Did we give too much? Are we too naive? Could we have done better? We have a lot of lingering questions. Would love to hear your thoughts.

I cannot just pass this video by without offering A WARNING. You are entering a cultural area that I was raised in. Please be aware that when foreign tourists arrive in these parts with such admirable and charitable intentions they simply UPSET THE BALANCE by making random handouts. These people work hard for the little they have and expect to barter/bargain for the trades they make. Tourists often feel pity and overpay for roadside foodstuff, souvenirs and trinkets as a way of being charitable. This is actually found to be insulting and leaves an expectation for the next tourist that comes along. Running out of choice handout items will create a frenzy that will result in people helping themselves to whatever you have. When people approach you, simply ask them what they have for sale, you may have to ask several times, it is a good starting point, then drive a hard bargain. This way both parties win and walk away smiling, and you would have helped more than you realise... Simply handing gear out will lead to mob type trouble, the queue is endless and guys at the back of the line will demand, or just take their "fair" share. Keep your 'riches' out of sight below and lock up entry points and outboard motors and fishing rods etc. Love your videos, thank you so much for sharing your adventures. Keep your family safe and enjoy this wonderful area. Grant

That’s the equivalent of dumping a duffel bag of $100 dollar bills in time square. What did you expect to happen.

Ben doing his David Attenborough voiceover. Love it. Love you guys. Today it struck me how much your lives have changed since Vancouver. You have a family!! Curious. When you started out, did you have any idea how time and kids would play out? Looking back at all you've done, all the videos, I can't help but think what a wonderful gift this is to your children and grandchildren and so on. Most of us will leave this life without leaving a trace. You dear people are leaving a big beautiful wonderful Trace.

One one hand I absolutely love how you share what you have or trade what you have with the people you meet. Bu😍t as a parent myself, seeing the people fight over your gifts and start pushing and being loud seems really scary. As you said earlier in the video, you guys are alone there, no coast guard you can call if things were to really get out of hand. We all know that your hearts are in the right place and we know that you don't have an unlimited supply of gifts. But these people may think you have lots more on the boat and decide to come on board uninvited one night. I really hate to think that way, but maybe be just a bit more careful in the future. Love you guys! ❤️ The kids are getting so big!

This is quite possibly the best video I’ve seen on any sailing channel over the years. My admiration and respect for all of you can’t be easily expressed. Just another reason I’m proud to be a Patreon. Sending you best wishes for the new year.

You guys are incredible. "They don't seem concerned - it's their way of life"... and this - is your lives. I'm just thrilled and very lucky that you continue to share it with the rest of us - who aren't quite so fortunate! Happy New Year to my favourite Canadian Ambassadors! (and Willa - learning the 'giving way' - luv it!) Fair winds and following seas for the balance of your voyage.

Ben, my recommended way is to hand over all your gifts to the President of the village who will be responsible for the distribution. In Madagascar, there is respect inside the family. Outside the family, you could see...

You guys are the best sailing channel ever!! You show emotion that viewers can't see anywhere else. In this episode you did a great job when an expression of love became an awkward situation

Wow! I’m Blessed to be a part of this sailing channel-I wanted to share with you a very powerful scripture in the Bible that I believe I personally witnessed come alive in this video. “When you are generous to the poor, you are enriched with blessings in return.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭9‬ ‭TPT‬‬ PeaceAndLove Lori

"Giving is selfish." Good statement.

I know they do not have much but when they abuse your generosity by reaching in to attempt to grab what they can get, no that is time to shut the bag and say no more if they can not be respectful of your generosity they deserve nothing. If you feel you need to give then give to children primarily and then possibly to women. There is nothing wrong with generosity but I feel if you display that you have much to give they will be very content to take all they can get, sometimes even if it is not on offer.

Safety of your family should always be your top priority. Limit the chances to place yourself in dangerous situations. Be smart.

