A Journey of Service, Sisterhood & Transformation

Anya Yeager

Nov 25, 2025 — 4 min read

This month, LOTUS Humanitarian embarked on one of the most meaningful journeys in our organization’s history—a service-focused, heart-opening adventure to Cambodia in partnership with She Dares to Wander, a woman-founded travel company dedicated to transformational experiences that give back.

Twelve extraordinary women joined us on this inaugural journey. What unfolded was more than travel. It was connection. It was compassion in action. It was love made visible.

And it began with one woman’s devotion.

Marjon’s Vision: A Calling Fulfilled

The inspiration for this first trip was LOTUS board member and She Dares to Wander founder & CEO Marjon Tondravi. Cambodia has had her heart since she joined LOTUS in 2021. Through her unwavering passion and leadership, LOTUS has been able to support two life-changing projects in the region:

The Seyla Poy Orphanage in Siem Reap
The Kulen Mountain English School run by Vanara Mao

This trip allowed us to visit these projects in person, meet the children we support, and witness firsthand the impact being made by our donors and volunteers.

The Orphanage: A Home Built on Love

Seyla Poy, his wife, and their extended family have lovingly cared for 35–40 children, ages 6–17, since the orphanage’s founding. It is not an institution—it is a home. A place where children support one another like siblings, where every child is valued, and where love is the guiding principle.

Through the generosity of LOTUS donors, we have been honored to support this beautiful family over the years:

🛏️ Purchased all beds and bedding
🚻 Built two new restroom facilities (boys’ and girls’)
🎄 Sponsored annual Christmas celebrations
🏖️ Funded four beach trips for the children
🧊 Purchased a freezer for food storage
🎓 Funded vocational education for graduates who stay to help run the orphanage

Meeting these children in person was profoundly humbling. Their kindness, joy, and deep sense of family moved us to tears.

During our visit, LOTUS volunteers brought donations of toys, shoes, and clothing—gifts received with the biggest smiles you’ve ever seen. We also spent a full day together at a local water park where our group shared lunch, laughter, and real connection. We ended with a cherished tradition: ice cream at a small local shop where each child picked whatever their heart desired.

Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness carry the greatest meaning. This day reminded us that when you show up with love, it is felt. It is remembered. It matters.

Most of the children choose to remain at the orphanage into adulthood, helping run it for the next generation. That is the strength of this family. That is the power of love.

The English School: A Dream Taking Root

High in the rural hills of Kulen Mountain, we visited our second Cambodian project: the English school run by the inspiring Vanara Mao. Beneath his stilted home, on a simple dirt floor, he teaches free English classes to 40+ children from surrounding villages.

LOTUS currently provides:

A monthly salary for Vanara
School supplies
Books
Food kits
Ongoing support for his growing classroom

His dream is simple and powerful: to build a proper classroom with a roof, desks, and chairs so his students can learn even during heavy rains.

Standing there, watching the children recite their English lessons with pride, we understood exactly why we do this work. Education is opportunity. Education is hope. Education is freedom.

Adventure With Purpose

Of course, no journey to Cambodia would be complete without moments of awe and wonder. Our group made the most of every day:

Walking with elephants
Visiting the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake
And witnessing sunrise at Angkor Wat—a moment that felt like pure magic

Adventure deepens us. Service transforms us.
Together, they change us forever.

Why We Travel to Give Back

At LOTUS Humanitarian, we believe people give back when they develop a personal connection with a child, a community, or a country. That’s why our partnership with She Dares to Wander is so meaningful. Marjon and her team truly believe in travel that transforms—a philosophy that aligns perfectly with our core values of connection, impact, and integrity.

Our hope is that this is the first of many journeys to Cambodia and beyond. And we hope you will join us next time.

Be Part of the Light This Giving Tuesday

While we prepare for future trips, we need your support today.

LOTUS Humanitarian is 100% volunteer-run.
We have no employees, no salaries, and no administrative overhead.
Every single dollar donated goes directly to the people who need it most.

This Giving Tuesday, we humbly ask you to consider a one-time or recurring donation of any amount. Your generosity helps us: