Meet the JWOC Ambassadors
Name: Sue and John Sorensen
Hometown: Truckee, California
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
John in ‘07 and ’09, Sue in ’09.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
Vietnam and Cambodia. We stayed at the Journeys Within B&B, where we became interested in the JWOC programs.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
After raising our family in Silicon Valley (south of San Francisco), we retired to our present home in the mountains near Lake Tahoe. We are very active and thoroughly enjoy all of the outdoor activities available to us – both summer and winter!
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
While planning a trip to Vietnam, we heard about Journeys Within Tour Company through a mutual friend of Andrea’s mother, Philippa, who also lives in Truckee. Upon visiting the JWOC website, I was intrigued and inspired by all that Brandon and Andrea are doing through their foundation and we booked a tour to visit Angkor Wat. Our interest was cemented during our stay when we had a chance to see and experience firsthand both the immense need of the Cambodian people and also the significant ways JWOC is making a difference in the lives of these people.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
It means getting involved and being part of the solution, whatever the problem. It means asking what can I do with the resources I have to make a difference in the quality of life on our planet. It’s exactly what we see JWOC doing - in response to the incredible needs they see at every turn, they consider which ones they can most effectively address with the resources they have at hand. We can all get involved in meeting the needs in our own communities, and through JWOC we can also have an impact on the other side of the world.
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
We were not involved in any projects because our stay was too short. However, on a walk with Brandon through the nearby squatters’ settlement, we saw and learned firsthand about the way JWOC is addressing the needs for clean water, micro loans, and basic health education. Upon returning home, we decided to sponsor two students in the college program, one from Laos and the other from Cambodia. What we like about the program is that they are receiving an education that will give them skills to help rebuild their countries, and at the same time, they are giving back as volunteers in the JWOC programs. We hope to travel again to SE Asia and meet them!
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
Above all, it is the love and dedication we saw and experienced in Brandon and Andrea as they live their lives in this high calling. It is truly inspiring!
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
What I like most about supporting JWOC is that I know our donations will be used carefully and to great advantage. John and I have seen firsthand the work Andrea and Brandon and their team are doing in SE Asia and we totally trust their vision, judgment, commitment, and integrity. Supporting JWOC as a donor or volunteer WILL make a difference in our world!
Name: Leah Petty
Hometown: Newburyport, MA
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
Yes I have, a lot between 2007- 2010
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
I have traveled many places in Southeast Asia. I have been to Cambodia twice. My second time I went on a volunteer trip with school, I left a day before everyone and visited JWOC.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
I consider my home to be Massachusetts, but I am currently living in Singapore. I am moving back to America in June of 2010 though.
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
I went to Cambodia, then decided I wanted to help, so my friend Claire and I have been holding fundraisers. We made money, then we were wondering what company in Cambodia to give it too. My dad had heard of JWOC from a friend, so we sent it there.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
It means that if you see someone or something in need, and you are able to help them… you should.
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
We have bought 2 water wells, a college education for a student for 2 years, we have also given money and told JWOC to just put it to good use, whether it’s paying an employee or giving it to someone on the streets. I think the college program is my favorite, because that not only helps the student, but it helps Cambodia out of its poverty by not handing people money, but by helping them get an education and a job.
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
When Brandon took my dad and me to the squatters village and we saw a big family and they wanted to show us their home. So we walked to see it, and it was just this tiny little room on stilts. All the children loved getting their picture taken, and then seeing it. This one little girl jumped into my dad’s arms and didn’t get out until we had to go.
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
That any little thing can help. Whether it’s $10, $100, or $1000. The people there have so little compared to us. We complain if our hot water takes too long to heat up; most of the people there don’t even have clean water, not to mention hot water. We don’t know what it feels like to be 10 years old and starving, our parents not putting us in school because they can’t afford it and they need you out to beg. Nobody should have to go through that.
