Review Volunteer Kayla Becker in Honduras La Ceiba Dental Program
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Rafael was a fantastic coordinator! He made sure we were safe at all times and made us feel very comfortable
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: The most surprising thing I saw at the program was how jammed packed the hospital was everyday with patients waiting to be cared for.
At the accommodation: At our accommodation our host mom did not speak any English and I spoke little to no Spanish which made it hard at times to communicate with each other.
About the country: I had culture shock when first arriving. I quickly felt comfortable after walking throughout La Ceiba with our activity guide, Henry, after exploring the entire town.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: Loved the program!! The most difficult thing for me in the clinics was watching teens get pulled and children because all they use is local anesthetic for numbing
At the accommodation: Trying to communicate with host mom.
The country: The temperature was very hot. Luckily we had air conditioning in the dental clinic
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Pack a lot of tank tops and sports bras. You will sweat a lot and want much extra tank bras, but don't show to much skin, this is a conservative culture.
Donations: The hospital has the bare essentials to get by. Make sure you bring your own gloves, face masks, eye wear and disposable gowns. The hospital also has to cut and fold their own gauze so I would bring that. Also any toothbrushes and toothpaste would be incredible for the patients.
Weather: The weather was very hot I’ve sweat in places I never knew existed in my body
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Pack bug spray. I never really had a problem w/ mosquitos but I always left the house w/spray on
b. Must be relaxed-
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
Having the opportunity to come experience this culture and help to make a difference for these individuals lives is one I will forever treasure. It is amazing to me how these people manage with so little and make the very best of everything they have. You can see how thankful they are for their care and you feel that you really helped them to better their health. The doctors we worked for were also AMAZING!! They taught us so much about dental, the culture, history, food and so much more. We made a lot of memories with them and shared plenty of laughs!
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security?
Meals were delicious! Loved the spanish dishes.
Rafael and Henry made us to feel very safe everywhere we went.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Favorite memory was pulling a tooth and also going up in the mountain to clean teeth.
Country: Favorite activity was white water rafting in the jungle!!!!! Most amazing thing I've ever done in my life!
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): They were very helpful with any question and sent us an agenda of what to all expect and about all of our accommodations
Website Information: The website made everything very simplified
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes