We're back at home (excited I can say that we have one), and right now our home is sitting inside a shed in the Netherlands.
We only had a few days to check in on the projects (which yes, are behind schedule) before we had to leave again. Because we still had unfinished business in the Philippines.
A stack of boxes from our last boat filled with life vests, galley ware, splicing kits, bicycles, foil boards...all remnants of a boat chapter that had a very abrupt and unexpected ending.
After a year of quotes well over $10,000 and every creative shipping attempt you can imagine, we finally gave up. At least on the shipping part. This was just going to have to be a do-it-yourself job.
But while we were there, our friends Darrell and Shannon, the ones who'd been storing everything for us, pulled us behind the scenes of something they've dedicated their lives to out there. And it turned out to be one of the most fascinating and inspiring off-grid projects we've seen in a while. So we're excited to share it with you and hear what you think.
Overall, it was a whirlwind trip. Over 28 hours to get there, roughly 48 hours on the ground, and another 30+ hours getting back to UNDRA. And somewhere between spending time with old friends, battling jet lag, and hauling a mountain of boxes through airports, we were left with an unexpected feeling.
Completeness.
The loose ends are finally getting tied up.
The projects are moving forward. The boat is starting to feel like home. And for the first time in a long time, the excitement of getting back in the water is outweighing the endless to-do lists.
There's a sense of forward momentum now. Clarity. Relief. Excitement for what's ahead.
And after all the unexpected twists and turns of the last couple years... that feels pretty freaking good.
A big thank you to Darrell and Shannon. Getting to see what you and your team are creating in the Philippines reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions can have huge impacts.
- More about their projects here: https://cleanwaterinternational.org/
