They began their adventure with a 9-week journey to Southeast Asia in the spring of 1999, traveling to isolated areas of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, with a trek in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Later the same year, they training for, then climbed 14,500 ft. Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. In October, after more planning, they embarked on a three month journey in Sub-Saharan Africa. Next summer, they are headed to South America, also as Global Volunteers.
Some programs are in remote areas with poor infrastructure.
Back at home in California, Herb and Phyllis are involved as volunteers in a number of projects. These include teaching seminars in retirement at the Emeriti Center at the University of Southern California. They are also offering their expertise at local medical and psychological free clinics, and training for crisis intervention with the Red Cross. Phyllis is doing research for a book on women at mid-life, focusing on the emotional tools that are helpful for this transition. In partnership with two colleagues, she plans to launch a website, Her Mentor Center, in the near future.