Name: Sutter Allen
Hometown: Greenville, California
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
I went to South East Asia my first time in 2008 and went back this year (2009) and spent my time in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
The first time, I went to Thailand, Laos, and Burma and this year, I went to Cambodia and Vietnam.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
Where I live (Greenville) is home, but I always feel at home and the happiest when I am in Asia. I actually live on a children’s summer camp (Coppercreek Camp) owned by my mom.
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
I first heard about JWOC through my Dad and his wife this past summer when we stayed with Brandon at the B and B in Cambodia. I thought their mission was terrific. When I returned to the US, I immediately started researching ways to help the villagers I met on my trip. I am now a senior in high school and focusing my senior project on selling my photographs to raise money to support the Clean Water Project that JWOC sponsors. My family also decided to sponsor a scholarship student while we were there.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
Fulfilling this mission statement makes it possible for the locals to improve their lives. Simply put, if there is a problem, such as a lack of clean drinking water, then JWOC targets their resources in order to build a well.
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
The first year, I was on a photography expedition with a goal to educate American’s through photography of the living conditions across the world. When I spent time with Journeys Within, I was not involved with any specific projects. It was more of a family trip. I love the ideas of all the projects but am most interested in the schools and the water wells.
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
I was deeply inspired by the everyday happiness of the locals. They live each moment to the fullest, no matter what circumstances might be. I was so impressed with the appreciation, the students especially, showed in the opportunities JWOC has given them.
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
The most important thing people need to remember is a little can go a long way in Cambodia. The small things we take for granted every day in America, such as clean drinking water and free education, are dreams of people across the world.
Name: April Cole
Hometown: Truckee, CA
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
Yes. My family and I traveled to Thailand and Cambodia in 2008. In 2009, I visited Vietnam and Laos. In 2010, I returned to Cambodia.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
I have traveled throughout Southeast Asia. I have volunteered in JWOC classrooms in Siem Reap.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
I live in Truckee, CA and I consider it my home ; )
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
I started working for Journeys Within Tour Company in 2007 and learned about JWOC through working for the tour company. I was inspired to learn more about the projects after hearing Andrea Ross’s enthusiasm for the projects. After taking the time to learn about the specific projects JWOC was doing, I wanted to get personally involved. I really loved the fact that JWOC is providing the community with tools to succeed on their own.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
To me it means, keeping things simple. If your goal is to change the world, it can feel like an impossible goal. However, if your goal is to provide one family with water, you can install a well. Keeping things simple allows you to solve one problem at a time, eventually resulting in amazing accomplishments.
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
While in Southeast Asia I volunteered in a language class. We also donated a water well prior to visiting. I can’t say I have a favorite project – I am inspired by each of them! I guess if I had to choose a project I would say the free classes are my favorite. This isn’t because of the project itself, but rather the commitment and gratitude of every child who attends. While growing up I dreaded going to school, I looked at it like something I was being forced to do. These kids know the value of education and they ride their bikes or walk for miles to attend classes. They are so grateful for the opportunity to learn. It is truly inspiring.
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
While volunteering at the language school I had asked a student why they came to the classes. He responded that it has given him hope to find a better job and help support his family. It really put the power of the change that these students are experiencing into perspective.
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
JWOC may be a small NGO, but the heart behind it is huge. From the people benefiting from the projects, to the university students volunteering their time back into JWOC, to the volunteers, donors and directors – everyone involved within JWOC wants it to be successful for all the right reasons. I’m so honored to be a part of an organization that really puts the best interests of its community first and works so hard to make sure the way they are making the projects happen is as best as it can be.
Name: Mary Brown
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
Yes, we were was there in 2009.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Chaing Rai in Thailand, Luang Prabang in Laos and Siem Reap in Cambodia. We had a lovely stay at the Journeys Within B & B in Siem Reap. We visited JWOC in Laos and Cambodia.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
Philadelphia, PA and Forestburgh, NY
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
We came across JWOC early on in researching our trip to SE Asia. We knew that we wanted to do more than’ just look’ on our trip. Andrea and Brandon helped us to have some meaningful, in depth volunteer experiences.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
See a Problem, Solve a Problem is proof that it is possible for one person to make a difference in the lives of others.
