Heroic Mama

After spending more than a year in Africa, we finally had the chance to spend part of our summer holidays back in Japan, reconnecting with our family and friends. Japan was  scorching hot  during our visit, but that did not stop us from going out and enjoying our time together. As usual, we planned many of our activities around places where Reina could have fun—parks, swimming pools, and other family-friendly places. We also visited many of the small neighborhood parks we used to go to when Reina was little. Going back to these familiar places brought back so many memories and made me realize just how much she has grown. A Day at Nagoya Public Aquarium One of the highlights of our holiday was visiting the  Nagoya Public Aquarium . It is such a wonderful place for children because they can see so many amazing marine animals up close. Reina loved seeing the  dolphins, killer whales, beluga whales, and penguins . We also saw jellyfish, sea turtles, and many different ki...

As parents and caregivers, reading to your children is important for their development and cultivating a lifelong love of books. Here, we’ll explore why reading is important, when to start, how the children respond to books according to their ages, how to make reading time engaging, and share some recommended books for babies and toddlers. Reina visited the local library and picked her favorite book. Why is Reading Important for Children? Reading is important for children for several reasons including: 1. Language Development : Reading exposes children to new words, sounds, and rhythms, helping to build their vocabulary and understanding of language. 2. Encouraging a Love for Books : By reading together, you’re showing that books are fun and interesting. This early exposure can cultivate a lifelong passion for reading and learning. 3. Boosting Imagination and Creativity : Books take children on adventures, introducing them to new ideas, characters, and places, which fuels their imagina...

We didn’t expect this trip to be so memorable. After our fun adventure at Gulugufe Experience, we drove about 20 minutes to Zua Safari Lodge for an overnight stay. The lodge is just a few minutes from Majete Game Reserve, and right from the moment we arrived, it felt calm and close to nature. “Zua,” meaning sun, is a fully solar-powered lodge with river-view chalets, dormitories, and camping. We booked a tent with breakfast included at MWK 60,000 per person, with a 50% discount for child. The tent was spacious, with a comfortable double bed—but completely off-grid. No lights, no electricity, and no toilet inside. It was something I really wanted Reina to experience… sleeping close to nature. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder if she would be comfortable. Outside, there was a shared kitchen with sockets to charge phones, and the bathrooms were just a short walk away. My little girl went for a swim in the pool and later tried the outdoor shower. The water was warm but the pressure wa...

      Imagine balancing high above the ground, trying not to lose your footing—that was me at Gulugufe Experience . About 53 km from Blantyre, in the Chikwawa area before Majete , there is a well-known playground called Gulugufe Experience. It’s the kind of place that pushes you physically, but at the same time, gives you so much fun. It’s perfect for families, friends, and even team building. Gulugufe is a Chichewa word meaning butterfly, and true to its name, the place is full of them. But that’s not all—you’ll also find a swimming pool, a restaurant, and accommodation, making it a complete getaway spot. We visited with my colleague and her son. my little girl is still 3 years old, so her activity choices were quite limited. While she stayed with my colleague most of the time, I decided to go for the special deal, which includes entrance and unlimited extra activities for MWK 29,000. Before entering the playground, you’re required to sign a discharge of liabilities for...

After a little break from blogging, I’m finally back — and so excited to share a brand-new chapter of our lives! My daughter and I have just settled into our new home in Malawi , where we’ll be spending the next year. This post is all about fresh starts, new perspectives, and the beautiful (and chaotic!) reality of change when you’re traveling with a toddler. Our short transit at Narita Airport How it All Started When I accepted a mission in Malawi, I knew I needed to hit pause on blogging. Preparing for a big international move with a toddler took every ounce of energy — packing lists, forms, vaccination shots, goodbyes, and the emotional load that comes with uprooting your little one. We finally arrived in Blantyre on March 21, 2025: two checked bags, one carry-on, one stroller, and one very energetic two-year-old. The journey from Nagoya took more than 24 hours with multiple transits (Nagoya → Tokyo → Incheon → Addis Ababa → Blantyre). Surprisingly, my little one handled it well....

Traveling with a baby for the first time can feel overwhelming—even for someone like me who’s used to traveling. But with a little preparation and patience, it can be a wonderful experience for both you and your little one. Last week, I traveled from Japan to the Philippines with my one-year-old daughter, and I learned so much along the way. In this post, I’ll share my best tips to help make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. 1. Start Planning Early Passports and Visas: Make sure both you and your baby have valid passports. Double-check the expiration dates—most countries require at least six months of validity. If your baby doesn’t have a passport yet, apply for one as soon as possible. Check visa requirements. As a Filipino citizen, I didn’t need a visa, but since my daughter is Japanese, I confirmed her eligibility under the Balikbayan Program , allowing her to stay visa-free in the Philippines for up to a year. Birth Certificate or Family Registry: If you’re lea...

Last Sunday, I had the chance to experience something truly unique— Daytime Cormorant Fishing , or ukai , in the Kiso River at Inuyama , Aichi Prefecture with my daughter and a good friend who visited us after his MSF mission in Pakistan . The Kiso River has been home to traditional cormorant fishing for 1300 years and it is overlooked by a national treasure, the Inuyama castle , rising above the river banks. The day was filled with joy, relaxation, and a bit of history. For this article, I would like to share about the cormorant fishing in Inuyama and hope to inspire you to come and experience it. What Is Cormorant Fishing? Cormorant fishing, known as ukai (鵜飼) in Japan, is a traditional fishing technique that has been practiced for over 1,300 years. It’s a fascinating way for humans and birds to team up to catch fish, especially sweetfish, called ayu . In this fishing method, The senior fisherman or the cormorant master, known as the ushō (鵜匠), uses trained cormorants, a type of bi...