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We went
to the village of Kadavu Koro on the island of Kaduvu, Fiji.
We dove
in the morning and provided dental care in the afternoon.
Here's what our travelers shared after the experience...
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Dr. Sean Hanson from Salem says...
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What
were your expectations about the mission/trip?
My
expectations were very low actually. I didn't want to
have high expectations knowing the place we were going
was very remote and the conditions were going to be less
than ideal. I was hopeful
that we could get the mobile
unit to work and that we could provide a "full service"
dental experience for the village, I expected to see
more kids than adults, I also wanted to make a
difference in peoples lives.
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How
did participating in our mission/trip differ from
expectations?
Obviously, getting there proved more difficult than I
had anticipated and I was disappointed that our mobile
unit didn't want to cooperate with us. I was surprised
that the population we saw was mainly adults. After
seeing the dynamic and the focus of the village, it made
sense that the children just hadn't developed the long
term decay issues that the adults had. Again, I wish we
had power there to do sealants for the kids and
hopefully prevent some of the decayed, broken teeth we
saw in the older population but, at least on this trip,
it wasn't possible. I had anticipated a lot of loose
teeth and I had not anticipated seeing the amount of
decayed and broken teeth that we saw. I did not expect
that high amount of sugar intake in the village but Fiji
Blend Tea proved to be just as powerful as Coke in the
states.
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What
impact did participation in the mission/trip make on you
personally?
It really helped me see the world for something other
than our western culture. I have traveled to south
America and Europe and, while the cultures were
different, they still lived in the 21st century. Cars,
buildings, music, business, etc are at the for front of
most European, South American, American cultures. The
only connection I saw between the two cultures was a
love of music. Still, seeing the way the guys
interacted, lived, and what was most important to them
helped me realize that our core values were still the
same. They may not live with cars and huge houses and
all the "stuff" we have here in the states and,
honestly, seeing all this might blow their minds, but
they are inherently happy with everything they do and
have. It made me realize something I have known for
years and maybe had started to forget: happiness cannot
be bought or owned. Its inside of use regardless of the
cards we have been dealt. It left me wishing I could do
more. I wish I could bring them all to the states for a
visit but then again, would they really want to come
visit? These are the thoughts I had on the flight
home...
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What
surprised you most about your experience at Kadavu Koro?
How absolutely caring, loving, open, funny, and
wonderful the people were at the village. No one ever
looked at us as outsiders. Sure there were the
interested people who wanted to "see the American
dentists" but they were always smiling, thankful, and
loving. I was surprised at how well we were
received
from the very beginning, how we were treated like family
from the moment we landed.
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What
was most rewarding about your experience in Fiji?
Not knowing the true magnitude of what it took to have a
dental visit for Kadavu locals before I got there, it
was rewarding to provide a "simple and basic" service to
a group of people who don't see it as simple and basic.
In the states we can make a phone call to any one of 50
dentists in our area, get an appointment, and, if we
cant be seen right away, make another phone call.
Seeing how many people waited until there were others in
their same boat, literally and figuratively, before they
sought out dental care on a hope that a dentist was
available seems completely backwards to me but it was in
fact, their reality. Being able to not only help people
in pain and in need but save them time, money, and a
possible agonizing wait in pain for a future tooth
problem, was very rewarding.
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Would you participate in another mission in Fiji?
Yes!
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Should other divers consider participating in a
mission/trip to Matava/Fiji?
Diving aside, I think that participating in this type of
mission would be rewarding for anyone who has a heart
for missions. The diving was amazing but that was not
my main focus. We not only met some amazing locals but
also met amazing people from all over the world who were
at Matava. Lou, Stuart, Richard, Geanie, Dave (who
ended up helping out two of the three days even though
he didn't come with us and was on his own personal
vacation), Analeese, Peter, and Tom....the list goes on
and on. There are so many reasons to do a trip like
this not only in Fiji but other parts of the world
regardless of the diving or adventures you side book
them with!
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Dr Mike and Mrs.
Carrie Litchfield. Mike is a Salem area dentist. Carrie is
an Elementary School librarian. They report:
What were your expectations about the mission/trip?
Mike: This was an opportunity to explore a place we'd
never been before. I was excited about the idea of
helping people while we were there. That's what led us
to Kadavu--I'm fairly certain it would not have been on
our travel radar had this opportunity not come up.