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
In Laos we visited two project sites: the language school at Muang Nga, and a primary school in a village outside of Luang Prabang. In Siem Reap we met with the new scholarship students, and visited a language school. We are currently sponsoring two scholarship students and providing some support for the intern program. Of all of these, the scholarship program is most meaningful to me. The students are highly motivated to be successful, and true improve life for themselves, their families and their country. Truly inspirational.
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
To anyone considering Philanthropic travel or Voluntourism, I would say, “Don’t hesitate! It will truly change your life, and in turn, you will have an opportunity to change the lives of others.”
Name: Judy Laird
Hometown: Fair Oaks, California.
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
Yes, with Journeys Within in 2009.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
Cambodia, Lao and Thailand. We visited JWOC in both Cambodia and Laos.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
Split between Fair Oaks, CA, Truckee, CA and “the traveling world”.
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
10 years ago I read in the Sacramento Bee and article about Andrea and Brandon building a B&B and offering the opportunity to volunteer while traveling.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
Do what you can to help children, families, villages, using whatever resources are available. “Seeing” and “Solving” are very important in a NPO (Non Profit Organisation).
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
We taught young adults, teenagers and children to read and speak English.
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
Yes! Definitely a highlight of our traveling lives.
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
Do it! Andrea and Brandon are marvelous to work with and will give any traveler an opportunity to volunteer.
Name: Judy Johnson
Hometown: Winchester, MA
Have you travelled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
We traveled with Journeys Within in 2009.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. (We began our trip in China.) We volunteered in Siem Reap and got to see the school, several sites of JWOC supported wells, and micro-finance locations. We were able to talk to the JWOC students/volunteers and to members of the community served by JWOC. We also visited the JWOC project in Laos.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
We consider Winchester to be “home,” but we also have a family cottage on Chappaquiddick that our extended family considers “home” as well.
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
I read about travel a lot, and had identified Journey’s Within as a company to keep in mind when we were able to go to S.E. Asia. I liked the small, personal flavor of the company; the knowledge and experience of staff members; the flexibility of the itineraries; the reasonableness of the cost; and particularly the fact that JW was connected with and supported the community. I was immediately struck with the idea of the “give-back” tour. Over the next year or so, I continued to hear about JW in travel publications/web sites, including the article in Conde Nast, all of which confirmed my desire to travel with JW.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
To me, it means that JWOC does not bring its own priorities and plans to the community but responds to needs that can be seen to arise in the community in which JWOC “lives.” It means that JWOC is not daunted by the fact that the problems are enormous, but instead focuses on an identified problem that it hopes to ameliorate.
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
I was involved in meeting and talking to students at the school and writing up some of their stories; I visited a school and village where the first community well was being installed, and wrote an article based on what I learned; and I helped design a “lesson plan” to help students write appropriate emails to their sponsors (as well as participating in one of the discussion groups after the “lesson”). In Luang Prabang, I accompanied Nicole and scholarship students to a village where the children were given books (and where we joined the village leader and others for lunch), and also to a school where we saw students studying English. My favorite project was participating in the development of a “lesson plan” on writing an email, and being part of one of the student discussion groups. I felt I could contribute something to this project – both in the design and also in the informal interaction with students, which I very much enjoyed.
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
In addition to the experience with the “email” project, I had other memorable experiences, including being invited into the homes of several of the villagers where the community well was being installed; interacting with individual children, both in the school and in the community; talking to a few of the scholarship students; and meeting the community “leader” and participating in the luncheon in Luang Prabang.
6. What were the striking differences and similarities you noticed about Southeast Asia and your home country?
I was struck by a number of differences:
1. The fact that the children were often without adult supervision. (Instead, the older (but not very old!) children care for the younger ones, which makes for a very different childhood from in the US.)
