Ms Kim Thinh (Vietnam)
Mission: Nghi Thuan field trip 2016
“Approximately 1000 people were treated by our team; this figure has made us all proud and encouraged us to keep fulfilling our mission in the future”
AVCF 2016 Mission was one of my most wonderful experiences. Thanks to this trip, I had the opportunity to work not only in a professional environment, which is equipped with the latest dental materials, but also with a crew of doctors and volunteers possessing great expertise.
After a 2-hour-flight, we reached Vinh city with the glorious sun shining down on us and started our 3 hard-working and meaningful days of examining and treating people. My first impression on arrival is still imprinted clearly in my mind; there were so many people waiting for us, waving at us and smiling at us when our bus arrived. This moment truly provided me the first motivation to try harder for this trip. My duty was to support the Australian doctors in the dental treatment of the local children. These children were scared but they always demonstrated remarkable courage. Looking into their innocent eyes and holding their hands, I felt a burning desire to help them but also happiness inspired by their bravery. All the time, sweat was dripping down everyone’s faces but this did not stop the unspeakable joy sparkling in their eyes. Eventually, approximately 1000 people were treated by our team; this figure has made us all proud and encouraged us to keep fulfilling our mission in the future.
After the mission was completed, it was the time for us, both doctors and volunteers from Vietnam and Australia, to sit down, to relax and to have dinner together. AVCF 2016 Mission brought me a memorable experience, a strong-bonding network, and more importantly, another family-a compassionate humanitarian one.