CURAÇAO SEAQUEST: An Inspiring Family Adventure of Resilience, Culture, and the Unforgettable Call of the Caribbean Sea. Meet the Greyhawk family, whose life begins in the mountains of West Virginia—a vibrant, outdoor-oriented life built on deep connection, learning, and storytelling. Mother Emily, proud of her Native American ancestry, teaches her children, Jack and Lily, about the miracle of life, cultural wisdom, and biology through their home vegetable garden. Father Ben, a skilled craftsman, grounds them in hands-on creation, passing down the traditions of his grandfather while teaching Jack and Lily to build, problem-solve, and create in his carpentry shop. Jack and Lily are deeply fascinated by nature, physical activity, and, above all, the underwater world. Their love for sea turtles, coral reefs, and Caribbean marine life grows through the documentaries they watch and the homeschooling projects they tackle. After excelling in both sports and academics, the Greyhawk children earn a family adventure trip to the island of Curaçao —a place they have dreamed of for its rich marine life, colorful reefs, and the mysterious pull of the Caribbean Sea. But just as they prepare to embark on their long-awaited journey, disaster strikes at home. A catastrophic flood devastates a neighboring town, affecting their close friends and community. The Greyhawks immediately step in to help rescue neighbors, clear debris, rebuild homes, and restore their community. This unexpected crisis delays their trip, but it becomes a powerful, real-life lesson about compassion, responsibility, and what it truly means to stand together when life becomes difficult. When they finally reach the colorful shores of Curaçao, what awaits them is far more profound than sunshine and beaches. The family discovers a world filled with history, music, and unforgettable adventures. They climb historic cliffs, kayak through challenging currents, swim with endangered sea turtles, and explore hidden coves. Learning about the island's traditions from local friends, they experience Curaçao’s unique blend of cultures and languages, deepening their appreciation for nature and human connection. A Story Forged in Resilience This story carries the heart of the author, Kenny Croes , an open-water swimmer born on Curaçao. The book was first conceived in Papiamentu while Kenny lay in a hospital bed in Bogotá after a life-threatening mountain biking accident. During the long recovery, he began taking literature and writing courses, eventually continuing the book in English. This novel is profoundly shaped by his own incredible adventures, including being the first person to swim from Klein Curaçao to Curaçao in 1987, and by his own lifelong research into the island's history. Inspired by his late uncle, Tip Marugg—one of Curaçao’s most respected writers—this book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of the Caribbean. Curaçao Seaquest is more than an adventure story. It highlights themes of nature, culture, resilience, and learning , offering educational value for parents and educators. A Note on Wellness & Training Principles Throughout their journey, Jack and Lily encounter lessons that echo the Seven Dimensions of Wellness and the scientific principles behind the NASM OPT training model —concepts explored through real-life challenges, outdoor skills, exercise, teamwork, and the natural relationship between the mind and body.