Nothing compares to the comfort of being home, especially after the challenging start we’ve had. Coming back from the Philippines wasn’t easy. The journey itself was exhausting, and to make things worse, our little one started running a fever and coughing in the middle of the flight. We tried to manage it with medicine, but the fever kept coming and going. By the time we landed, both my husband and I weren’t feeling well either, making the drive home feel never-ending.
She had already been sick during our time in the Philippines, and it was heartbreaking to see her struggle. That’s why seeing her now, smiling, playing, and constantly checking the fridge for snacks (kanunayng makig-adto sa ref purya buyag), fills our hearts with relief. The simple things—watching her regain her energy, hearing her laughter again—remind us how precious health is. No matter how much we wanted to extend our stay, nothing mattered more than bringing her home, where she could fully rest and recover.
Beyond the sickness, there were other reasons we couldn’t fully enjoy our trip. We spent a lot of time dealing with paperwork for her baptism, which turned out to be more complicated than expected. Bureaucracy can be so frustrating—why make things difficult when they could be simple? Instead of making beautiful memories with family and friends, we found ourselves running around, completing requirements, waiting in lines, and dealing with unnecessary delays. It was exhausting, and at times, it felt like we were missing out on what truly mattered.
We had hoped to visit more relatives, especially in Siquijor, and spend more quality time with our loved ones. But things just didn’t work in our favor. Between the sickness and the paperwork, time slipped away faster than we wanted. It was disappointing, but we tried to focus on what we could control. If anything, this trip taught us valuable lessons about planning, patience, and setting realistic expectations. Next time, we’ll do things differently, and hopefully, the experience will be much smoother.
Meanwhile, life hasn’t slowed down for us since coming home. The start of the year has been a whirlwind, with me diving straight into business reviews and operational meetings while my husband is deep into his leadership training and managing daily business responsibilities. Even while recovering, we had to push through—work doesn’t wait, and responsibilities keep piling up. It’s been a test of endurance, but we’re managing, one day at a time.
It hasn’t been the best start to the year, but we’re holding on to hope. Challenges come and go, and we know brighter, healthier days are ahead. We’re grateful for what we have—our home, our family, and the chance to start fresh. Here’s to better days, stronger health, and more beautiful memories to come.
Happy New Year! 🎊🎉🥂🍾🙏🏻