My wife and I spent time in Jamaica ,where the friends we had met on our adventures had decided to bring a suitcase full of children’s clothing and school essentials with them on a excursion where we stopped in a small village and began giving away items!! BOOM 💥 the place erupted with hands grabbing this and that pushing the Women giving the stuff away, back and away , scared and crying! The driver stepped in and grabbed the case and took it back to the bus 😳😳😳, I had to calm them down by simply explaining that they have nothing and were literally just trying to get some thing for there children, but it was a free for all 😢😔🙏

I’m in Awe of your teachings. This puts a New Perspective on Christmas and how we can interact with the world around us. Then looking at the different perspectives of your encounters, both in the present and looking back at them…’Just clean drinking water’ is the most precious gift. Thank you for sharing all your perspectives along your journey. I Love Your Episodes and this one was my Christmas gift to me. 🫶🫶🫶🙏🙏🙏💋

Nice little rush for you's. It really makes one wonder where decades of aid given to organisations and churches ends up.

What a perfect day to upload this video. Help us all think about how fortunate we are this New Year's Day 2023. Your videos are meaningful on so many levels. They are informative, educational, entertaining...Thank you for all the hard work that goes into creating them. Wishing your incredible family...health and happiness this New Year. Can't wait to be a part of your new adventures. Wind in your sails and safe passage.

If there was more giving, sharing & compassion there wouldn’t be so much desperation amongst those who have very little. Thank you for been such amazing humans & shaking us out of comfort zone. In this one vid you shone a spotlight on the poverty that exists. And you did it without judgement or malice. Brilliant filmmaking.

I think your positive outlook on human kind in general makes you a very special family. With a world full of negativity, you guys show the good there is in all kinds of life.

It looked scary, but I know you always keep your safety in check. Your empathy and compassion is evident. I love your channel, your experiences are genuine.

You are so awesome, thank you for reaching out to those in need and sharing with u , you are the best!

I like how you expressed that giving is a selfish act because it does make you feel good but when there is so much need in a concentrated area its difficult to give things equally. You guys do an amazing job. Just stay safe and try to avoid the fray. Looking forward to your next adventure. 🤗💞

Wild adventure! I think you're doing exactly what you should be doing. You can only give so much and you're giving it to probably the most needy people on the planet. Thanks for showing us the world!

I feel so sorry for them.I love your passion for helping them in any way, and those instant photos you took are precious, maybe in their lifetime. Salute to your family! God bless and stay safe on your journey.

You have a lot of heart moving on is the best thing as someone could have decided to board your home happy new year stay safe

I don't know about the safety in those areas, but most locals are lovely people....BUT, please please don't do this in South African. I'm a South African and things are rough there. Find local friends and follow their suggestions closely and stick to their sides- for you and your family's safety. Eg, don't wander around just anywhere, stay home at night, etc. Yes, I'm very nervous for you when I watch your adventures like this one. We have lost close friends and had family had terrifying things happen (held up at gunpoint, kidnapping in which my nephews friend was murdered...) This is the tip of the iceberg! I so enjoy your videos and very seldom comment (sorry) but I do feel very strongly about this and feel a great need to warn you. Take lots of care friends....🌟🐠🌟🐠🌟🐠🌟

Happy New Year!!! I am struck by the contrast of these people, and millions more like them, and the people building rockets to go to the Moon and Mars, and how lucky we are not to worry about having clothes, or food, or water, or shelter... Thank you for helping me keep that gratitude.

You all are amazing. Thank you for demonstrating such generosity.

You give what you can and takeaway the memory of the moment and the experience. Seems like a fair trade . Wonderful video thank you

Wishing you all the Happiest of New Years, filled with happiness, health, new adventures but above all being safe. With much love and hugs from Vancouver Island 💝💝💝💝

I love you are visiting Mada! I did some volunteer work there 15 years ago and learned soooo much about what gratitude can do for our happiness in life vs stuff and money.

