Leslie Osterloh & Bradley Godwin

Human Trafficking Photography Expedition to Promote Social Change

Leslie Osterloh and Bradley Godwin knew as soon as they got engaged that they wanted to have a honeymoon away from the ordinary so they chose to get behind the lens and join Kaya on an incredible Photography Expedition to Help Promote Social Change in Thailand. Leslie talks to Kaya about her experience in Thailand.

Tell us about your experiences with Kaya

Kaya is an amazing responsible travel organization. They helped us plan and prepare for our adventure. Their customer service and flexibility were amazing and there were absolutely no hiccups or problems that we encountered.

Why did you decide to opt for a volunteering honeymoon rather than your more standard holiday?

Simply stated: Life is about people. Brad and I truly want to make an impact on people’s lives in everything we do. We find the greatest joy is being a blessing to others and volunteering is the perfect avenue to do that.

When did you first decide that you wanted to volunteer for your honeymoon?

As soon as we got engaged.

Tell us what made you chose the Photography Expedition?

We are both passionate about ending child trafficking and about providing a platform for people’s stories through a lens versus the sometimes harsh reality of words.

Tell us about your experience living with the locals in the hill tribes

I’ve been a lot of places in my life and have done a lot of crazy adventures but to go into a country and try to gain an in depth understanding of the culture you’re visiting is radically difficult. The goal or mission of our assignment was to find “the light” and “the dark” of each Hill tribe. For example, in the Li Su village we were able to see children at school and to capture through a lens their sweet innocence; however on the flip side we also had to understand the dark side of this community which is child trafficking and the true issue which was what happens to kids after the age of 11 when there is no work and no school opportunity.

In the Li Su village we also stayed with a family in their hut and tried to soak in our surroundings as much as possible. We learned about the neighbours (organic farmers, former prostitutes, police officers, school teachers) we slept in mosquito nets, trekked from village to village, and embraced the north Thailand Hilltribe customs.

Tell us about your role in the expedition

My role in the expedition was to be a student. To understand the troubles and strife of the people in the hill tribes and to take the knowledge learned and the pictures taken and actually do something with it back in the US.

What has been the highlight of your trip?

There were 3 highlights:
1.) Visiting the shelter where we hung out with the 19 girls that were rescued from child trafficking
2.) Learning from our guide/world renowned photographer. He has an incredible heart and what he is doing with the shelter is incredible.
3.) The food!!! From homemade dinners in the hill tribe villages to a cooking class in Chiang Mai to the absolute best Thai meal I’ve ever eaten in Mai Sai (coconut curry – yum!). I’ve never had so much rice in my life but I honestly fell in love with the food.

Leslie had a few glitches falling ill while in Koh Samui prior to joining the Photography Expedition. We ask what happened and how everything was sorted out

2 words: Traveller’s Insurance. Do not leave on an international adventure without travellers insurance even if you have health insurance back home. I came down with an evil case of the chills/fever from something (insect/water – the doctor still doesn’t know). I had to go to the hospital and stay there for 3 days/2 nights from a unique stomach infection. Our Travel Insurance Company helped us find the right hospital and helped us get the best care to get us back on our honeymoon. I do not wish that experience on anyone.

What has been a volunteer meant to you (versus just visiting as a tourist)?

I don’t think Brad or I will ever be tourists again. I feel like all I’ve ever gotten from being a tourist were trinkets, trash and t-shirts. There is absolutely a difference in doing life with the locals versus walking right by them on the way to the beach. Remember life is about people and you remember experiences, conversations and people more than you remember your old t-shirts.

How has this experience affected you?

I am now an ambassador for a cause. When people speak about human trafficking and more specifically child trafficking I am not an ignorant bystander that judges based on what I hear on the news. I can and will report what is going on in northern Thailand because I’ve seen it first-hand.

Do you think this experience will influence you in your job back at home?

Yes! We have already told over 1000 people about our experiences in the hope to create the change we would like to see in the world. We were able to share our experience and travel not only to inform people about the cause but also to share with our family and friends that there is another way to travel and another way to do a honeymoon.

Do you think your work experience was useful to you on your project?

Not necessarily during the project but after the project my work experience has made the difference. I am in sales and sales is very much psychology of the mind to help people (your buyer) understand your way of thinking. What the biggest takeaway of this project is to me, is to take what you’ve learned and does something with it. With my sales experience it will help me portray the story for people that don’t know what’s going on in northern Thailand.

What would you say to others thinking about taking part in a volunteer project?

Do it! You won’t regret it!