Global Humanitarian Expeditions :: Volunteer Stories

"As a novice lay volunteer in Guatemala, it’s hard to say which part of the experience was more exciting - traveling to Guatemala for the first time or working chair-side, wielding suction and holding the hands of kids who’d never before been to a dentist. The truth is, I can’t separate one from the other. It was an extraordinary week of camaraderie with fellow volunteers, of feeling part of an effort that was bigger than any one of us, and of knowing when we left that we’d made a difference.

The memories I’ll keep from this trip are quite different from those of a typical tourist. There’s the image of the scared little girl in the chair whose eyes locked onto those of the Spanish-speaking American teacher who distracted and delighted her with a story of a crocodile and his animal friends. There’s the teenage girl who was finally willing to smile once the nasty black holes in her front teeth had been restored. I can’t forget the three beautiful little girls whose 10 year old sister couldn’t come to the clinic because she was working. And the 11 year old boy who ran between the hygienist’s room and our dental station, soothing his two younger siblings because mom couldn’t be there.

The garland of colored corn husks and rock candy, lovingly made by our local hosts and presented to each of us on our last day in gratitude for what we’d done for their children, hangs over my desk. It’s a daily reminder of my connection with the village - and of my desire to go back and do it again… soon."

- Leslie Swid (non-medical Volunteer, Guatemala January 2007)

"'Nepal is like no other place I have visited. It is so many different visions at once. Upon first arriving in Kathmandu, it was quite a shock - the sights, sounds and smells were overwhelming. I quickly learned not to look too closely at my surroundings. Yes, there is poverty and filth, throngs of humanity, fumes and littered gutters. At the same times there is beauty in the narrow streets and lanes, in the tiny makeshift shops, and in the faces of the people. Potters, sewing machines, cobblers, and sacred cows can be found on the roadside. People collecting water or washing under the communal taps, children at play jumping rope and flying kites, fascinating shops, silversmiths at work, displays of fabrics and multi-colored sari’s can be seen shimmering in the streets. Kathmandu is an amazing city, in places unchanged since the Middle Ages and in others, the obvious inroads of a developing modern society. I felt a sense of wonder and mystery gazing at the monuments and when entering the temples and shrines. I often felt as if I was under the watchful eyes of Bhudda (literally) and I could feel the presence of a deep spiritual connection between the people and their deities. It was comforting in our chaotic world to see that people of two existing religions, Hinduism and Bhuddism had found a way to peacefully coexist.

Experiencing the Himalayas first hand is exhilarating. I found this part of the world to be the most spectacular and beautiful scenery that I have experienced. (Followed by Telluride, Colorado)! The hill country is breathtakingly beautiful with pretty villages, attractive houses, neat fields separated by century old stone walls, fantastic vegetable gardens and interesting temples. I loved sharing the trail with other members of trekking expeditions, the many herds of yaks, and the hard working and friendly sherpa’s who porter, cook, and guide all of us who stand in awe of the beauty of their homeland and mountain vistas. As we trekked, we were greeted by meadows, stretches of forest, swift-flowing rivers, expansive bridges and deep canyons. The friendly faces of children and village people, greetings of Namaste, incredible displays of wildflowers, and the awe-inspiring Himalayan Range were our companions.

I feel fortunate to have been a pioneer, the first members of the Himalayan Dental Relief Project (located in Kathmandu), to venture into the outlying villages and treat the children of the Khumbu valley. The Project was the combined dream of Kim Balazs, owner of Global Humanitarian Expeditions and our tour leader, and Laurie Mathews, the co-founder of the Himalayan Dental Relief Project. The experience was exhilarating, unbelievable, challenging, difficult, a gift, a once in a lifetime experience, a wondrous adventure, a reach beyond my comfort zone, an opportunity to grow and know myself better, and to feel connected to something greater than myself. Thank you to Kim, Laurie and the incredible group of Doctors, Hygienests, Nepalese dental assistants, and other non-medical personnel. You will always hold a special place in my heart."

-Barbara Shaffer,NEPAL,October 8 - 26, 2002

“[Volunteering at the Dental Camp was] an experience of love, sharing and giving that has given us rewards beyond measure”

-Joy Lippincott, Grapeview, Washington / Non-Medical Volunteer

“Buddha said to his monks, trod the earth for the welfare of others - we came to Nepal and found enchantment with its people”

-Dr. Donald Lippincott, Grapeview, Washington / Volunteer Dentist

“The most impressive thing for me [about being a Volunteer Dentist] was the desire of the children to be willing dental patients, as well as their beauty. The Buddhist monksk as patients were so serene and gracious that it caused me to have a new respect for their culture and lifestyle.”

-Dr. Robert Zill, Rapid City, South Dakota / Volunteer Dentist