Michele and Peter

Hiya,

We are Michele and Peter. Our journey together began 16 years ago when we were young kayak guides in Alaska. We bonded over our mutual love for adventure and the wilderness. About six years ago, we moved down to Oregon to be closer to friends and family. We absolutely love exploring the Pacific Northwest and experiencing all it has to offer.

I (Michele) was born in New York City, first generation to immigrant parents from the Philippines. I enjoy sharing my culture through food and traditions. I love spending time in our garden tending to our flowers, shrubs and vegetables. My other great interest is pottery - I love being able to create in clay. Travel has been my lifelong passion and I spent the majority of my 20s experiencing different cultures and learning from diverse perspectives. Traveling to Egypt was especially impactful. Growing up Catholic, I was accustomed to particular way of practicing faith. However, traveling to a Muslim country, opened my eyes to the beauty of religious diversity and the importance of tolerance.  I gained an understanding that while we express our devotion differently, all religions share the same values of compassion and community.

I (Peter) was born and raised in a small town in Vermont. I majored in Environmental Science with a focus on education. After which I moved to Alaska where I discovered my passion for being on the water as a kayak guide, eventually upgrading to larger and larger boats. I’m currently a tugboat captain. I love working with my hands, expressing my creativity with woodworking and lamp making. Having an interest in science, specifically astronomy, I enjoy learning about new discoveries and the wonders of the universe. I also love playing disc golf (when the weather cooperates), traveling, and experiencing different cultures.

We want to create a loving, caring and thoughtful home where our child feels comfortable and confident to express themselves and their creativity. We hope to share our own interests, whether it’s doing arts and crafts after school, or going on hikes and learning about nature on the weekends. More so, we look forward to supporting them as they grow and develop their own interests, whether it’s in sports, performing arts or whatever passion they may find.

Our vision for our family is one of openness. We would love our child to be surrounded by love from us, their birth parents and all extended families. Our hope is that our child knows their roots, heritage and culture, and that this gives them a secure sense of identity.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us.
Michele and Peter