Our volunteers share their experiences

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in the Summer Camp. It was a fantastic journey beyond my wildest imagination. I have never experienced anything like it and never will be able to duplicate its uniqueness. The selfless support provided to the children of Vietnam by each and every member of the Camp was a priceless jewel with infinite facets of brightness and brilliance. The children and their parents were breathtaking and awe inspiring. The unconditional and unshakable bonds of love in their expressive eyes were undeniable. I could sense hope for the future in each and every patient who was an adult. I will never forget Summer Camp, 2010. It is forever imprinted in my memory to be revisited again and again for unending discoveries.

Tariq
Volunteer, Summer Camp, 2010

" I leave Vietnam today headed to the USA. This trip we saw over 1335 kids on the dental side. Did testing at 10 schools for upcoming water projects. The surgery team did over 40 eye surgerys our docs taught in medical forums in 3 different provinces. Our teaching staff taught and associated with 5 different schools regarding the importance of water. ...and I am sure I missed some significant accomplishments that should be included.
We had a few snafu's--but our team is/was flexible as well as professional--and in the end all worked out well......and as important we replaced memories of conflict with faces of a people with hope---and I loved every minute of it.
More later.
~Roger Lutz. (From my iPhone 'cause I'm out and about)"

"LOVED IT. 
great times
awesome people
"we work hard but we party hard too"
PVN '08 :]"
~Stephanie Nguyen

"The term “I’ve got places to go, people to see” seems to be a coined term nowadays. It’s been often said that traveling abroad opens many opportunities to learn; or at least more than what school can offer;: meet new people, try savory foods, absorb unique cultures; these are the aspects of traveling abroad that enrich people’s lives. I’ve been very fortunate to travel with my family. I’ve been to the top of the Eiffel Tower and glided in gondolas through the canals in Venice. Last summer, after a rigorous freshman year, I was looking forward to what travels were in store for me. Taking a safari in Africa? Visiting Australia? What could it possibly be? Well, imagine my surprise when I was told that I would be going to the most remote, jungle-infested regions of Vietnam to provide medical assistance. Would there be any air conditioning…good luck. Any running water….probably at the nearest stream….any good food….only if you can find a supermarket nearby. I was in a complete shock…how could this be any fun or provide any reward? But, to tell you the truth, my shock would soon turn into my most memorable experience: joining Project Vietnam Youth Committee.

Now, the words Project….Youth….Committee…to the average person, those words seem to carry a slight “negative” connotation…almost like a summer camp. Well, that’s what PVYC was. It was a summer medical mission on which people volunteered to provide medical assistance and other basic necessities to the destitute rural villages of Vietnam. When I first heard of it, I was intimidated. I thought it was going to be a very strenuous “boot camp.” Even though some parts of the trip did prove to be daunting, this project really showed me that in order to get something out of an activity; you must first put some effort into it.

As I visited the supplicant rural villages of Vietnam, I was completely awestruck by the poverty level. Many people didn’t have homes. Those that did lived in very crowded buildings and led very simple yet self-sufficient lives. The most striking images in my mind were those I have kept mental notes of at the orphanages: children with various disabilities including Down’s syndrome, deafness, muteness, and even hydrocephalus, a condition in which the brain is filled with water, which results in a misshapen and enlarged head. Yet, even in such dire conditions, many of the children were happy; frolicking and greeting us with warm hospitality. I was completely amazed by their bright faces and charming personalities. Underneath each individual smile is probably a life of torture. Many of these children and families still suffer from the wrath of Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War. Yet, these children, even younger than us, were able to put their pasts behind and cling onto the last hopes they had; confronting each and every opportunity with happiness. I just recently read the Gospel of Mark. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful in times of suffering. I think that these Vietnamese people are the epitome of a contemporary audience for that Gospel. This spirit, this vivacity from these young, optimistic children is what gave me the spirit to combat all intimidating obstacles to make their lives as joyful as possible. I undertook each task with compassion and with a mission: a “lofty” mission to change the world for the better. This experience truly taught me to not take advantage of all the possessions that I have, but to think of those who are lacking in just the basic necessities, yet still find a reason to live; even if they lead the simplest, yet self sufficient lives.
I’ve often been asked if I would participate in Project Vietnam Youth Committee again. This type of experience only happens once in a lifetime, I would say. The chance to influence and change somebody else’s life around is truly a memorable gift. If I was offered this chance, I would definitely take it. Ultimately, my journey through Project Vietnam Youth Committee, allowed me to reconnect with my own people, meet many friends with whom I will always remain in contact, and, most importantly, I was able to turn many lives around. If I had my choice of a dream vacation, I would revisit this memorable experience."
~Mushu Nguyen