Karen

& Gabriel Felipe

Travel information

We are currently

Activities we are interested in:

Currently we are in Albania

Description

We are Karen, Gabriel, and Camilli, a Brazilian family from Minas Gerais driven by curiosity and the desire to explore the world in a deep and meaningful way. For the past eight years, we have shared not only our lives but also the adventures that shape our story. With our 16-year-old daughter, Camilli, we are on a journey that goes beyond exploring new destinations; we also strive to make a positive impact on the communities we encounter along the way.

After an unforgettable eight-month trip through five European countries—Portugal, Spain, England, Wales, and Scotland—where we experienced rich cultural exchanges and transformative experiences, we are now even more committed to learning, sharing our skills, and leaving a positive mark in every place we visit.

We believe that volunteer exchange is a unique way to grow as individuals and as a family, gaining new perspectives, improving our skills, and at the same time contributing to the communities that welcome us. We are ready for the next phase of this journey, motivated by the idea of making a difference—leaving a part of ourselves behind while absorbing so much in return.

Throughout our journey, we have had the opportunity to live in both urban and rural areas, facing challenges and contrasts that broaden our worldview. We have worked in a variety of activities—from creative DIY projects to meal preparation, childcare, housekeeping, farming, and animal care. Each place has provided us with new skills, friendships, and valuable lessons.

Our sabbatical period has been essential in closely following Camilli’s transition from adolescence to adulthood while strengthening our family bonds and seeking new ways to grow. We are making the most of this break to refine our skills, learn new languages, and immerse ourselves in cultural experiences that enrich our journey.

We are driven by the idea of contributing to the people around us, whether through volunteer work or other forms of collaboration. We are ready to share our experiences and skills as we continue to grow personally, spiritually, and culturally.

Currently, we are on a Workaway in Portugal, where we plan to stay for three months before moving on to new destinations. Here, we have gained experience in building various rustic carpentry staircases, using raw wood, logs, and stakes to create sturdy structures that blend naturally with the environment. We have mastered traditional techniques such as joinery, bindings, and screw fastening, ensuring durability and functionality. Our work values the natural aesthetics of wood and sustainability, resulting in authentic projects that combine practicality, creativity, and harmony with the landscape.

As a united family, we are excited to make a positive and meaningful contribution wherever we have the privilege to visit. We look forward to learning about your expectations and how we can collaborate in a fulfilling way in the next phase of this 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
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
English: 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:

Management and Organizational Improvements:
We served as volunteer trustees for two years in a residential condominium with 30 families, where we also lived. During this period, we took on responsibilities for administrative management, maintenance, procurement, and drafting internal regulations. We also carried out extensive renovations and implemented improvements to create a clean, organized, and welcoming environment, always prioritizing harmony and family-friendly living.

Hands-On Work, Maintenance, and Creative Projects:
We are enthusiasts of "Do It Yourself" (DIY) projects. We enjoy transforming spaces and exploring our creativity, such as painting, texturing walls, and decorating spaces inspired by ideas from platforms like Pinterest. We have undertaken home renovations ranging from minor repairs to complete revitalizations, such as restoring an abandoned house into a clean, organized, and full-of-potential space.

We also have experience in:
Building outdoor spaces: creating functional and welcoming areas such as decks, pergolas, and other external environments.
General maintenance: performing small repairs, cleaning, and improving residential and rural structures.
Using power tools: knowledge in handling equipment for construction, gardening, and repairs.
Caring for animals and farms: managing small and large animals, maintaining stables, pastures, and gardens, as well as daily care for plants and flowers.
Childcare and Entertainment Activities:
We love working with children and have experience in their care, developing educational and recreational activities. We have organized projects such as storytelling, theater, playful games, and even sports activities. Camilli, with her passion for piano and acrobatics, also dedicates herself to teaching and entertaining children in a welcoming and creative environment.

Community and Social Volunteering:
For six years, we were volunteers in the "Trupe Sorriso" project, which combines hospital chaplaincy and clowning to bring joy and hope to hospitalized patients. Additionally, we dedicated time to visiting nursing homes, offering recreational activities, personal care, and moments of interaction that renew faith and energy for those who often feel forgotten.

Cultural and Artistic Engagement:
In Brazil, we led the arts ministry of our church, where we organized and directed theatrical performances for audiences of all ages. This experience strengthened our commitment to creativity, organization, and teamwork.

International Experience:
During our travels, we had the opportunity to volunteer in Portugal, Spain, England, and Scotland, contributing with:

Space remodeling: preparing and painting walls, selecting and installing decorative items and furniture.
Gardening: replanting flowers, beautifying gardens, and daily plant care.
Furniture assembly, curtain sewing, and space organization.
Animal care on farms and rural properties.
Outdoor space construction and improvement, always ensuring a welcoming and functional
environment.

Our Motivation:
Every volunteering experience has been profoundly rewarding. What unites us as a family is the desire to make a difference, contribute to the community, and engage in cultural exchange in diverse environments. We love animals, both large and small, and have a deep respect for nature.

Our native language is Portuguese, we are fluent in Spanish, and we are improving our English. We are open to learning new languages, as we value communication as a bridge to connecting with people and cultures.

We are seeking a volunteer opportunity that allows us to work together as a family, share our skills, and gain new experiences, contributing to making the world a more welcoming and compassionate place.

Age

32 & 28

What else ...

We really enjoy animals, dealing with them in volunteering 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, 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 do not consume alcoholic beverages and we do not smoke.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies

• 

  Special dietary requirements