Karen
& Gabriel Felipe

Brazil
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85.7 %
Travel information
We are currently
Travelling
Activities we are interested in:
Currently we are in Montenegro
Description
We are Karen, Gabriel, and Camilli — a Brazilian family from Minas Gerais, driven by curiosity and a shared desire to explore the world in a deep and meaningful way. We chose to embrace a lifestyle where we not only travel together, but also grow, learn, and contribute as a family. Alongside our 16-year-old daughter, Camilli, we are on a journey that goes beyond tourism — seeking authentic cultural experiences and meaningful connections with the communities we visit.

Our travels have taken us through several European countries — including Portugal, Spain, England, Albania, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, Wales, and Scotland — where we’ve had the chance to immerse ourselves in rich cultural exchanges and transformative experiences. These moments strengthened our commitment to learning, applying our skills, and leaving a positive impact wherever we go.

We see volunteer exchange as a powerful way to grow — both individually and as a family — while offering something valuable in return. It allows us to develop new perspectives, improve our abilities, and genuinely connect with people around the world. We are motivated by the idea of making a difference, giving a part of ourselves to each place, and receiving so much more in return.

Throughout our journey, we’ve lived in both urban and rural environments, facing challenges that broadened our worldview. We’ve contributed in many areas, including creative DIY projects, cooking, childcare, cleaning, hospitality, farming, and animal care. Each experience has taught us new skills, introduced us to incredible people, and provided unforgettable lessons.

This sabbatical has also allowed us to closely support Camilli in her transition from adolescence to adulthood, strengthening our family bonds while exploring new ways to grow together. We’re using this time to develop practical skills, learn new languages, and immerse ourselves in the cultural diversity that makes each place unique.

We are passionate about giving back — through volunteer work or other forms of collaboration — and we’re eager to continue sharing our experiences and talents while growing personally, spiritually, and culturally.

Currently, we are doing a Workaway in Montenegro, where we plan to stay for five months before heading to new destinations. Here, we’ve gained valuable experience in hospitality: cooking meals, preparing and cleaning guest rooms and common areas, transporting guests, and preparing teas, juices, smoothies, and specialty coffees. You can learn more about the retreat on Instagram: @ashumaretreatcenter. This experience has allowed us to work in different areas and significantly expand our skillset.

As a close-knit family, we’re excited to continue making a positive and meaningful contribution wherever we have the privilege to be. We look forward to learning about your expectations and finding ways to collaborate in a fulfilling and enriching way during the next chapter of our journey.
Interests
Winter sports
Dancing
Fashion or beauty
Languages
Farming
Team sports
Drawing & painting
Videography
Carpentry
Writing
Cycling
Blogging
Culture
Van life
Nature
Outdoor activities
Pets
Water sports
Plant care
Photography
Movies & TV
Mountain
Gardening
Events & social
DIY & crafts
Charity work
Cooking & food
Beach
Animals
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
Portuguese: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Spanish: Intermediate
Italian: Beginner
More details about my language interests
We are open to learning more languages because we value communication and the ability to connect with people from different cultures.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Languages
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
Eco Projects
Teaching
Life at a Farmstay
Hospitality/Tourism
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Being an elderly companion
Charity Work
Art Projects
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
More details about your skills
Our Experiences and Skills:

For two years, we volunteered at a residential condominium, taking on responsibilities in administrative management, maintenance, procurement, and drafting regulations, as well as leading renovations to transform the space into an organized and welcoming environment.

We are passionate about “Do It Yourself” (DIY) projects and have experience in home renovations, building outdoor areas like decks and pergolas, general maintenance, handling power tools, as well as caring for animals and managing crops.

We have also developed skills in preparing meals and non-alcoholic drinks for guests, along with organizing rooms and common areas with attention to detail.

We enjoy working with children, facilitating educational and recreational activities, and have dedicated time to social projects such as “Trupe Sorriso,” bringing joy and comfort to hospitalized patients and the elderly.

Culturally, we have led our church’s arts ministry, organizing theatrical performances for audiences of all ages, which strengthened our creativity and teamwork.

During our travels across Europe — including Portugal, Spain, England, Scotland, Albania, and Montenegro — we contributed to various projects involving renovations, gardening, furniture assembly, animal care, and hospitality.

Our native language is Portuguese, we are fluent in Spanish, and we are improving our English. We are seeking a family volunteering opportunity where we can share our skills, continue learning, and meaningfully contribute to the communities that welcome us.
Age
33 & 29
What else ...
We really enjoy animals, and volunteering with them would be great. We like board games and card games, sports, outdoor adventures, beaches, traveling, and also binge-watching series.
We are interested in farms, hotels, and beach houses because we love nature but also enjoy exploring cities and new cultures.
We would also like to participate in events and volunteer in social and religious projects.

