Dental Humanitarian Trip in Suquin, China

Words cannot explain the most wonderful trip I made to China with my Dad. We travelled to China for a dental humanitarian trip. Along with 21 other men and women from the states we helped the people in the small city of Suquin get the dental work they needed, and to teach the locals about proper hygiene. It was the most amazing experience for me and everyone else. I learned so much about the chinese culture and made lasting friendships with many chinese people, and the wonderful ones who travelled with us. After 10 days it was emotional to leave a place that I became so familar with and began to love and appreciate. I will forever remember this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit such an terrific place.

We spent about 2 days travelling to China. Yes, it was a VERY long flight. About 18 total hours in the air each way. That doesn't even count the layovers we had in LA, and Beijing. Once we got to the small city of Suquin it took some time to get used to certain things. These things I won't miss too much. These include squatty potties, ultimately disgusting food, and late nights fighting uncomfortable nausea. Other than those three little things the trip was wonderful. We worked for 4 1/2 days at a local dental clinic treating orphans, elderly, and local people. I was able to visit schools and teach hygiene and play with the wonderful children. It was very hard to see the lifestyle of these chinese people. Lots of poverty. However, they were so happy and loving.

We were treated like movie stars in the town. I am not even kidding. Even though this town is considered small and much poverty they still had 5 million people. Out of those 5 million people, these local people have never seen caucasians or other nationalities before. You could imagine the looks we got as we walked down the main streets. People would come up and shake our hands and do everything for us. They loved us!! It was great!! We made many friends with the dental students, nurses, and other local people. We even were honored by the governor and mayor of Suquin.

Unfortunately we could not stay there any longer and we packed up and went to Beijing for a couple days. While in Beijing we climbed the Great Wall of China (by the way is the biggest work out I have ever had and I was feeling it the day after), Tienemen Square, The Forbidden City, and great Olympic venues. Beijing was such a remarkable place. I have never even been to a bigger city. New York City doesn't do any justice to this place. We were lucky enough to be taken to two markets where you wheel and deal to find many bargains on fake purses, jeans, watches, etc. I had TONS of fun and spent TOO MUCH!

I am so thankful to have been given such an amazing opportunity to see China. I will probably never go again. I learned so much about the culture, the people, and about myself. I got to spend one on one time with my Dad that probably was the highlight of my trip. That is what I will miss most because I don't get much of that alone time with my Dad. Again, words cannot even explain my trip. However I will never forget the experience I was given.

Don't forget to check out other great photos in my China Scrapbook on the top right of the Blog!