Dear Friends,
I am very excited to share with you my recent decision to travel to the needy villages of Costa Rica and Panama during winter 2009-2010! I came across this highly anticipated opportunity through my school’s Pre-dental society and I am extremely excited that such possibilities of volunteering abroad will become reality in a few months. With that said, I very much want to share my growing enthusiasm with you as well as ask for your prayers and support as I take one of the biggest steps in my life.
As some of you know, I am in my second year of undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia. While I am in pursuit of my bachelor’s degree, I acknowledge that I am also experiencing one of the most critical self-discovery periods of my life. I truly believe that this dental mission will not only be life changing, but also will confirm and strengthen my passion towards dentistry and dedication towards assisting those disadvantaged. As a volunteer and dental assistant at the Charlottesville Free Dental Clinic, I understand the urgency to undergo various dental procedures, which can be costly and invasive if left untreated, in addition to the stress endured by locals who cannot afford such necessities.
I am very happy to announce that I will be spending 13 days on this auspicious service project, from December 28th to January 8th. I will be traveling with a group of dedicated student volunteers to join the Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures (VIDA) team in Costa Rica and Panama, where we will provide basic, though necessary, procedures for those who would not receive them otherwise. On this trip, I will learn to perform dental exams and screenings to adults and children, actively assist in basic cleanings/extractions, and help with cavity filing processes, among other learning experiences. More importantly, I will take an active role in helping the needy communities of Costa Rica and Panama by improving their quality of life.
Since I have never been so far away from family, friends, and technology, I do not know what to expect and hope that you will pray for my safety as well as those serving these communities. However, I am not at all reluctant about this trip, nor will I reconsider becoming a part of such an amazing vision. I strongly believe that this trip is an opportunity that should not be passed off and is in itself a journey of self-discovery and altruism.
I ask for your prayers and support because it will be difficult to go on this trip without your help. I understand that many of you are going through financial hardship and therefore it is hard for me to ask for your financial assistance. However, I will need to raise a total of $2,300 – $2,500, to include the program fee of $1695, airfare, vaccines, donations, and other necessities. Every little bit of donations will help and would really make a difference.
If possible, please donate through paypal by clicking [here] or through the VIDA site. The link is http://www.vidavolunteertravel.org/contribute.php and please include my name, Tin H. Nguyen, when prompted. VIDA currently does not accept checks. If you would like to send in a check, please email me at thn4s@virginia.edu, and I will give you my home address. Thank you so much for taking this time to give a lending hand.
I would very much appreciate whatever support you can give, may it be in prayers, thoughts, and/or sponsorship and I sincerely thank you to help make a dream come true.
Tin H. Nguyen
