Our family spent twelve unforgettable years in the Philippines, an ocean of experiences that shaped us in ways we never imagined. We guided mountain expeditions, ran island boat trips, spoke to captivated audiences, and met people whose friendships still anchor our hearts to these islands. But it was only after we lost our daughter, Amihan, that we truly grasped the meaning of love and life. Those twelve years brought abundance and loss, joy and loneliness, pain and blessings all at once. Now, with changing winds and shifting tides, we feel it’s time to explore new horizons across distant seas.

Our final Philippine stop took us to Balabac Island, Palawan—the last outpost before Malaysia. Balabac’s emerging tourism scene still holds an alluring, untouched quality. We anchored in a tranquil bay near the port, navigating tight reefs on both sides. Onshore stood four nipa houses belonging to interrelated families, and it was there we met Rahem, who greeted us warmly and offered to be our go-to contact during our stay.

The next morning, we went ashore to fetch fresh water from a small well tucked amid coconut trees. My husband Todd and our son Himalaya hoisted water in a dipper tied to a rope, while I washed laundry at a respectful distance—aware this well was the village’s only source of drinking water. Moments like these reminded us of the delicate balance between convenience and courtesy when living among local communities.

We spent several days fixing and readying our boat. Our dinghy’s propeller had spun out, and despite the engine revving, it wouldn’t accelerate. Todd and Himalaya drilled holes around the prop casing, pinning the rubber to the barrel with machine screws—an inventive field repair until we can replace it. Himalaya gleaned an invaluable lesson on resourcefulness, his seamanship growing with every challenge.

We also changed our engine oil at the 500-hour mark, checked wiring, and reinforced solar panels. It’s second nature for us to stay vigilant out here—always prepping for tomorrow’s unknown. By the time we had reorganized gear and patched up our dinghy, the weather window for our departure finally opened.

On our last day, we ventured into town for a final round of provisions. Rahem ferried supplies back and forth to the boat. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing this was our last glimpse of the Philippines, the place that cradled us for so long. Yet our sadness eased when we returned to the boat and found that Rahem and his family had prepared a feast for us. We shared stories, laughter, and a sense of kinship that bridged our cultural divides. It was a powerful reminder: no matter where we roam, warmth and friendship can greet us on any shore.

Setting sail for Malaysia felt both daunting and electrifying. The sea stretched out, calm yet full of promises. The wind was steady, the sun bright, and hope filled our sails. Memories of Amihan were vivid in our minds, urging us to seize every moment—her spirit reminding us to embrace life and cherish each horizon.

Our twelve years in the Philippines shaped who we are, teaching us about resilience, connection, and love. As we left behind those familiar shores, we carried the lessons forward, feeling stronger than ever. The ocean ahead beckoned with freedom and possibility, and we were ready to embrace whatever came next.

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—Janet Belarmino Forney