewards.

Two years ago, we did everything I once would have said not to do. We closed a deal with a handshake and a handwritten note. No lawyers. No safety nets. We did our own research in a foreign country, completed our own title search, and trusted locals to hold funds until paperwork was finalized.

Most of all — we trusted the landowners, the people we met along the way, and our own intuition.

Was it easy? Not even close.

But we knew that if we truly wanted to step outside the norm — to leave behind the old systems — we couldn’t play by the same rules. We had to leap.

Year One: Leaving the Systems Behind

The first year brought challenges — and interestingly, the hardest part wasn’t the land itself. It was leaving the systems we were used to.

We quickly learned:

· We were now the road repair crew.

· We were the forest fire fighters.

· We were the police backup.

· We were the problem-solvers.

Titles we had never imagined holding.

What we discovered was this: we are strong humans living among other strong humans. And when a community works together — not because it has to, but because it chooses to — life becomes deeply fulfilling.

Finding Our People

This year also brought incredible opportunities.

We met others on a similar path — people who had stepped into a new country and were learning how to:

· Grow food in unfamiliar soil

· Navigate immigration systems

· Source building materials

· Find vehicles, tools, supplies

· Adapt to a completely different rhythm of life

There’s something powerful about connecting with people who are choosing the unconventional road.

But perhaps most importantly, we had time.

Time to sit. Time to listen. Time to build a relationship with the land, the water, and all the beings here.

We began asking: What does this place want from us? What can we offer in return?

That dialogue is ongoing — and we’re grateful for it.

The Humbling Lessons

We thought we understood food growing. We didn’t.

We’re still learning. Still experimenting. We’ve added worm farming to rebuild the soil. We’ve faced crop failures. We’ve searched endlessly for things as simple as soil testing kits and realized how deeply we once relied on convenience.

Living this way has sharpened our awareness around consumption.

What is a true need? What is simply habit?

We always considered ourselves conscious consumers — but this land has shown us how much deeper that awareness can go.

Building a Home by Hand

With a year behind us and clarity in our purpose, Corey began transforming an existing structure into our home — and a space for close family and friends.

It’s been a labor of love.

Tropical downpours before the roof was on.Installing that same roof in 40°C heat.Long days. Slow progress. Steady determination.

Each step brings us closer.

Growing, Trading, Adapting

We continue experimenting with food production — embracing permaculture, planting food-bearing trees, trading with neighbors, and learning to cook what’s truly seasonal.

Breadfruit (yes, it grows on trees!) became an early favorite — including a surprisingly delicious chocolate breadfruit mousse.

Our aquaponics system now includes tilapia — assuming the turtles and crocodiles stay out — and it’s transformed the productivity of our growing beds.

Every day is an experiment. Every season a teacher.

The Vision Hasn’t Changed

As we sit with the land and reflect on these two years, one thing is clear:

The vision remains.

We believe deeply in community — in working alongside those who already live here and in creating space for others who feel the pull toward something different.

A place to:

· Learn

· Explore

· Connect

· Participate

· Contribute

· Be part of something larger than yourself

We don’t have all the answers. But we are building something intentional.

If this journey resonates with you — if you feel that quiet nudge toward land, community, stewardship, or stepping outside the old systems — we’d love for you to follow along.

There’s more to come. And perhaps, you’re meant to be part of it.