We Went On A JUNK (Just Us No Kids) Trip And We Didn't Realize Just How Much We Needed It

A decade ago, Jhon and I dove into marriage, just three months after our first date. Reflecting on it now after two kids, the decision seems impulsive. But back then, all we knew was our overwhelming desire to spend our lives together forever (wow).

After our simple civil wedding in December 2013, God may have had another plan for us. In April 2014, the news of eldest Allie's arrival changed everything. Barely a year into marriage, we shifted gears to parenthood—a rollercoaster of responsibilities, endless diaper changes, and nights filled with both exhaustion and joy. We were young, facing the world with meager income and limited opportunities.

Over the years, we faced a lot of challenges, as a married couple and individually. Our differences, struggles, tough times, and setbacks shaped who we are now. The past ten years were about growing and during this time, we also found God, which changed our journey together.

Now that we're at a better place with better opportunities, we approached our 10th wedding anniversary realizing how fast family life happened for us. We got caught up in getting married, becoming parents, and having our little ones, Allie and Johan. Those times brought a lot of happiness, which I wouldn't trade for anything. But deep down, we both felt a longing for alone time, moments when it's just the two of us. We felt a need to rediscover each other and reconnect as a couple.

We got super excited and decided to book a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam the very night we talked about it. It wasn't easy because leaving the kids was a lot for us as parents. I felt a bit guilty, wondering if it was selfish. But as husband and wife, we both knew we really needed this break and time together.

We told our oldest about the idea and surprisingly, she was happy for us. She even said we should go and enjoy some fun together. It made us feel better about our decision.

We had to plan things like food for the kids and who would take care of them while we're away. Thanks to my mother-in-law and brother-in-law, who were so supportive and helped us out, we finally got to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

Our hearts were set on doing this not just for us, but also for our kids. They deserve a happy family, and this trip was a way to show them that. —Cath Corpuz, mom of 2

As we were preparing for our trip, I came to realize we wouldn't be away for too long. Our hearts were set on doing this not just for us but also for our kids. They deserve a happy family, and this trip was a way to show them that. It's not just about us—it's about giving them a happy home to grow up in.

The day we've been waiting for finally came. Standing in line, going through immigration, and getting on the plane, we realized: no kids, no strollers—just the two of us with one backpack each. We landed in Vietnam at 11 pm, tired but super excited because—it's just us!

Our energy shot up as we explored without worrying about tired little ones. Time and tiredness didn't matter as we walked through the city, rode motorcycles, and took Grab cars. We enjoyed the local culture, tried street food, and connected with people. We rediscovered the fun of doing things on a whim and enjoying each moment without worrying about being parents.

I got a bit emotional realizing how much we've grown apart, even though we're always together. We were so caught up with life's responsibilities that we sometimes forget about our own needs and the things we love. Vietnam might not be a fancy place, maybe not even your first choice for a romantic travel. But immersing ourselves in the culture was amazing, and we loved trying new things, exploring, and meeting locals. With just a few days in Ho Chi Minh, we made so many great memories.

The trip may not have been extravagant, but I honestly felt a deep sense of refreshment afterward. Sometimes, in the daily hustle of caring for kids, you think "That's just life", a routine. You keep going, because that's what you do. Yet the enormity of a little time for yourself, away from the responsibilities of parenthood, is astonishing. It's a reminder of the person beneath the parent—a renewed spirit that whispers, "You matter too."

JUNK-ing isn't just a fancy thing; it's a necessary investment in your marriage, a journey that helps you remember the love that brought you together in the first place. —Cath Corpuz

So for all the couples caught up in the beautiful chaos of parenting, we encourage you to embrace the art of JUNK-ing. It's more than a simple trip; it's a transformative experience, a break that refreshes your soul and brings back that spark in your marriage. Our time in Vietnam was fantastic, a perfect 10/10. It showed us how important it is to take time for yourselves, away from the busy daily life. JUNK-ing isn't just a fancy thing; it's a necessary investment in your marriage, a journey that helps you remember the love that brought you together in the first place.

After doing this, we hope to make it an annual tradition. If you feel like this is the sign you've been waiting for, you won't regret it when I say: go for it.

Cath works as a customer service representative and Jhon works as an executive assistant, both for companies abroad. Their two kids are both under 10 years old. Cath and Jhon have been married for 10 years.