Monday, April 4, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Ramblings from Natuvu Creek--Updated March 2
Natuvu Creek, Fiji 1-22-2011
Travel/ Day 1
Travel was long and uneventful, which is what you hope for on adventures like this. WE traveled from LAX Thursday night January 20th, 27 team members. Doctors, nurses, students, and general volunteers. One thing that everyone had in common was an almost imperceptible glint in their eye and a desire to "do good."
We all come from so many different backgrounds, it almost seems doomed to failure from the outset. However, the foundation has grown, developed and adapted for over ten years. This is our largest undertaking and I feel we are at the edge of the cliff ready to step off. I hope and pray that we soar.
Every seat on the 747 was taken and that makes for a bit of a cramped space for a guy like me. My seat mate was a Frenchman from new Caledonia who was quite a "trip." Sometimes you meet the most interesting people on journeys.
All 26 of my charges were pleasant and compliant. After 10 hours and arrival in Nadi our group was Forced to split because the 2nd leg of the journey was a plane that help just 14 what a beautiful ride. Sunrise in the South Pacific with the lush green islands catching uneven glints of the morning sun. Puffy clouds, and water a thousand shades of blue.
We make the approach to Savusavu and Vanua Levu over water and taxi to a small structure of about 600 sq. feet that serves as the "terminal". As we collect our belongs several people already are asking about the clinics that we will be conducting. Wanted their children to be seen by Vuniwai, for "specs", or some other need that we take totally for granted. "Call the clinic" I tell them not knowing what our schedule will be in the next day or so. Bottom line---- everyone will be seen. The doctors will work, the nurses will nurse and the screeners will screen until we are done.
Two hours of bumpy dirt roads along the coast and through the jungle bring us to the "Mission at Natuvu Creek." Our home for the next twelve days.
The clinic is an absolutely beautiful facility constructed as part of "mission" work of the 7th day Adventists at the cost of seven million dollars. A beautiful facility, in the middle of nowhere. A lovely dream. Operating rooms, examination rooms, complete dental theatre with four chairs.333 e
Housing is dormitory style. This is the first time in many many years that I slept in a room with som many snoring doctors.!!!!
Tomorrow we organize the equipment and on Monday the patients arrive.
Day 2 Sunday January 23,2011
Wow. A day that was supposed to be totally organizational turned out to be quite a bit more. It started with the entire team more or less finding their way and trying to figure out how this was all going to work. "Where is this Box? What do you mean you thought I packed them! This has an expiration date of 2006!"
Slowly a pattern developed, I watched the intake team with leader Naf training complete novices how to take blood pressure, screen for other complications and take medical history.
Savanah an 18 year old high school senior with aspirations of a career in medicine step into screening and it was obvious she was a natural.
Slowly there seemed to be some semblance of order from seeming chaos. The eye team were the first that all of a sudden were seeing patients! Wait a minute I thought today was an organization day.
There was a waiting room full of patients and about noon the dental team started to take patients in all the other folks were trying to get their feet on the ground in a strange environment .
We had dinner at 7;30at the cabana. Simple healthy meal; "hunger makes good sauce"
This facility was built by the Tomies a husband and wife team from the U.S., he is an Ophthalmologist and she a dentist. It is gorgeous and took about $7 million to build. Two operating rooms, complete dental suite with 4 chairs and exam rooms for our gynecologist, Nurse Practitioner, and eye teams. This facility is superb and quite literally in the middle of nowhere. They are 7th day Adventists and have done some wonderful work here.
Loloma is a totally secular organization, but like many things in this world with similar ideals we have found common ground.
I went to bed exhausted and remembered that one of my favorite things about Fiji was the night sky. I got out of bed and walked onto the balcony-----it did not disappoint.
It was as if I gold reach out and grab a handful of stars. The Milky way is stunning.
Day 3, January 24,2011
As the team wandered to the clinic from breakfast their must have been 50 patients waiting. All shapes and sizes with ailments ranging from the "fiji flu" to stage 4 cancer.
And the team went to work.
Today we saw 130 medical patients and 47 dental patients.
I videotaped 3 surgeries by three very outstanding surgeons.
The team did 5 cataract surgeries, some serious orthopedic work trying to save a man's hand by Dr. Mike Thompson, skin boils removed by Dr. Joity Arya, our plastic surgeon and a large tumor removed from the soft pallet of a dental patient by our oral surgeon Dr. Dave Nichols.
