As I awoke on this auspicious day of August 1, my thoughts immediately turned to my daughters and the weight this month carries for our family—a stretch of time where we have both lost it all and gained everything. August has always been a season of reflection, rejoicing, and prayer, yet this particular morning felt different. Today, we set sail around the world as a family, and I couldn’t help but recall Jon Krakauer’s words in Into the Wild, reminding us that the joy of life comes from encountering new experiences and chasing an endlessly changing horizon, where each dawn promises a brand-new sun.

My family means everything to me, and this journey is my gift to them. Still, it will not be easy. We sail unvaccinated in a post-Covid world, burdened by mandatory insurance, the rising cost of fuel, and stringent PCR testing at every border. Yet I remain unafraid, trusting in our collective resourcefulness. I hold onto the simple truth that “Family Is The World’s Greatest Team,” a motto that will guide us through every storm and setback. It reminds me of Janet’s short story about our first passage to Kota Kinabalu—a voyage fraught with challenge, yet filled with the teamwork and perseverance that only a family can muster.

That night crossing to Sabah remains etched in my mind. We set off from the Philippines, excitement and unease battling in my gut as the wind prepared to build. Skip took the helm; H hoisted the staysail, headsail, main, and mizzen, and soon we were propelled by wind alone. While H and I wrestled seasickness below deck, the roar of the waves and the whistle of the breeze above reassured us that our vessel—and the bond we share—could endure the heaviest of seas. When day finally broke, the majestic silhouette of Mt. Kota Kinabalu greeted us, and the wind dissolved into stillness, forcing us to rely on the engine once more. As we arrived in front of the city bay walk beneath rainbows and a brilliant sunset, I felt an immense wave of gratitude. We had weathered the chaos of open water and arrived safely, ready to discover all that Sabah had to offer.

Today, as we embark on an even greater expedition around the globe, I carry these memories like a talisman. August reminds us that life can shatter us one moment and enrich us the next. The wind, the waves, and the unpredictability of the sea echo the unpredictability of life, but also its endless possibility. When everything seems to be falling apart, we find strength in one another. This bond—this team—fuels our resilience.

So let us keep exploring. Let us remember how truly powerful freedom can be when it’s embraced with open hearts and strong spirits. May each new sunrise bring the promise of discovery, and may every challenge remind us of the courage we carry within. Bon voyage to all who dare to dream.

Keep Exploring

By Janet Belarmino