What a journey for Notre Dame in Vietnam

COUNTRY: Vietnam
PROGRAM: UniBreak Groups
PROJECT: Nursing
WRITTEN BY: Storm Rossman, Notre Dame University

Where to begin?! Looking back on the trip now that we’ve returned, I’m so amazed by how much we experienced, learnt and were able to do in such a short period of time.

Vietnam was a complete whirlwind. The 14 days were almost completely full every day from morning to night with only a few short breaks in between. There were so many emotions experienced by everyone. So many experiences shared. And so many laughs along the way.

We left Australia as a group; some of us knew each other as uni friends and others met at the beginning of this journey when we began the fundraising drive, but we returned home as a team. A team who were there for each other the whole way, who were confronted and delighted together, who supported each other, and who came to know each other so well (sometimes too well…). But overall- and most importantly- I think we grew together. We each took something from this experience, something that will continue to influence our lives in some form or another indefinitely. This experience is one that I do not think any of us will forget shortly.

As amazing as the trip was, it would not have been possible without the support from our two lecturers Kylie and Phil keeping us in line along the way and offering us their wisdom throughout. To the support team at Antipodeans who made everything possible and helped the trip run so smoothly, especially Fiona- thank you! As well as the support staff that cooked, drove and did everything to keep us on track in country, they were great and always eager to help. And of course, the in-country tour guides Thanh, Chieu, Thuy and Hoa who were amazing, so helpful and didn’t complain at all after we asked the same question to a patient for the hundredth time for the day.

We got to know each of the patients personally and they definitely made the tour interesting and provided lots of laughs along the way. Thank you to all these people, you are so wonderful and this trip happened because of you.

Also, to all the people who helped us with our fundraising efforts, the companies and friends who donated gifts, you have all helped us to have this utterly amazing experience and helped us to provide some care to the people who we were fortunate to encounter along the way. Thank you to everyone involved, I wouldn’t have changed anything or anyone; you are all amazing people, and this incredible experience is one that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.