My wife and I (and children) have served as a host family for years for volunteers that don't want to pay $1,500 to sleep in the mud and eat gruel. We are connected with many foundations and organizations here in Chiang Mai including an orphanage. I recently volunteered for Habitat for Humanity right here where I live and they asked me to pay $1,650 to volunteer, I fail to see the logic in this as I have a house, car and my own hammer! So, I know what you are talking about. Let me know what your plans are and what you would like to do and I would be happy to help you.