These on top of all the eye screenings refractions and eyeglass dispensing. It was an incredible busy day, the dream became reality. People walking out with a new set of eyes...almost s spiritual experience,
Talking tomorrow from the clinic to go diving along the white wall. A SUPPOSED WORLD CLASS DIVE. Can’t wait.
Time will tell.
bandwidth is very week here. hope i
cal get this to Facebook.
Day 4 January 25, 2011
Diving was pretty spectacular today. Two dives, the first on a spot called "the white wall" dive like in Cozemel, vertical drop, pretty good current and covered with a whitish soft coral. The boat ride and the surrounding view of the islands was out of a enhance Technicolor movie.
There were five in our dive group; Rich Kwasny, Bob Duell, An Oral surgeon and his wife--Dave and Debbie Roberts and myself. All excellent divers and long time friends--I was quite honored to be included. First dive was 56 minutes at 101 ft and the second 68 at about 80ft. Got my share of nitrogen. The dive operation was also like something out of a movie. Swiss owner with a bald head except for a ponytail and his very efficient Swiss wife. Little dive shack and palapa restaurant---Literally in the middle of nowhere!
Came back to a very busy clinic, which saw today a total of 223 patients combined medical and dental.
Day 5 January 26, 2011
Today I put the cameras down for the most part and worked doing patient intake. The clinic was extremely busy seeing more than 140 patients and dental side saw a large number as well, although I haven't gotten a hard number yet.
It was a wonderful satisfying experience to be "hands on" with the people instead of hiding behind a camera of one sort or another. Also a huge sense of responsibility. When you are taking a patient history and trying to channel them to the correct area of expertise, knowing at times there is absolutely nothing we can do to ease their condition. I had to send one lady away, about 45 that was so trusting looking into my eyes with her big brown eyes. I had to tell her "I'm sorry there is nothing we can do for you you," She smiled, tanked me and walked away. How very Fijian. These are a pretty incredible group of people.
On the other side of the coin is that you can actually set into motion the wheels to have something done that might be life changing. Identifying a cataract and passing on the the first line of the Eye team Dr. Steve Belanger or Dr. Tom Rippner to be further assessed, scheduled for surgery and late in the afternoon see sitting in recovery after surgery by Dr. Michael Limberg. A person whose cataracts were so dense couldn't even "see" the eye chart, tomorrow morning might have perfect vision in that eye.
It's days like today that make all the time spent planing, boxes loaded and unloaded, anxiety of decision making, worthwhile.
There were also some difficult moments. Round about 11am there was a virtual mob scene in the lobby. So many people wanting to be seen, pushing just a little harder, getting a little louder. the crowd is a cross section of Fijian cultures; of course the indigenous Fijians, the Fijians of Indian heritage, most of whose ancestors were brought to Fiji by the British in the 19th century and the occasional mixture of caucasian and any of the above.
I was asked to clear the lobby (big white guy with a loud voice--- apparently I even scare Fijians). Surprise! Order was restored and we at least got things on even keel for the start of the afternoon. Got to figure out a better system!
It's 7pm Fiji time, most of the team are about to get dinner and the orthopedic surgery team led by Dr. Michael Thompson is just finishing a hand repair on a young man. (I looked in and it was fascinating to see all the muscles and tendons exposed) One more surgery to be led by our plastics specialist Dr. Jyoti Arya and then done for the night.
Our volunteers are Wonderful.
Tomorrow was going to be another diving day, however, things have been so busy at the clinic we decided to cancel and pick it up on Saturday.
Day 6-7 January 27-28 Natuvu Creek, Fiji
Today, Friday the weather angry in Fiji. typhoon floating somewhere around the island group. High winds last night and this afternoon, very hard rain. Then in a flash it's sunny.
As far as the clinic goes the people keep coming, always about a hundred outside the doors. Somethings are easy, some not.
We had a visit from the head of the Fiji School of Dentistry and it looks like Loloma will be facilitating a relationship between the UCLA School Dentistry, with Dr. Bob Duell being the Loloma team leader
Yesterday, a woman and her son came in to be "seen" a referral from a local hospital. The problem was there was nothing that we or anyone in Fiji could do for her, other than ease her pain. Cancer and a bowel blockage. She was at "end of life." Our gynecologist Dr. Katrina Kelly tuned in to the issue and did what she could to to make the woman comfortable, an IV for hydration, a place to lie down. For several hours a would walk by and see her son with a fan, trying to keep her cool, there was nothing to do.
