Volunteer Name: Mimi Nguyen.
Project Location: La Ceiba, Honduras.
Volunteered at: La Clinca and the Hospital
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Extremely supportive and passionate about his work, I couldn’t think of any one better! Being here he has treated us like family, I would call him my Papa, He called me mija (Father and daughter)
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: Medical, How little supplies they had, while we were volunteering they would run out of simple things such as gauze and gloves. Things that you wouldn’t have no worry about in the United States
At the accommodation: How the water was only turned on per 8 hrs a day. So it would always be a surprise. As well as the pressure of the water, some time I would be concerned that the water will turn off in the middle of my shower.
About the country: How much trash there is on the street people would just throw the trash out how on the street not even thinking anything of it. But in the states that is illegal. And still this country is absolutely beautiful; everywhere you go beautiful mountains and trees are in view. Nothing I’ve ever seen before.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: Not being able to provide the proper care for the patients because of the lack of medical supplies available.
At the accommodation: Knowing that this was just a temporary home & that I would have to leave eventually
The country: Not being able to speak Spanish! Knowing that this was just a temporary home & that I would have to leave eventually
The country: Not being able to speak Spanish! That was clear still my biggest challenge. But it has encouraged me to want to learn Spanish.
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Shorts, nice clothing for special occasions, sandals, bathing suits, towel, rain coat.
Donations: Gloves, cotton balls, gauze, Ibuprofen, alcohol, wipes, hand sanitizer.
Weather: Varies! Could be hot and sunny one second then pouring rain the next; But typically the rain only for like 10 minutes
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Bring Bug Spray.
b.- Look up different kinds of diseases that are common here
c.- Bring a first aid kit in case something happens
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), :
Learning here will be extremely difficult for me. Here I feel like I have so much purpose. I’ve seen & helped so many people and the people here are so grateful. Being here has further deepen my passion for nursing.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
Were fantastic definitely has a home – like feel so I always felt comfortable while I was home.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Vaccinating Going door to door & street to street providing free vaccinating to the people.
As well as the emergency room, I’ve never worked in the ER before so I saw a lot of new things.
Country: Hiking Pico Bonito, It was a 3 hrs hike that leads to this beautiful waterfall, although I got attached by bees during the hike… the big waterfall soon made me forget about my pain.
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): Quick to reply! Even called them from the post office for a quick question about payment & they know exactly who I was because I emailed them maybe 3 minutes prior.
Website Information: Clear & precise! (On what kind of work we would be doing, as well as all the different steps to table to prepare for the trip)
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes…!
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