It’s not every day you get the opportunity to volunteer in a Nepalese monastery, nestled high in the hills of Kathmandu. But when you do, it’s best to take the opportunity with both hands.
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And, that’s exactly what four Hunter based Happy Tooth employees did when offered the chance to partake in Project Yeti, a volunteer-run dental clinic in Nepal.
Caitlin Matthews and Belinda Neville of Muswellbrook, Layla Leccas of Cessnock and Singleton based dental assistant, Megan Cruickshanks spent a week offering their expertise at Kopan Monastery.
While the conditions at the volunteer clinic were contrary to the modernised surgeries here in the Hunter, Singleton local Megan Cruickshanks described the trip as the opportunity of a lifetime.
“At first it was a real culture shock working there,” Megan said, pointing out that the equipment used was basic at best.
“The conditions are very different to what we have at home, because of the limited resources, but that made our work really meaningful.”
Along with Caitlin, Belinda and Layla, Megan travelled to Nepal in late September, using her industry knowledge to help provide dental check-ups, fillings, extractions and cleans for the monks, nuns and orphans.
The project marked her first overseas venture, and rather than turning her sights to Europe or taking a beach holiday to Bali, Megan is hoping to return to Nepal again in the coming years.
“I absolutely loved my time at Project Yeti,” she said.
“I’d love to return to Nepal and visit the monks we became friends with.”
Of her time spent at the monastery and in the surrounding region, Megan’s fondest moments were those spent with two young monks, Sopa and Choku, who quickly became her sidekicks.
Spending time touring local temples and learning about the monastery’s mantra of love and happiness, the whole experience gave Megan a sense of humility not often found in our increasingly digital lives.
And, the Happy Tooth team’s good will didn’t go unnoticed, with Project Yeti founder George Manos writing about their generosity in the September wrap up.
“The spirit of the project was reflected in the harmony and attitude of the volunteers,” George wrote.
“It is thrilling that everyone generously donated equipment and supplies, which are essential to the functioning of the clinic.”
The Happy Tooth team ought to be commended on their fantastic efforts in Nepal.