Katrina, new to Fiji, not knowing the system took it upon herself to learn "the system" and found a place where she could be as comfortable as possible--- she was taken away in an ambulance, and hopefully will have a few hours without pain before she passes. The compassion and frustration I witness moved me close to tears.
One of the functions I have taken on in this controlled chaos is that of patient advocate. Twenty or thirty people in the lobby, maybe seventy-five or eighty outside---- it is easy to become lost in the paper shuffle. I try to spot people who I have seen for several hours, waiting patiently, that just seem to be "stuck". Trying to just keep things running and move them through. Sort of an oil can. One such patient was a tiny lady of Indian descent-- probably 70 years old and not more than 4'10"---tiny. Yesterday we figured that she needed to have a cataract removed, she came back this morning and sat in the "pre-op" area all day, as we ran through the day I take a moment just to stop and smile and say hello to her and her son.
About 4pm I was sitting in the exam area doing paperwork on another patient, with my head down trying to figure something out, I felt the slightest tap in my shoulder, I turned and was looking eye to eye with this petite Indian grandma with a eye patch and a huge smile. I melted.
I will be sure to be there on Sunday when the bandages come off. What a rush.
Tomorrow is Saturday. This facility was built by the 7th Day Adventists and their sabbath. We will be taking the day off from work, and frankly, everyone is ready for a day to decompress. There is a trip planned to a local resort and I have scheduled to dive. But with the weather, I kind of have a gut feeling I'll be spending the day reading. The team members that were on the water this afternoon were beat up pretty bad--- all green around the gils.
We will see.
Day’s 8-11 January 29-February 1
As told on February 29
Things got so busy that I could never sit down and finish this in Fiji. What an adventure!!!
January 29 Saturday
Our day off! Scheduled to take a boat ride with most of the team and dive "The White Wall" The weather needs to cooperate however.
Saturday morning comes and the call was made to go ahead and take the boat to the Rainbow Reef Resort for the day of rest and for some of us diving.
The crossing usually about 30 minutes took more than an hour and was white rough. Several of my colleagues were obviously green around the gills. It was not a fun morning. When we reached the resort the boat could not anchor because of the swell, so small boats had to come and ferry the 15 adventurers to shore. Quite a sight I assure you. It is amazing that no one was hurt.
Although several people, including or pediatrician Dr. Lynne Scannell decided to swim ashore. Problem is there is only a small opening in the reef to allow access to the beach. I watched for about 10 minutes while Lynn worked he way though the sharp and unforgiving coral. Ouch! But eventually everyone made it in one piece.
The diving was was spectacular once again, one of those dives that makes all of your senses just tingle. Two members of the eye team Rhonda Hunter, a certified diver with a new camera and Chris DeBartolo a "discover scuba" diver. Anyway, I dove with a dive guide, its was like having the reef all to myself. Very leisurely and just plain wonderful. Had very long bottom time for both dives. Quite wonderful.
When we returned to the "dive shack" I had the option of having lunch there with Rhonda who was still cleaning her gear when I returned or going to the resort. Having had more than a week of "togetherness" I chose the dive shack. Rhonda and I had a wonderful lunch and good conversation with our hosts who were originally from Switzerland Viola and Roland of Dolphin Bay Dive Retreat. They made our excursion effortless and made us feel as part of the family.
By the time we caught up to the rest of our team and Rainbow Reef Resort, everyone was napping and/or sunburnt.
The trip back to Natuvu Creek was most adventurous and honestly a bit scary. The weather was marginal, it was raining and the swell was like a roller coaster, wind at least 15 knots, whitecaps surrounding us.
A funny side note , those that know me know that I lean towards the clumsy side of things, (can you say "bull in a china shop?")--- while boarding the boat a swell hit and I reached out to steady myself and my hand wound up on the trigger for a fire extinguisher!!!!! What a mess. Took about 15 minutes for the air to clear enough for anyone to sit in the weather protected cabin. But it did clear eventually.
The ride back was rough and at points you could not see the bow of the boat because of the fog. I must say that everyone on this excursion had a great attitude and there was very little grumbling, at least that I heard. Everyone slept like a baby that night.
Sunday January 30th
The last full day of clinic. Team members thoughts started to turn to the journey home. In some ways it seemed like we just arrived, in others, it seemed like we had been at Natuvu for a year.
Team leader Linda Kwasny floated the idea that the early group (Remember because of our size we had to travel in two different groups), might leave on Monday afternoon and spend the evening at the Koro Sun Resort, a half an hour from the Savusavu airport rather than get up at 3am to take the long bus ride over the mud road. The weather still was uncertain.
After polling all the members in the group that was the decision. However our domestic air carrier Pacific Sun thought that our travel had gone too smoothly. Linda got a call on Monday evening informing her that there would be no flight from Savusavu to Nadi on Tuesday and the group would have to bus an addition 3 hours (for a total of 5) to Lambasa Airport.
Of all the people I have butted heads with and done battle with in my close to 60 years, I would never, ever want to be on the receiving end of Linda Kwasny's wrath!!!! I could feel the the tension and her determination over the cellphone airways---- even without a cell phone.
I have no idea how it was accomplished but a compromise was reached. A plane would indeed take us from Savusavu, however, our luggage would have to make it to Lamabsa via truck and meet up with us by two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon.
This is Fiji--- does anyone really believe this will work out (more on that later).
The last day was spent tying up loose ends, saying goodbyes and trying to figure out how to stuff everything back in the very limited luggage. Truth be told, most of the team left many of their clothes behind for our colleagues that worked with us in the clinic.
The evening meal was rather collegial , we spoke of what worked, what didn't and dreamed about how to make future missions more effective for the Fijians and for our volunteers, who actually pay quite a bit of money to reach out and touch another culture
Monday January 31st
Packing and see patients for the last time. follow ups, the several special people that each of us reached out to.
Goodbyes said, hugs given-and about 20 of us boarded the bus for the two hour ride through the jungle to the Koro Sun Resort. The hibiscus highway is a fascinating ride lots of small villages and friendly people. Many of them we recognized as our patients, with bandages, crutches and other telltale signs that they have spent sometime in the clinic.
After the 10 days more or less "roughing it" dormitory style at Natuvu Creek, it was very interesting to hear the teams reaction upon arrival at the Koro Sun Resort. I don't know wha they were expecting, but there were audible "ohhs and Ahhs" when we walked into the lobby.
The rooms were lovely (and air conditioned), the grounds spectacular, and the hospitality "world class."
I learned while touching base with Linda with the second group back at the Clinic, that Pacific Sun Airlines was again trying to cancel the second groups flight out of Savusavu the following afternoon. "Once more dear friends unto the breach. . ."
We had a lovely dinner, Lance Hendricks and I wore sulus, (truth was I was out of clean clothes), the staff arrange exciting crab and frog races as a climax to the evening. As usual I wandered off at "Fiji Midnight" (about 9 pm) and found my bed for our last night in Fiji.
Tuesday March 1st
We made the 9:30 flight from Savusavu with no extraordinary excitement. We got on the plane and our luggage was loaded on a truck headed to Lambasa for a different flight, hopefully to be reunited with us at 2pm at our day room at the Novotel Hotel outside of Nadi to await for our 11pm flight.
The Hotel was perfect for our final decompression before reentry into the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Everyone found their way into Nadi Town for shopping and lunch, trying to get last minute bargains of souvenirs for those left behind. I angered several shop owners by not playing the "bargaining game" as scripted, but I have a knack for pissing people off---just ask my daughters.
Got back to the hotel, after squeezing 5 into a can with maximum capacity of 4 about 3pm. What a surprise the luggage had not yet arrived!!
With the moral support of fellow volunteer and experienced "Fiji time veteran" Rich Kwasny, I started to become a little worried and tried to track down the twenty some odd bags. Fortunately when we handing the bags over, I thought ahead and asked the agent at Savusavu to give me a phone number in case something went wrong. Unfortunately, I can't remember his name.
I called the first number of the agent in Nadi. No answer, only voice mail. Not a good sign! I called the agent in Savusavu expecting the same and he picked up---seemed to be genuinely concerned and said he would get right back to me.
Long Story short-----we got our bags at 5:45. But, we did get our bags and with the calming influence of Rich I didn't blow a gasket. The team, seemed to take it all in stride and I can honestly say other than for general information purposes ("am I going to be able to get my clean shirt out of the bag for the flight home") no one seemed very worried.
We boarded the bus for the short drive to the airport and I was ready to get home.
However, the adventure wasn't quite over!
We managed to get seats for those in the "early" group in a sold out aircraft. But there was no sight or word from the other half of our contingent. Once again, on an information gathering mission. Sometimes it is hard to communicate even though we are speaking the same language. The plane had been diverted for another stop and then would be to Nadi. "When?", "Soon!?" was the answer. Truth was that no one knew "when."
Their flight did arrive about an hour and a half before the scheduled departure to LAX, everyone was seated, mostly in prized "upper deck" of the huge 747 and this chapter of the Loloma adventure came to a happy ending.
