Here's how to live fully
Celebrating their anniversary in Bhutan!
Celebrating their 30th anniversary in Bhutan!
“International adventures have been a huge part of our marital joy, so we were thrilled to begin our 30th year…on our way to Bhutan... This also will be our sixth volunteer trip with Globe Aware!" - Volunteer Renee Klein.
Returning volunteers Renee and James chose to celebrate their 30th anniversary not with a typical vacation, but with purpose. They embarked on another Globe Aware adventure, this time to Bhutan.
What better way to mark three decades together than by exploring new horizons and fully embracing life? Now that's living life fully!
They were warmly welcomed to Bhutan with a traditional blessing before heading to Thimphu, where they visited a local art school and settled in for the night. In the days that followed, they explored cultural and natural highlights, including the towering Buddha Dordenma, a scenic hike to Wangditse, the lively markets of Kaja Throm, the Takin Preserve, and moments of quiet reflection at two peaceful nunneries. A meaningful part of their journey was helping to build a much-needed cattle shed at an animal rescue and care center, an impactful, hands-on volunteer experience.
Their time in Punakha was filled with both adventure and cultural immersion. They enjoyed a refreshing hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Monastery, offering sweeping views of the valley, and crossed Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. One afternoon, they were welcomed into a farm home for a home-cooked meal that showcased authentic Bhutanese hospitality. They explored the majestic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, and visited the revered Chimi Lhakhang, or Temple of Fertility. On their journey to Paro, they paused at Dochula Pass to visit tranquil meditation caves and take a few moments for quiet reflection.
One afternoon, after her hike to the famed Tiger’s Nest, volunteer Renee reunited with her husband. Together, they enjoyed some local shopping, selecting traditional Bhutanese attire, a gho for Jim, and a kira for Renee, and captured memorable photos against the picturesque backdrop of Paro Dzong. What a wonderful way to conclude their time in Bhutan!
"Almost all still wear the National Dress, and it’s required in schools, offices, and temples; but occasionally on the street, you’ll see young people in jeans, t-shirts, and ball caps. Globe Aware, our volunteer organization, had told us the Bhutanese really appreciate it when Westerners wear the national dress as well. We were reluctant, fearing cultural appropriation, but the locals reinforced how much they appreciated it. So we bought a Gho (for men) and a Kira (for women) and are leaving them for future volunteers to borrow and wear at important sites." - Volunteer Renee Klein.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Bhutan Program
Mother's Day - Bhutan Cont.
Volunteer Renee kicked off her Mother’s Day with a memorable hike to Bhutan’s iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a must-see for any visitor. Here’s her reflection on the experience and how she chose to honor Mother’s Day during the journey.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmoms, stepmoms, dog/cat moms, garden moms, community moms, and world moms. Today, I had the incredible fortune to make it to the top of the mountain home to Taktsang Monastery, the cultural and spiritual icon of the deeply Buddhist country of Bhutan. Here I lit a traditional butter lamp for YOU moms. In this deeply spiritual place, clinging to the side of a mountain since the 1600s, I envisioned all the women of the world holding hands and bringing peace. It was a very, very emotional journey! Enormous gratitude to Globe Aware Coordinator Rinchen for guiding me and for all the information.” - Volunteer Renee Klein
Bringing Brighter Smiles to Guatemala
Over the weekend, an incredible team of dental professionals arrived in Guatemala, ready to make a difference. Their mission: to bring brighter smiles and healthier futures to children in a rural community through essential dental care. Throughout the week, the team worked tirelessly alongside local staff and volunteers, offering much-needed treatment and education to those who needed it most.
The result? Improved oral health, joyful connections, and lasting change in the lives of many.
Beyond the clinic, the team embraced the beauty and culture of Guatemala, from a breathtaking trip to the ancient ruins of Tikal to relaxing by the sparkling lake near their accommodations. They even participated in a hands-on tamale-making lesson, adding a delicious taste of tradition to their unforgettable experience.
Smiles were shared, stories exchanged, and lives transformed, including their own.
"We are so grateful to have gone on our mission trip to Guatemala. Our memories of this trip will last a lifetime. Thank you to our patients and to the community who helped support our fundraising efforts to make this possible." - Dentistry Just 4 Kids
Learn more about Globe Aware's Guatemala Program
Family Adventure in Thailand & Cambodia
"It felt like home...And we most certainly want to return. There are so many words to describe how special and life-lifting this experience was." - Tara Zeilman
This was an immediate and heartfelt connection. The Zeilman family quickly formed a strong bond with the children and teens who call our Chiang Mai project site home, many refugees seeking stability, education, and a sense of belonging. From the start, the Zeilman family got involved by reading with the children, helping with schoolwork, and sharing stories from home. They brought useful supplies, offered support, and spent time playing games, doing crafts, and singing songs. Their presence brought both learning and connection, showing the children that they are supported and not alone.
The Zeilman family continued their journey through Asia with a week in Cambodia, where they once again joined us for a meaningful volunteer experience. Partnering with our local coordinator, John, they focused on building a much-needed bathroom for a rural community.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Thailand Hill Tribes Program
Family Adventure in Thailand & Cambodia Cont.
In Cambodia’s countryside, access to proper sanitation is limited, leaving families vulnerable to waterborne illnesses and poor hygiene. By helping construct a bathroom, the Zeilmans contributed not only to improved health and safety but also to the community’s long-term development and dignity.
Beyond their volunteer work, the family explored Cambodia’s rich history with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat and spent time learning about the country’s complex past. They also enjoyed exploring local markets and shared joyful moments playing with children in nearby villages, a meaningful way to conclude their time in Cambodia.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Cambodia Program
Dracula, Castles & Kindness!
Volunteer Deepak had a wonderful time discovering and learning this week during his volunteer vacation in Romania! He visited numerous renowned landmarks, including churches, fortresses, and towers like Peles Castle, the White Tower, and the Black Church. He observed the striking contrast between the historic old town and the more modern neighborhoods. Deepak also had the chance to tour the infamous Bran Castle, famously known as the legendary home of Dracula!
At our Center, he engaged with the children, chatting and making sensory sand, while offering gentle guidance. Globe Aware partners with a grassroots organization supporting individuals with special needs, including Down syndrome, Asperger’s, and Autism. Sadly, Romania lacks a system to integrate these children into mainstream education or inclusive employment, so these interactions can be incredibly impactful, boosting their confidence and sense of belonging!
Learn more about Globe Aware's Romania Program
Smart Money Tips for Travelers
Thanks to Rick Steves for helping us stay travel-ready! Here's a quick roundup of his best tips when it comes to currency abroad.
Make the most of your travel budget with these quick tips:
Avoid currency exchange desks. Unless it is an emergency, they often charge steep fees.
Use local cash. Paying in dollars outside the local currency usually means poor exchange rates.
Credit cards for emergencies only. Use debit cards for cash; credit card cash advances come with big fees.
Know the exchange rate. Round up to estimate costs quickly.
Plan ATM withdrawals. Avoid frequent small withdrawals and try not to carry leftover currency across borders.
Spend your coins before you leave. Spend them (on knick-knacks or snacks), change them into bills, or give them away before you head into a country where they're worthless. Otherwise, you've just bought a bunch of round, flat souvenirs.
Multicurrency accounts? Great for long stays, but most vacationers don’t need one.
Smart spending = more treats, adventures, and memories!
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