We enjoy spending time together and value simple moments, like a picnic in the park or on the beach.

We do not consume alcohol, we do not smoke, and we are completely against the use of any kind of drugs. These are personal and family values that are very important to us.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  Cumin, coriander
- Special dietary requirements

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12 May 2025

Left by host (Learn about local culture ...) for Workawayer ()

I consider myself really lucky to have met Gabriel, Karen and their daughter even if in the period that I was not at their in my house , they were alone in my guest house they took care of everything animals flowers vegetable garden guest house and everything necessary , all my guests gave me the highest rating thanks to them, I can only recommend… read more

(Excellent )

26 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about local culture ...)

We stayed for a month at this amazing place and had a truly wonderful experience! The property is beautiful and the location is excellent. In front of the house, there’s a breathtaking view of the Albanian Alps — we arrived at the beginning of spring and were lucky to see the mountains still covered in snow, which was simply stunning. At the back… read more

(Excellent )

17 Mar 2025

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Meeting Karen, Gabriel and Mili in January to March 2025 was a wonderful and enriching experience. With their positive attitude and skills they were a great match for the tasks at hand and a delightful addition to our team. Be it inside the house with cleaning, maintenance and preparing meals, or outside building, gardening and forest work, all… read more

(Excellent )

12 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us creating a ...)

Our experience at this Workaway was simply incredible! We stayed for three months, and from the very beginning, we felt truly welcomed. We are a family, and we had the privilege of staying in a super comfortable three-story house, where the third floor was exclusively for us. The house was cozy, well-equipped, and provided us with a great space to… read more relax after work.

This was a paid position, and we were responsible for our own food, which worked well for us. Besides our family, there were three other wonderful workawayers—a couple from Italy and a young man from the Czech Republic. We built a special bond, and in no time, we became like a family, sharing experiences, laughter, and great moments together. The daily interaction with people from different nationalities made this experience even more enriching, and it definitely helped us improve our English a lot!

The tasks were well-organized and divided into teams, making everything run smoothly and collaboratively. We had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, such as building outdoor stairways using wood and stones, planting trees and flowers, pruning and clearing land and pathways, and creating beautiful new gardens and outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. We also worked with carpentry, cleaned the property's water channels, built wooden borders, and participated in the entire firewood preparation process—from cutting trees to storing logs of different sizes for future use. Additionally, we assisted with English-to-Portuguese translations for local workers and visited nearby stores to purchase tools, flowers, and trees for planting.

During our free time, we truly enjoyed each other's company, making pizzas in the wood-fired oven on weekends and sharing great conversations around the campfire.

Andreas (Andi) is a very competent host, highly skilled, and always willing to share his knowledge. From the very first video call to his guidance during the daily tasks, his communication was always very clear, which made learning and completing the work much easier. We learned so much from him! Graciela was with us for only a few days, but her contagious energy made a huge difference. She was always smiling and attentive to everyone's well-being, making sure we had coffee and snack breaks and even arranging shared lunches with local workers.

Without a doubt, this was a very positive experience that provided us with learning opportunities, time in nature, amazing friendships, and the chance to improve our English significantly. We highly recommend this opportunity to anyone looking for a collaborative and welcoming work environment.

Thank you for everything, Andreas and Graciela! 😊

(Excellent )

25 Nov 2024

Left by host (Bring your love, light and ...) for Workawayer ()

It’s hard to believe that it has already been six months since the Felipe family - Karen, Gabriel and Millie - joined our household. From the moment they arrived, they became an integral part of our family.

Karen you've been a phenomenal help in our home. Your dedication to keeping our home tidy and clean has made a world of difference, and and… read more all the help with change overs for our rental, ensuring everything is always in is in perfect order for our guests. Every evening, we are treated to your delicious meals (the feijoada, the pão de queijo!!!) which have not only filled our bellies but also our hearts with warmth and joy. Your cooking has introduced us to new flavours and traditions, and sharing our meals together has created a wonderful blended family at the dinner table.

Gabriel, you've also been a tremendous asset. Your willingness to tackle any task with energy and enthusiasm has been inspiring. Whether helping on the farm, assisting our builder with various clean-up projects, or transforming our garden from a weedy patch into a beautiful outdoor space, your hard work has not gone unnoticed. We just mention a task and you tackle it beyond your expectation... thank you, your level of detail is unmatched!