Afterthought
When I first sat down to write this my intention was to list everyone in the team and try to describe their unique contributions to this mission. I quickly realized that to try to describe each personality and their skills and commitment would be futile.
The group of 32 volunteers at the Loloma Natuvu Creek was a team. Everyone from the highly skilled surgeons to the 14 year old volunteers were an integral part of giving a little bit back to the world.
It was a pleasure and honor to work with you all.
Vinaka
Travel/ Day 1
We all come from so many different backgrounds, it almost seems doomed to failure from the outset. However, the foundation has grown, developed and adapted for over ten years. This is our largest undertaking and I feel we are at the edge of the cliff ready to step off. I hope and pray that we soar.
Every seat on the 747 was taken and that makes for a bit of a cramped space for a guy like me. My seat mate was a Frenchman from new Caledonia who was quite a "trip." Sometimes you meet the most interesting people on journeys.
All 26 of my charges were pleasant and compliant. After 10 hours and arrival in Nadi our group was Forced to split because the 2nd leg of the journey was a plane that help just 14 what a beautiful ride. Sunrise in the South Pacific with the lush green islands catching uneven glints of the morning sun. Puffy clouds, and water a thousand shades of blue.
We make the approach to Savusavu and Vanua Levu over water and taxi to a small structure of about 600 sq. feet that serves as the "terminal". As we collect our belongs several people already are asking about the clinics that we will be conducting. Wanted their children to be seen by Vuniwai, for "specs", or some other need that we take totally for granted. "Call the clinic" I tell them not knowing what our schedule will be in the next day or so. Bottom line---- everyone will be seen. The doctors will work, the nurses will nurse and the screeners will screen until we are done.
The clinic is an absolutely beautiful facility constructed as part of "mission" work of the 7th day Adventists at the cost of seven million dollars. A beautiful facility, in the middle of nowhere. A lovely dream. Operating rooms, examination rooms, complete dental theatre with four chairs.333 e
Housing is dormitory style. This is the first time in many many years that I slept in a room with som many snoring doctors.!!!!
Tomorrow we organize the equipment and on Monday the patients arrive.
Day 2 Sunday January 23,2011
Wow. A day that was supposed to be totally organizational turned out to be quite a bit more. It started with the entire team more or less finding their way and trying to figure out how this was all going to work. "Where is this Box? What do you mean you thought I packed them! This has an expiration date of 2006!"
Slowly a pattern developed, I watched the intake team with leader Naf training complete novices how to take blood pressure, screen for other complications and take medical history.
Savanah an 18 year old high school senior with aspirations of a career in medicine step into screening and it was obvious she was a natural.
Slowly there seemed to be some semblance of order from seeming chaos. The eye team were the first that all of a sudden were seeing patients! Wait a minute I thought today was an organization day.
We had dinner at 7;30at the cabana. Simple healthy meal; "hunger makes good sauce"
This facility was built by the Tomies a husband and wife team from the U.S., he is an Ophthalmologist and she a dentist. It is gorgeous and took about $7 million to build. Two operating rooms, complete dental suite with 4 chairs and exam rooms for our gynecologist, Nurse Practitioner, and eye teams. This facility is superb and quite literally in the middle of nowhere. They are 7th day Adventists and have done some wonderful work here.
Loloma is a totally secular organization, but like many things in this world with similar ideals we have found common ground.
I went to bed exhausted and remembered that one of my favorite things about Fiji was the night sky. I got out of bed and walked onto the balcony-----it did not disappoint.
It was as if I gold reach out and grab a handful of stars. The Milky way is stunning.
Day 3, January 24,2011
As the team wandered to the clinic from breakfast their must have been 50 patients waiting. All shapes and sizes with ailments ranging from the "fiji flu" to stage 4 cancer.
And the team went to work.
Today we saw 130 medical patients and 47 dental patients.
I videotaped 3 surgeries by three very outstanding surgeons.
These on top of all the eye screenings refractions and eyeglass dispensing. It was an incredible busy day, the dream became reality. People walking out with a new set of eyes...almost s spiritual experience,
Talking tomorrow from the clinic to go diving along the white wall. A SUPPOSED WORLD CLASS DIVE. Can’t wait.
Time will tell.
bandwidth is very week here. hope i
cal get this to Facebook.
Day 4 January 25, 2011
Diving was pretty spectacular today. Two dives, the first on a spot called "the white wall" dive like in Cozemel, vertical drop, pretty good current and covered with a whitish soft coral. The boat ride and the surrounding view of the islands was out of a enhance Technicolor movie.
