100 Users Strong, Bali Dreams, and Your Questions Answered
March 2026 Newsletter
Hey everyone!
We have a big reason to celebrate this month: Cross Exchange has officially reached 100 users! Thank you to everyone who’s joined us in these early days. Whether you’ve listed your work exchange opportunity or are dreaming of your first trip, we are so grateful you’re here.
This month, we’re spotlighting a very special host in Indonesia and launching a brand-new section to answer your travel questions.
Host Spotlight: Faith and Family in Bali, Indonesia
This month, I’m excited to feature a host who is very close to my heart. A few years back, I had the opportunity to stay with this orphanage in Bali, Indonesia for a few weeks, and it was a truly life-changing experience.
The Mission:
Located in beautiful Bali, this isn’t just an orphanage; it is a loving family environment. Their mission is to provide a stable, Christ-centered home for children in need, teaching them about the love of Jesus through daily life and intentional care.
The Experience:
My time there was filled with energy and joy. Some of my personal highlights included lots of activities with the children: playing sports (especially soccer and baseball), going for afternoon runs, and exploring the local area on field trips. It is a place where “sharing life” happens through action - both on the soccer field and at the dinner table!
What they’re looking for:
They are currently looking for volunteers who want to pour into these kids’ lives.
English Teaching: Help the children practice and improve their English skills.
Mentorship: Spend quality time being a positive, Christian role model.
Active Participation: If you love sports, outdoors, and high energy, you will fit right in!
Reader Mailbag
We’re experimenting with a new section in this newsletter addressing questions we’ve received from our wonderful users. We want to make sure you feel equipped as you head out on your exchanges. Hope this helps!
This month, we’re answering a question we received recently: “What should I pack, how much money do I need, and how do I handle the logistics once the exchange is agreed upon?”
Here is some practical advice based on my own travels:
1. The Money Situation
When traveling to an area that doesn’t transact in your normal currency, I recommend bringing somewhere in the range of $100–$200 USD (or ~€90–€175), but your most important tool is a debit card, and make sure you know your PIN! ATMs are everywhere, but they’re useless without that code. I made that mistake while traveling, and I promise it makes life very challenging!
Pro tip: Travelers from the US may want to consider a Charles Schwab debit card; it has historically charged no ATM fees worldwide.
In countries that don’t primarily transact in USD, many local shops offer currency exchange services. You can use the cash you withdraw from an ATM to convert to the local currency.
2. Packing Essentials
For long trips, I used a 70L backpacking backpack and the bundle wrap method to maximize space. However, if you’re only visiting one destination, a standard suitcase and carry-on are usually more convenient.
The Basics: One pair of active shoes, one pair of casual shoes, one week’s worth of clothes, and gear appropriate for the local climate.
3. Resources & Support
I’ve made some YouTube videos showcasing my travels and the challenges I faced. This video highlights some of those challenges and how I managed to solve them. Remember, travel always comes with hurdles—that’s just part of the adventure!
What else are you wondering about Cross Exchange? Please reach out - my team and I are here to help.
- Trent
A Note from the Word: Growing Together
As we hit the 100-user mark, I’m reminded of how the Lord grows His Kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul writes: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
We are planting seeds of connection across borders, and we are so encouraged to see God giving the increase. Thank you for being part of this growth!
Explore, Serve, Grow,
Trent & Bethany
Further Reading
A miscellaneous collection of what we’ve been reading lately.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Coby Dolloff / Coby’s Desk)
I haven’t seen Marty Supreme, but it’s now on my watch list!
Missions is Colonization? It’s Actually the Opposite. (Will Maxson)
Refreshing to hear this perspective.
Discipleship Does Not Scale (Ted Esler / TedQuarters)
A good reminder in a culture where bigger is de facto better.