Dear Lan,

I am deeply inspired by your commitment and dedication to helping the children in poverty. I know that you pour your heart and soul into you work, and it was a pleasure to be able to share a small part of it. I got a glimpse of the relationships you work tirelessly to cultivate in Vietnam, and your words ring true that the people are the icing on the cake.

Along the way, I could see how much respect and love the people we work with and serve have for you. They welcomed you like a dear friend. It was so powerful to be a part of your team and witness and contribute to the friendships. I can truly say that this has been an experience of a lifetime for me. Never again will I experience my first overseas trip. In am fortunate to have been a part of probably the best voyage imaginable.

One thing I realized was that despite the deep poverty and vastly different culture, the Vietnamese people are just like us. They are proud of their families and of their houses and land. And behind those shy smiles that the children wear is a playful spirit just like our kids.

I also learned how to eat with chopsticks (kind of), got an introduction to dentistry, and met some of the most amazing and inspirational people alive. I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime. I am really missing my Vietnam family, but hopefully I will be able to do it all again in the near future (after I come back as Dr. Carrie, of course!).

Thank you for being my mom and my mentor for the past few weeks. You are a special lady who does so much for everyone else, both at home and overseas. I feel lucky and grateful to have met you and the team and to have helped make a difference for the kids. I will never forget it!

Love,
Carrie

Miss Carrie Maloney has been accepted to the class of Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada beginning in Fall semester 2010.