Just a heads up, you will experience similar issues in South Africa, my home. 🇿🇦 Please make sure that you come prepared and be safe. We have a beautiful country with beautiful people and you will enjoy it very much.

Your hearts are amazing. The education you're giving your children is, amazing. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

You guys have it right. Your friends are scared of really living. Keep up the fantastic work. Keep up the sharing.

Happy New Year! I think you live the life of traveling and know what your gut would tell you to do. I think it's awesome what you guys do with trading and giving.

I follow these dear people and contribute via Patreon but this video sure did raise serious questions. The world is getting smaller and smaller and there is no way that industrialized cultures are not going to 'invade' simpler cultures. Someone else in these comments mentioned the movie, 'The God's Must Be Crazy', a movie that depicts what happens when 2 very dissimilar cultures meet. I liked another commenter's suggestion that you defer to the leader of the culture as to how to interact. But that would be difficult considering the language barrier. Irregardless, I wish nothing but success and increased wisdom, going forward, for the Nahoa family

you guys are risking it indeed but rather than arrogantly you guys are so so careful yet adventurous and honestly yall are fueling my dream of some day traveling like you all.

Great video. God bless you guys for sharing with the local folks. You thank you

The only down side of giving is when it is expected. Considering that what your two kids will learn is priceless. Happy New Years looking forward to further adventures.

It is so nice how you guys keep it real in so many levels. Tks for sharing it in such a positive way. Wish you guys many more years of adventure. God bless tou

You guys are doing the right thing, show the kids the world from a different angle. A Happy New Year Nahoa crew!

It's my opinion that you are giving much more to your children than taking away! You're teaching them SO MUCH! They will remember this forever! It's a beautiful thing!

Great video! Gives me a lot to think about! Thanks!

Wow that’s wild! But so glad you guys were able to help ❤

It looked like all their clothing came as gifts from passing cruisers. You did a great job. Very generous and making excellent calls in the moment.

I think you did awesome for what you had to give. planning ahead is a good thing to keep in mind. Never regret helping others. we all need help from time to time no mater our life style.

Thank you for showing us a one of a kind eye opening experience. Wilha will not forget this experience

I wonder if there was a tribal structure (elders or leaders) to first approach and try and figure out how the goods might be distributed through their systems. Perhaps more time with the group or knowledge was needed to figure out how to engage more safely. Statistically every group will have a few criminal personalities that will see your boat and all its supplies as a way to their own enrichment. Its naive to think otherwise- anywhere on the planet.

I flew to Vanuatu, then onto Tanna Island. I had re-handled and sharpened 12 wood chisels, turned mallets, took books, pencils, rulers, and cheap bracelets for the kids. Some traded, most given away, awesome experience.

Too Much? Too naive? Not for us to judge. "Judgement free" We are not there. We are in our comfort zones while you brave souls travel the world outside of the comfort zone. Thanks for taking us all along and sharing this great adventure. Your approach and honesty with all that you meet and interact with, we all hope will keep you all safe, but it is not about being safe, it's about adventure, and calculated risks, and with it comes great rewards for all involved. How many cruisers take advantage of those less fortunate and leave little behind. You will be remembered there and around the world as kind hearted souls. Thanks again for bringing us along. Fair winds.

Life is a gamble wether on land or the open water. I think the way you guys are raising your family is pure and better than those living on land. Keep doing you. God bless. Best for 2023! Keep the adventures going.

Happy New Year!! Another epic video. This one had me in tears for most of it. Tears because of how selfless y’all are and how giving and caring you are to the native people you meet. I don’t know what your beliefs are but what y’all show and share, in my opinion, is the love of God. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with us. It truly makes me thankful for the things we have and also makes me want to get out there and travel off the beaten paths. I pray we’re able to live this dream one day. Continued prayers for your family and your travels for safety, health and blessings. 🥰🥰

Poverty = Desperation. I've always said "desperate people do desperate things" They don't have much and what they do is part of their survival. I'm not being critical. What we would like as westerners means they would have to give up something that is part of their survival, like a speargun. We need to be aware of that. I have been watching your videos for a long time and I thoroughly enjoy them. Look forward to your South African trip, that's my homeland. Now living in Australia. Have a good safe trip. A heads up. Have your wits about you when you're there.....

