Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with GapXperience Asia in Vietnam?
Lynn: My daughter and I decided to volunteer in Vietnam for a number of reasons. I personally have travelled to over 30 countries, largely third world, and felt the need to give back, being so fortunate myself. My daughter, Demi, recently graduated from college, and asked to travel for two months following graduation. She has also had many worldly experiences, working in an orphanage in Cape Town for 6 months, visits to Kenya, Tanzania, Costa Rica, and more.
We thought that volunteering for a portion of our travel time would be a wonderful experience for both of us to share together. I had been to Vietnam with my husband last year, and promised to return. I searched the Volunteer Vietnam website, and having read of many different opportunities for volunteering, was attracted to GapXperience Asia. It's small size, testimonials, news of how hands on Ms. Hang is on a daily basis, and the range of opportunities to choose between.
What was the best moment of the entire trip?
Lynn: It is very hard to find 'the best moment', as each day there was a special moment. Perhaps one of the most outstanding was at the orphanage, watching my daughter having wheel chairs races with two rather severely handicapped children, and hearing them laugh. Seeing the true joy in the eyes of the boys, and my daughter. Also, being at the boys shelter, and celebrating the Moon Festival with them was a highly memorable evening.
What was the hardest or most challenging part of your experience?
Lynn: Certainly there were many challenges, and sites that were quite disturbing. Feeding the children in the orphanage was difficult, in that many did not have the swallow reflex. It could take an hour to feed them, with gagging and coughing a result of their disability.
Also, some children were confined, because they were a danger to themselves and others. The care these children received was amazing, but knowing that there were not enough helping hands to reach 1/2 of them, through play, touch, or communication, was heartbreaking.
Tell me about one person you met.
Lynn: Demi and I will always remember our wonderful volunteer leaders, Ms. Ngow and Ms. Trang. They were both so spirited, informative and wonderful. We looked forward to being with them daily, and actually enjoyed 'off time' with them as well.
Where would you most like to travel to next?
Lynn: We would love to go to India next, to work with women who are abused or at high risk of prostitution. We have both travelled to India, and are keenly aware of this need.