There were five in our dive group; Rich Kwasny, Bob Duell, An Oral surgeon and his wife--Dave and Debbie Roberts and myself. All excellent divers and long time friends--I was quite honored to be included. First dive was 56 minutes at 101 ft and the second 68 at about 80ft. Got my share of nitrogen. The dive operation was also like something out of a movie. Swiss owner with a bald head except for a ponytail and his very efficient Swiss wife. Little dive shack and palapa restaurant---Literally in the middle of nowhere!
Came back to a very busy clinic, which saw today a total of 223 patients combined medical and dental.
Day 5 January 26, 2011
Today I put the cameras down for the most part and worked doing patient intake. The clinic was extremely busy seeing more than 140 patients and dental side saw a large number as well, although I haven't gotten a hard number yet.
It was a wonderful satisfying experience to be "hands on" with the people instead of hiding behind a camera of one sort or another. Also a huge sense of responsibility. When you are taking a patient history and trying to channel them to the correct area of expertise, knowing at times there is absolutely nothing we can do to ease their condition. I had to send one lady away, about 45 that was so trusting looking into my eyes with her big brown eyes. I had to tell her "I'm sorry there is nothing we can do for you you," She smiled, tanked me and walked away. How very Fijian. These are a pretty incredible group of people.
On the other side of the coin is that you can actually set into motion the wheels to have something done that might be life changing. Identifying a cataract and passing on the the first line of the Eye team Dr. Steve Belanger or Dr. Tom Rippner to be further assessed, scheduled for surgery and late in the afternoon see sitting in recovery after surgery by Dr. Michael Limberg. A person whose cataracts were so dense couldn't even "see" the eye chart, tomorrow morning might have perfect vision in that eye.
It's days like today that make all the time spent planing, boxes loaded and unloaded, anxiety of decision making, worthwhile.
There were also some difficult moments. Round about 11am there was a virtual mob scene in the lobby. So many people wanting to be seen, pushing just a little harder, getting a little louder. the crowd is a cross section of Fijian cultures; of course the indigenous Fijians, the Fijians of Indian heritage, most of whose ancestors were brought to Fiji by the British in the 19th century and the occasional mixture of caucasian and any of the above.
I was asked to clear the lobby (big white guy with a loud voice--- apparently I even scare Fijians). Surprise! Order was restored and we at least got things on even keel for the start of the afternoon. Got to figure out a better system!
It's 7pm Fiji time, most of the team are about to get dinner and the orthopedic surgery team led by Dr. Michael Thompson is just finishing a hand repair on a young man. (I looked in and it was fascinating to see all the muscles and tendons exposed) One more surgery to be led by our plastics specialist Dr. Jyoti Arya and then done for the night.
Our volunteers are Wonderful.
Tomorrow was going to be another diving day, however, things have been so busy at the clinic we decided to cancel and pick it up on Saturday.
Day 6-7 January 27-28 Natuvu Creek, Fiji
Today, Friday the weather angry in Fiji. typhoon floating somewhere around the island group. High winds last night and this afternoon, very hard rain. Then in a flash it's sunny.
As far as the clinic goes the people keep coming, always about a hundred outside the doors. Somethings are easy, some not.
We had a visit from the head of the Fiji School of Dentistry and it looks like Loloma will be facilitating a relationship between the UCLA School Dentistry, with Dr. Bob Duell being the Loloma team leader
Yesterday, a woman and her son came in to be "seen" a referral from a local hospital. The problem was there was nothing that we or anyone in Fiji could do for her, other than ease her pain. Cancer and a bowel blockage. She was at "end of life." Our gynecologist Dr. Katrina Kelly tuned in to the issue and did what she could to to make the woman comfortable, an IV for hydration, a place to lie down. For several hours a would walk by and see her son with a fan, trying to keep her cool, there was nothing to do.
Katrina, new to Fiji, not knowing the system took it upon herself to learn "the system" and found a place where she could be as comfortable as possible--- she was taken away in an ambulance, and hopefully will have a few hours without pain before she passes. The compassion and frustration I witness moved me close to tears.
One of the functions I have taken on in this controlled chaos is that of patient advocate. Twenty or thirty people in the lobby, maybe seventy-five or eighty outside---- it is easy to become lost in the paper shuffle. I try to spot people who I have seen for several hours, waiting patiently, that just seem to be "stuck". Trying to just keep things running and move them through. Sort of an oil can. One such patient was a tiny lady of Indian descent-- probably 70 years old and not more than 4'10"---tiny. Yesterday we figured that she needed to have a cataract removed, she came back this morning and sat in the "pre-op" area all day, as we ran through the day I take a moment just to stop and smile and say hello to her and her son.