You are never alone ~ We all Love falling you through your journey ! Sail on ~

In my life, the best answer to the question, “when is enough” regarding giving. You do what you can, where you are, with what you’ve got. Thank you for being such honourable ambassadors.

Ben , you guys are rational and positive risk takers That was a beautiful family village , It looked like some horsing around by the guys Then once the kids start crying seems like mayhem

What an amazing adventure. Thank you for sharing. Safe & happy 2023 travels :)

wow it was scraey at the end i was glad u left b4 u all had visits in the nite n who knows what would have happened 2 u all n the boat..they didnt seem that the kids were there in the mix..just so glad u pulled anchore.huggs n happy new yr.

I used to live in PNG, a four year old tought me to just put shells on an ants nest to clean them out. Doh!

I have been folowing you for long and so happy that finaly you made it to my country .. thant you for been so kind and understanding ..

For sure, one important answer to your question is right in your video - WATER - hence the name of the organization WATER FIRST! Most important takeaway from this and deeply needed - Bravo for that and safe travels in 2023!

Can't imagine how good it feels knowing you helped so many people. I hope I can get that opportunity in life. Sick adventure - loved seeing madagascar

Some one needs to give them seeds to certain food plants, teach them to grow and harvest those crops for increased nutrition. Hell, bring some professional farmers or growers in there for a few years to teach and help these people. The growers would do an analysis of which food plants could best grow there, provide them with starter seeds, and spend a few years training them in growing and harvesting those plants, plus they could teach them to cook those foods. They could also consider teaching them to grow plants like cotton and how to turn them into materials and clothes. Then introduce farm animals and teach them to farm them.

I've been there, I've seen it and it changed my perception of my life in America for ever. Madagascar was the greatest experience of my life. Of course I didn't sail there by boat like you have so it gives me even greater pleasure to follow your voyage to that amazing island from your point of life.

Giving is good...yes. Happy New Year!

Lord Jesus please keep those babies safe.

I've traveled a lot overseas, asia, africa, s. america and what I learned and was told that giving away stuff is not a great idea, the people start to expect it from the tourists and they get like beggars and often the kids cry because they don't get what they want and don't understand it. If possible, better to give to a school or ask the head of the town how you can help. They can get aggressive when they see how easy it is to get stuff from tourists.

Love you guys, I personaly think that you should not worry about what other people are thinking. You love what you do and that the only thing that should count for you. You just have to go with your hart. Happy New Year from a fellow Canadian that live in Thailand. Cheers

Sailing Yacht Florence had a very happy, cheap and safe passage around South Africa and Namibia. Please Pray for Mozambique... ☝️❤️🌍🇿🇦

Snows all gone! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND FAMILY!! From Playa del Carmen, normally White Rock BC…cheers!

Thank you for another great adventure shared. We are so lucky and do not get to see this in our every day lives. It brings true respect for what we have been given by our place of birth. Thanks.

Another great episode. A great experience for all of us.

Simply amazing. Love it.

Hands down this video was another MASTERPIECE ‼️‼️‼️You guys ABSOLUTELY ROCK‼️‼️‼️WOW, THANK YOU 🥰🥰🥰

can't help thinking it was becoming a little fractious and I was more worried for your beautiful Children,having said that what a truly Beautiful video , you guys are way ahead the best boating channel ,Fair Winds and stay safe,probably because I'm an old fart I see danger more easily !

One of your best episodes. Keep up the great work. You are teaching the world to be more open and understanding of others and their culture.

Love you guys, such good people,❤

All the very best for 2023, May your adventures be exciting and real

I’m speechless. Bless you all❤.

