Gpanda

Lori-thanks for your story. It is inspirational.

As an aside, Beth and I were fortunate enough to meet the famous Lori for dinner on our recent trip. What she doesn't say in her tale is that she is really funny. Also, her energy level is off the charts. She emits very positive vibes.

glorialf

Great story, Lori. In 1985 I made the decision to move from a huge salary to the world of non profit. I am still not making what I made in 1985 (in real money having nothing to do with inflation) so give new meaning to the phrase "downwardly mobile". But I feel that what I do really makes a difference and except when I'm laying in bed panicky about money it's a decision I never regretted.

stitchintime

I am speechless and in awe of the bravery and committment that you have decided to make a part of your life. One of the wonderful things that I am learning is when you follow your passions, the doors always open up. My husband and I make 2 trips a year to Thailand and are finding the doors opening also. Your words and thoughts reflect so much like the way we feel also. We look for ways to change peoples lives while we are here and find great gifts for ourselves when we do. Thank you so much for opening up and telling us your story.

Kathie

Thank you, Lori, for sharing a part of your very moving story.

Kristina

Hi-
I just spent 4 days in Cambodia with Lori (Offwego) and went with her to bring supplies to the school at Koh Ker.

Trust me, her story, and Ponheary's are both inspirational. So much so that my mother and I raised $2200 to bring to Cambodia for the Koh Ker school. I would have never done it had I not been inspired by everything on the www.plf.org website. I'd met Ponheary before, but this was before Lori started the foundation. It was the chance to help that brought me back to Cambodia.

She has big plans for these kids and the foundation had already had a major impact on many lives. I know she's making a positive difference. I've seen it with my own eyes. The kids in the schools that they've been supporting for the past two years are thriving. The teachers are learning (she gives English classes in the evenings). She's making a difference.

glorialf

What you're writing is to me the REAL reson to go to asia -- far more important than seeing temples or having massages or shopping (all of which I love). But it's letting the people touch you, connecting with them and giving back to them in whatever way you can that truly makes travel life changing. And, as you say-- what you give you get back 1000 times over.

inspiritu

This isl awesome! Thanks everyone for rallying around this topic. This is my first ever post on Fodors, and it looks like I've found the right community to raise this subject. This is an even better response than I could have imagined.

Lori, thanks for opening your heart and inspiring us all with your story. What you are doing is exactly the kind of inspirational message my partner and I want to profile. See my reply to your email. I hope we can meet up in Siem Reap.

Gpanda thanks for relating your personal experinces knowing Lori.

Kristina, I love that you and your mom raised all that money for the Koh Ker school. From reading the website, www.plf.org, I know that amount of money can do a great deal of good.

Stitchintime, I'd sure love to hear more about what you and your husband are doing on your trips to Thailand. If you are too shy to tell it here, feel free to email me directly at [email protected].

Glorialf, thank you for continuing to add energy and inspiration to this thread. Your 22+ year commitment to leave a big salary and work in the non-profit sector is also inspirational to me. I would love to hear what made you make the brak. Was there a particular tipping point you can point to?

offwego

Jeff you did find the right board to make this post. The vast majority of the people here get the whole point of traveling and have been very supportive of MANY worthwhile organizations.

Gloria I would like to hear your story too.