Why I almost didn't go...

I couldn’t fit all of these photos into my first update, so I wanted to share them with a little more context. They show a glimpse of life back home, family, working, riding, and now stepping into this next chapter sailing toward Tahiti.

Two weeks before departure, Jack asked if I wanted to join as crew. That’s not a lot of time to leave a life I genuinely loved. My job, my community, the consistency, and everything I had built back home made it a tough decision.

I went back and forth for a couple days. I’ve done trips like this before, and every time I think it’ll be the last, I end up being wrong. There was this quiet pull I couldn’t ignore. I wrestled with whether it was just something I wanted or if I was running from something, but after reflecting, I realized it was the same small voice I’ve felt during other big decisions. Every time I’ve listened to it, I’ve eventually understood why. When I ignore it, it doesn’t go away, it just gets louder.

The only way I can describe that feeling is the Holy Spirit. I’ve recently been growing in my Christian faith and it’s changed the way I see decisions and purpose. I’m not trying to preach, but it’s a real part of my life now, so I’ll naturally be sharing more of that.

Right before leaving, a lot happened. My job initially said I could work remotely from the boat, but a few days before departure that changed and it became a choice between the job or the boat. Around the same time, my grandpa was told he only has a few months left, which made leaving even heavier, but he encouraged me to go. Then the night before I left, I sprained my ACL in jiu-jitsu and could barely walk. I’m still in a brace now, but slowly getting better.

There were a lot of moments where I questioned if all of this was a sign not to go, but I chose to listen to that calling anyway. Now I can say I’m really glad I did. This trip feels like it has a bigger purpose, one that ties into everything I care about, adventure, community, and faith.