What inspired you to co-found the Christopher Robert Project?
After the passing of my only child, I set out to find a renewed purpose in life. My husband and I trekked to a tiny Karen village, a four-hour trek uphill—in the rain. This is where I met a young boy unable to walk. Upon discussion with the family and a subsequent meeting with tribal elders and headman of the village, all agreed that we could take the entire family out of the village for the first time ever to seek orthopedic evaluation. After a 12-week hospital stay requiring serial bilateral long leg castings, the child was followed up with special shoes and braces for three years. On last village follow-up, the field team found this child running and climbing trees with friends.
In the village with Lynn, Rip, Will, James, and Casey
Why do you do what you do?
For me, it's difficult knowing that there are people I care about in urgent need of services and support. It is for this reason that I have continued to be loyal to villages for almost eight years now. Field work in villages that speak little to no English requires nonverbal communication, and my extensive education in disabled care and adaptive technology for those with disabilities is integral to recognizing the needs and wants of individuals in under-served communities.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when I actually enter villages with the field team. Village residents are so very grateful for what our project brings to their village. Our field team is provided a guesthouse in which to sleep and delicious food to eat. In the evenings the sun sets over the mountain, casting shadows that provide the most excellent lighting for photography. Later we sit by a fire talking about our day and enjoying the company of the field team and village residents as they play guitar and sing songs with the children.
Lynn and Alyse teaching English in a village kitchen
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Our organization faces challenges in the form of language. Village residents mostly speak their tribal language, a little Thai, and practically no English. We overcome this challenge by employing both village and Thai national staff. Temporary field workers will assist our field work with a language translator and makeshift sign language.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Currently, I am working on a Safe Water Project, providing sustainable bio-sand filters and providing Water and Sanitation Hygiene Education with the assistance of tribal translators. Previously I worked with the English With iPads Project, where we taught English to children and adults using tablet computers and an English language app.
What makes the Christopher Robert Project special?
We are an organization specializing in reciprocal giving. Everyone wins, beginning with villages who gain empowerment through sustainable projects; Thai Nationals and village residents who gain employment in the current dismal Thai economy; conscious travelers and university students who gain real world field work experience in a multicultural team environment; and the Christopher Robert Project that wins because it can work toward its mission.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Someone should choose the Christopher Robert Project because we have established a unique relationship with our villages that is seven years in the making. Our villages are an active part of our work, providing sleeping arrangements and fresh meals in the village.
Lynn in the village with kids blowing bubbles
What hopes do you have for the future of the Christopher Robert Project?
My hope for the future of this organization is to provide full time employment for staff, village residents, and a Village Women's Water Council who oversees our safe water filter implementation and WaSH classes for families receiving filters.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants take away a new understanding of the challenges isolated villages face and the creative ways our organization is meeting urgent needs by empowering sustainable solutions. I hope participants will feel empowered themselves as they continue their education throughout the world knowing they have put in the work, received the experience, and are reaping the rewards of a multicultural field work experience.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I feel it's important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures to enhance their understanding of the world around them and gain insight into the challenges people in various parts of the world experience.
Elephant Care and Conservation with Lynn, Rip, Cara, and Lauren
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice would be to find a program of your liking, reach out to the organization for information, and find a way to do it. I would advise to get travel insurance for the security and make sure to arrive BEFORE the program starts. Keep an open mind (cultures vary) and make sure to do your research regarding that country's customs, as well as their dos and don'ts.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I believe that meaningful travel should be reciprocal in that many individuals should benefit. It means traveling for purpose and a noble cause that speaks to you.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement to me means approaching organizations, programs, and challenges with an ethical mind. It means making decisions that strengthen your global awareness and your understanding of diverse cultures. Think sustainability!