And for Millie - Karen and Gabriel should be so proud - you've been a shining light in our daughters’ lives. They look up to you as a sister and a role model. Your diligence, well-roundedness, your earnest love of learning, and your drive to succeed are qualities that resonate deeply with our family. Thank you for the time you've spent playing and bonding with our girls, enriching their lives and leaving a lasting impression on them - an impression we certainly hope they reflect on as they grow into their teenage years.

When we first considered accommodating a family of three in our home, I admit I had my doubts. The idea of sharing our space with a whole other family was daunting, but from the very first conversation we had, I felt reassured. Karen and Gabriel approached everything with openness and sincerity, which made it easy for us to agree to try this arrangement.

Reflecting on the past six months, I am incredibly thankful that we took this leap of faith. Our family has grown in ways we never anticipated. We have all become better people because of the love and kindness the Felipe family has brought into our lives. Their unique, accommodating nature and their devotion to each other and to God have truly enriched our home.

While this is not goodbye, as we look forward to future visits—perhaps in Brazil or Korea—you'll always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for everything!

(Excellent )

10 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Bring your love, light and ...)

It was an experience that is hard to put into words, it was so extraordinary! We are deeply grateful for the special months we spent here, where every detail is enchanting. Cindy, Mark, Evelyn, and Frances form a loving and welcoming family, always upbeat. Amid the work and hustle of daily life, they never stopped smiling, which is truly… read more contagious.

From the very first contact, we were warmly received. Cindy was very thoughtful and considerate in her communication before our arrival, guiding us in the best way. When we arrived, we were welcomed with a wonderful dinner prepared by Mark and a gift basket with a card made by the girls, a very thoughtful surprise. As a family, we had two beautiful rooms and an exclusive bathroom, all very well-equipped. With total privacy, we felt completely embraced and comfortable, as if we were in our own home. Additionally, we had access to a car, which made it easier for us to explore the nearby cities and regions, allowing us to visit all the tourist spots we wanted to see.

Cindy is a delightful person. Always smiling and, despite being busy with work, she never fails to be present for her family. As a loving mother and dedicated leader, we had wonderful conversations during dinner, and she recommended several places for us to visit. From the beginning, she trusted us, leaving us in charge of the house during family vacations and also during her frequent work trips. We are very grateful for her trust. Mark, on the other hand, is an extremely happy, simple, and easygoing person who positively transforms the environment around him, bringing joy to everyone. Always willing to share his knowledge about the farm and the animals, he captivated us with great conversations and an inspiring sense of humor.

Evelyn and Frances are lovely, affectionate, playful girls with brilliant minds. They helped us a lot with English, sharing everyday words and expressions. Evelyn has a great interest in cooking, enjoys helping in the kitchen, and even prepared a few dishes; she also taught Milli how to play the piano, which brought us immense joy. Frances is a sweet and very fun girl who loves company and has a great interest in animals, just like her father. We are sure that both of them have a bright future ahead.

Alabama and Jenny, the family's two little dogs, were also part of this amazing experience, making the time spent together even more special.

In addition to all the hospitality and care, the culinary experience was unforgettable! We had the privilege of eating the best beef we've ever had, from the cows on the farm, something Mark is justifiably proud of, as the taste and quality are unmatched. We also tried pheasants, ducks, and venison hunted by Mark himself, which was a remarkable and delicious experience for us. These moments will certainly be kept in our memories.

The work was well-organized and guided, with about 5 hours of daily work and weekends off. We did the weekly shopping; Karen took care of the housework and made dinner; Gabriel handled the outdoor tasks like cleaning, gardening, and DIY; and in the summer, Milli took the girls to school and interacted with them before dinner, doing various activities like an older sister. We worked without pressure, at a relaxed pace, and for the most part, alone, which gave us the freedom to listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts, making the most of a very quality time.

This was an unforgettable experience, full of lessons that certainly made our lives happier. We highly recommend this beautiful family, confident that the next workawayers will also have enriching and joyful experiences here. And without a doubt, we would return to be part of this family.

(Excellent )

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12 May 2025

Left by host (Learn about local culture ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

26 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn about local culture ...)

(Excellent)

17 Mar 2025

Left by host for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

12 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us creating a ...)

(Excellent)

25 Nov 2024

Left by host (Bring your love, light and ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

10 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Bring your love, light and ...)

(Excellent)

8 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help us to start a retreat ...)

Our experience with Nila, German, and Mika was simply amazing! From the very beginning, we were welcomed with open arms and truly felt like part of the family. Their hospitality is something rare, always filled with good humor, laughter, and contagious energy that made each day special. We participated in all the family activities and were… read more

(Excellent)

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