About 4pm I was sitting in the exam area doing paperwork on another patient, with my head down trying to figure something out, I felt the slightest tap in my shoulder, I turned and was looking eye to eye with this petite Indian grandma with a eye patch and a huge smile. I melted.
I will be sure to be there on Sunday when the bandages come off. What a rush.
Tomorrow is Saturday. This facility was built by the 7th Day Adventists and their sabbath. We will be taking the day off from work, and frankly, everyone is ready for a day to decompress. There is a trip planned to a local resort and I have scheduled to dive. But with the weather, I kind of have a gut feeling I'll be spending the day reading. The team members that were on the water this afternoon were beat up pretty bad--- all green around the gils.
We will see.
Day’s 8-11 January 29-February 1
As told on February 29
Things got so busy that I could never sit down and finish this in Fiji. What an adventure!!!
January 29 Saturday
Our day off! Scheduled to take a boat ride with most of the team and dive "The White Wall" The weather needs to cooperate however.
Saturday morning comes and the call was made to go ahead and take the boat to the Rainbow Reef Resort for the day of rest and for some of us diving.
The crossing usually about 30 minutes took more than an hour and was white rough. Several of my colleagues were obviously green around the gills. It was not a fun morning. When we reached the resort the boat could not anchor because of the swell, so small boats had to come and ferry the 15 adventurers to shore. Quite a sight I assure you. It is amazing that no one was hurt.
Although several people, including or pediatrician Dr. Lynne Scannell decided to swim ashore. Problem is there is only a small opening in the reef to allow access to the beach. I watched for about 10 minutes while Lynn worked he way though the sharp and unforgiving coral. Ouch! But eventually everyone made it in one piece.
The diving was was spectacular once again, one of those dives that makes all of your senses just tingle. Two members of the eye team Rhonda Hunter, a certified diver with a new camera and Chris DeBartolo a "discover scuba" diver. Anyway, I dove with a dive guide, its was like having the reef all to myself. Very leisurely and just plain wonderful. Had very long bottom time for both dives. Quite wonderful.
When we returned to the "dive shack" I had the option of having lunch there with Rhonda who was still cleaning her gear when I returned or going to the resort. Having had more than a week of "togetherness" I chose the dive shack. Rhonda and I had a wonderful lunch and good conversation with our hosts who were originally from Switzerland Viola and Roland of Dolphin Bay Dive Retreat. They made our excursion effortless and made us feel as part of the family.
By the time we caught up to the rest of our team and Rainbow Reef Resort, everyone was napping and/or sunburnt.
The trip back to Natuvu Creek was most adventurous and honestly a bit scary. The weather was marginal, it was raining and the swell was like a roller coaster, wind at least 15 knots, whitecaps surrounding us.
A funny side note , those that know me know that I lean towards the clumsy side of things, (can you say "bull in a china shop?")--- while boarding the boat a swell hit and I reached out to steady myself and my hand wound up on the trigger for a fire extinguisher!!!!! What a mess. Took about 15 minutes for the air to clear enough for anyone to sit in the weather protected cabin. But it did clear eventually.
The ride back was rough and at points you could not see the bow of the boat because of the fog. I must say that everyone on this excursion had a great attitude and there was very little grumbling, at least that I heard. Everyone slept like a baby that night.
Sunday January 30th
The last full day of clinic. Team members thoughts started to turn to the journey home. In some ways it seemed like we just arrived, in others, it seemed like we had been at Natuvu for a year.
Team leader Linda Kwasny floated the idea that the early group (Remember because of our size we had to travel in two different groups), might leave on Monday afternoon and spend the evening at the Koro Sun Resort, a half an hour from the Savusavu airport rather than get up at 3am to take the long bus ride over the mud road. The weather still was uncertain.
After polling all the members in the group that was the decision. However our domestic air carrier Pacific Sun thought that our travel had gone too smoothly. Linda got a call on Monday evening informing her that there would be no flight from Savusavu to Nadi on Tuesday and the group would have to bus an addition 3 hours (for a total of 5) to Lambasa Airport.
Of all the people I have butted heads with and done battle with in my close to 60 years, I would never, ever want to be on the receiving end of Linda Kwasny's wrath!!!! I could feel the the tension and her determination over the cellphone airways---- even without a cell phone.