Good on ya Ben and Ashley. Your positive outlook on the “good” people of this world is refreshing and I believe your calculated risk is admirable. I also think that you’re raising kids in the same manner while providing them with an immeasurable positive life experience. That said… I think you’re both crazy for sailing the world with two toddlers, but I admire you nonetheless. ❤️👍🏼

You guys are amazing, but my heart beats when being approached by the very less fortunate, you just never know, I guess when you remain as calm as you do it works out! take care guys! May God continue to protect you.

That big smile and thumbs up when you gave the bag with lures and fishing line.

Thanks for sharing the videos despite the fact that some may not agree with the way y’all live your lives. Be safe and stay the way you are. You only go around this life once and most of us don’t get to circumnavigate while living it so who’s opinion is matters anyway. Happy New Year Nahoa and family

I think you guys are doing what you both feel is right, also I felt like I was re-watching footage from your last 2 videos. So I checked and I was watching footage from your previous videos !!

Well I've watched that a few times now and yep it gets a bit rough but it never looked like danger or you might be in physical danger when they were onboard. Well done Ashley and Ben

I think you are wonderful humans and that the world needs more people like you. That is what I think.

We look forward to each Sunday to watch your videos. Here in west coast canada!

I love your positive go forward attitude, thanks for sharing and Happy New Year🎉

No question, you are good people!

made me so happy to see the kindness Nahoa forever you guys are legends

Hello my friend just stay safe wherever you go I think what you're doing is a great thing just have to trust in God. I hope your new year will be better for you and your family God bless you all watching from USA California

It is hard to ignore the needs of those who have so much less than we do..... It would be very sad to see something tragic take place while handing out items that are trivial even to those you are helping... I saw your baby girl clinging to her mommy's shorts.... very frightened as to what was taking place... you are no where near medical help if something were to happen to happen... trampled etc. Your Number 1 priority is the safety of your children..... My heart actually went out to Willa...... Fear is not a lesson I think you want to teach...

Spread the Love Baby , I just adore you guys.!

When you said you gave away your Lululemon shorts, my eleven year old daughter gasped... and I loved it. 😆 Those people have no clue about Lulus. Such an eye opener for my daughter. We only see what you show us. I know you have great care and protection over your children. I think things got a little out of hand when you were giving away stuff, but you had a good feel on the temperature of the situation and handled it with ease and grace. 👍

You guys are super nice people + Canadians + have spent a long time in Thailand dealing with thais. You're in for a surprise in the region you're navigating now.

I'll be right there with you giving as much as I possibly could. It's called a giver's high. And since I'm sober now I think I might like to try that high. It's amazing how grateful they are to receive just a little things it's amazing. If they only knew about the real world they'd probably want to stay right there.

Wow it was uncomfortable just watching, being there must have been scary. I’m worried the people arriving on the next boat to pass through would now be expected to empty their lockers and pantry too! You are both incredibly caring and generous and yes I would say naive in the true meaning of the word. As I say this episode made me feel uncomfortable and worried for you.

How cool to meet all those people.

Good afternoon Ashley, Ben, Willa and Bodhi 😻 All of you are incredible with big hearts ❤ Absolutely beautiful and heartwarming. It doesn't matter what other's think it's what you think, feel and know. I don't feel like you give too much and I don't think you are too naive either. I don't feel that you could have done better either. Your the Best!!! Go with your heart like your doing... Don't second guess yourselves.. SUCH A LEARNING EXPERIENCE . IT'S GREAT TO GIVE ❤❤❤❤ In the end this is a wonderful gift with many experiences to all of you and in years to share with all your grandbabies. YOU ARE DEFINITELY A VERY SPECIAL FAMILY ❤❤❤ Thank you so much for sharing and gifting all of us your daily experiences on this beautiful journey. Wow, not most people could or would do what your beautiful family is doing ..... sharing with the world. Thank you .... Lots of Love xoxo xoxo

wonderful episode!