2. The lack of primary health care services. (Even basic health care services did not seem to be available for many S.E.Asians.)
3. The small houses, very simple standard of living, and lower standard of hygiene; less emphasis on safety.
4. The good cheer and generosity, of the people; the enthusiasm of the students.
5. The fact that almost all the children I talked to wanted to become tour guides. (A few did want to be teachers.)
6. The wide definition of “family.”
7. The limited discussion of politics.
Similarities
1. The children were similar to children here – fun-loving, enthusiastic, interested in the world around them.
2. Close-knit families – like many in the U.S – sharing the basic human desire to care and provide for family members.
3. The widespread environmental degradation.
4. The increased presence (in Thailand, in particular) of cars.
5. The importance of having money or other resources in seeking an education, health care.
6. The wide gap between the rich and the poor.
Name: Karin Leinwand
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
Yes, in December, 2008.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
We traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia. We stayed at Journeys Within and visited the JWOC school next door.
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
I heard about Journeys Within from good friends who had stayed there with their adopted Cambodian children. We wanted our children to experience life in another setting where education, health and money are not so easy to come by. We were so impressed with the work that JWOC does that we decided to stay involved after we returned from our trip.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
“See a Problem, Solve a Problem” means take action when you see a problem. Don’t trust that it will fix itself.
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
We helped build a composter for the school next to Journeys Within and we made cuttings to be used for landscaping once the school is completed. We also helped the students practice their English. In Vietnam, we also spoke English with children from a village school. Once we returned home, we made flash cards and hygiene kits and sent them to Cambodia via a student group.
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
Hearing that families had assembled at a village school in Vietnam on a Sunday because they knew we were coming had a very strong impression on me. I was also struck by how far kids travel to get to school and how much education is valued.
What were the striking differences and similarities you noticed about Southeast Asia and your home country?
There were so many differences that they are hard to name. The poverty was striking as was the determination by many who we met to get an education. We also loved the spirit and enthusiasm of the people we met. And the food was unbeatable!
What are your objectives and future goals for JWOC and for yourself with regards to the poverty in Southeast Asia?
I would like to continue to support the clean water and hygiene projects as well as support the schools.
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
JWOC is an incredible organization. If you have an idea for something that would benefit people in Southeast Asia, work with Andrea and you will have a fabulous partner for accomplishing your goal. It is very rewarding to know that your efforts directly benefit people and do not go into the pocket of a middleman or large corporate organization to fund its overhead.
Name: Patricia Requa
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Have you traveled to Southeast Asia before? If so, what year?
Lived in Asia for 6 years, between 1998 and 2008.
Where did you travel to in Southeast Asia? Did you visit JWOC?
All countries, including all those where JWOC has a presence. Spent 4 weeks volunteering with JWOC, Siem Reap in May, 2010.
Where do you consider home? If it is not where you currently live, tell us why.
Sacramento, CA
How did you first hear about Journeys Within and what inspired you to get involved with either the Tour Company or JWOC?
First met Brandon & Andrea at JW’s B&B in December, 2007. I was particularly attracted to JWOC because of their connection to my home town.
What does “See a Problem, Solve a Problem” mean to you?
Results!
Which JWOC projects were you involved with while you were in Southeast Asia? What was your favorite, and why?
Taught Japanese at JWOC’s Free School, and presented Massage Workshops. Also was able to see JWOC’s Micro-financing operation and Clean Water projects in action, and appreciate the level of thought and effort that goes into developing these. I was very touched by the hearts and dedication of the Student Scholars, as well as the Staff.
Does a particular memory or experience stand out for you from your time with JWOC?
Time spent in villages at the homes of the Student Scholars and locals, and the warm welcome of their family members.
What message would you like to relay to potential JWOC volunteers or donors?
Get involved! Every contribution of money or time can have huge results toward a better quality of life for the hardworking people of these developing countries. First-hand involvement vastly deepens any travel experience, so don’t be surprised if you come away feeling that you are the biggest beneficiary.