I have no idea how it was accomplished but a compromise was reached. A plane would indeed take us from Savusavu, however, our luggage would have to make it to Lamabsa via truck and meet up with us by two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon.
This is Fiji--- does anyone really believe this will work out (more on that later).
The last day was spent tying up loose ends, saying goodbyes and trying to figure out how to stuff everything back in the very limited luggage. Truth be told, most of the team left many of their clothes behind for our colleagues that worked with us in the clinic.
The evening meal was rather collegial , we spoke of what worked, what didn't and dreamed about how to make future missions more effective for the Fijians and for our volunteers, who actually pay quite a bit of money to reach out and touch another culture
Monday January 31st
Packing and see patients for the last time. follow ups, the several special people that each of us reached out to.
Goodbyes said, hugs given-and about 20 of us boarded the bus for the two hour ride through the jungle to the Koro Sun Resort. The hibiscus highway is a fascinating ride lots of small villages and friendly people. Many of them we recognized as our patients, with bandages, crutches and other telltale signs that they have spent sometime in the clinic.
After the 10 days more or less "roughing it" dormitory style at Natuvu Creek, it was very interesting to hear the teams reaction upon arrival at the Koro Sun Resort. I don't know wha they were expecting, but there were audible "ohhs and Ahhs" when we walked into the lobby.
The rooms were lovely (and air conditioned), the grounds spectacular, and the hospitality "world class."
I learned while touching base with Linda with the second group back at the Clinic, that Pacific Sun Airlines was again trying to cancel the second groups flight out of Savusavu the following afternoon. "Once more dear friends unto the breach. . ."
We had a lovely dinner, Lance Hendricks and I wore sulus, (truth was I was out of clean clothes), the staff arrange exciting crab and frog races as a climax to the evening. As usual I wandered off at "Fiji Midnight" (about 9 pm) and found my bed for our last night in Fiji.
Tuesday March 1st
We made the 9:30 flight from Savusavu with no extraordinary excitement. We got on the plane and our luggage was loaded on a truck headed to Lambasa for a different flight, hopefully to be reunited with us at 2pm at our day room at the Novotel Hotel outside of Nadi to await for our 11pm flight.
The Hotel was perfect for our final decompression before reentry into the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Everyone found their way into Nadi Town for shopping and lunch, trying to get last minute bargains of souvenirs for those left behind. I angered several shop owners by not playing the "bargaining game" as scripted, but I have a knack for pissing people off---just ask my daughters.
Got back to the hotel, after squeezing 5 into a can with maximum capacity of 4 about 3pm. What a surprise the luggage had not yet arrived!!
With the moral support of fellow volunteer and experienced "Fiji time veteran" Rich Kwasny, I started to become a little worried and tried to track down the twenty some odd bags. Fortunately when we handing the bags over, I thought ahead and asked the agent at Savusavu to give me a phone number in case something went wrong. Unfortunately, I can't remember his name.
I called the first number of the agent in Nadi. No answer, only voice mail. Not a good sign! I called the agent in Savusavu expecting the same and he picked up---seemed to be genuinely concerned and said he would get right back to me.
Long Story short-----we got our bags at 5:45. But, we did get our bags and with the calming influence of Rich I didn't blow a gasket. The team, seemed to take it all in stride and I can honestly say other than for general information purposes ("am I going to be able to get my clean shirt out of the bag for the flight home") no one seemed very worried.
We boarded the bus for the short drive to the airport and I was ready to get home.
However, the adventure wasn't quite over!
We managed to get seats for those in the "early" group in a sold out aircraft. But there was no sight or word from the other half of our contingent. Once again, on an information gathering mission. Sometimes it is hard to communicate even though we are speaking the same language. The plane had been diverted for another stop and then would be to Nadi. "When?", "Soon!?" was the answer. Truth was that no one knew "when."
Their flight did arrive about an hour and a half before the scheduled departure to LAX, everyone was seated, mostly in prized "upper deck" of the huge 747 and this chapter of the Loloma adventure came to a happy ending.
Afterthought
When I first sat down to write this my intention was to list everyone in the team and try to describe their unique contributions to this mission. I quickly realized that to try to describe each personality and their skills and commitment would be futile.
The group of 32 volunteers at the Loloma Natuvu Creek was a team. Everyone from the highly skilled surgeons to the 14 year old volunteers were an integral part of giving a little bit back to the world.
It was a pleasure and honor to work with you all.
Vinaka
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