Carrie: I have to admit I was a bit nervous about the
remoteness of Kadavu, especially because we'd be out of
contact with our kids for over a week. I was excited to
dive the Astrolabe Reef. Mike and I had read articles
and seen documentaries about the reef and it's pristine
condition. Mike had warned me that the dental needs
would likely be high, and I was eager to help in any way
possible.
How did participating in our mission/trip differ from
expectations?
Mike: From a dental standpoint, I was surprised by the
obstacles the villagers' face to get any emergency
dental care. I expected it to be difficult for
them, but not to this extreme. The cost of transport to
the dentist alone is unbelievably prohibitive. It was
refreshing how friendly and appreciative the villagers
of Kadavu were.
Carrie: I have to echo that. The people of the village,
and especially the staff at Matava, made parting very
difficult. They were so warm and genuine. I feel lucky
to have spent our short time in their company. The
remoteness of Kadavu ended up being blissful. It was
one of the most ruggedly beautiful, serene places I've
ever experienced--and that's just above water. It's
difficult to find words to describe some of the sites we
dove. "Beautiful" doesn't cut it.
Mike: The diving there is like a double-edged sword--it
was absolutely phenomenal, and although we are
relatively inexperienced divers, it seems the Astrolabe
will be the standard by which all other dives are
measured. How can you beat a location with 80-100 foot
visability, 80 degree water, thick, abundant, healthy
coral, manta rays, reef sharks, sea snakes, barracuda,
moray eels, turtles, six-foot Napoleon Wrasses, and a
myriad of reef fish? It was not uncommon to see 80% of
these on any one dive.
What impact did participation in the mission/trip make
on you personally?
Mike: As a healthcare provider, there is no better
feeling than being to help the most needy. To
experience the depth of their gratitude is an added
bonus.
Carrie: This was the recharge I didn't even know I
needed. Sure, the diving was fantastic. And, hey,
we're in Fiji. What's not to like? But it was being
around the people of Kandavu that really helped me keep
things in perspective. They are so community-minded and
thoughtful of each others' needs. I hope Mike and I can
raise our own kids to be as conscientious and
considerate.
What surprised you most about your experience at Kadavu
Koro?
Carrie: I knew, intellectually, that due to its lack of
infrastructure, Kadavu would be third-world. Seeing it
with my own eyes was when I realized just what that
meant.
Mike: That being said, the conditions of the village
were no where near deplorable. It was clean and
neat--it was just 19th century. And in some good ways,
too. Everyone said, "Bula!" as you walked by. People
waved to each other. The kids were out playing
together.
Carrie: And the kids minded their parents, at least in
front of us.
What was most rewarding about your experience in Fiji?
Carrie
and Mike: Just being able to help people who truly
needed it and were genuinely grateful. That was most
rewarding. Being able to see one of nature's most
pristine, unspoiled coral paradises made the experience
even more memorable.
Would you participate in another mission in Fiji?
Carrie and Mike: Where do we sign up?
Should other divers consider participating in a
mission/trip to Matava/Fiji?
Carrie and Mike: Yes, especially if you are a healthcare
provider and love to dive. It will be rewarding on both
fronts.
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Mr. David Beard
from Tasmania met us at the Matava Eco Resort and joined our
team. David shares:
What
were your expectations about the mission/trip?
Was
expecting just to dive and have a good week away from work.
Mission was a big surprise and gave me an appreciation of
the kind work some professionals do to help others.
How
did participating in our mission/trip differ from
expectations?
Ended
up helping Sean and Mike which I didn’t expect.
What
impact did participation in the mission/trip make on you
personally?
Better
appreciation of the problems in places like Kadavu with
access to things we take for granted. The tolerance level of
these people to deal with pain. The vast difference between
the perception of people from staying on a Resort in Fiji to
what reality is on Kandavu.
What
surprised you most about your experience at Kadavu Koro?
What's
a Koro …. But very disappointed with Sean's (The USA
representatives) ability to keep up on the Kava consumption.
USA 3, Australia 32. Pathetic really. (Kava is a beverage
brewed from the root of a pepper tree. The beverage has a
mildly narcotic effect when consumed in copious quantities
and numbs the tongue, lips and throat.)
What
was most rewarding about your experience in Fiji?
The
friendships made with locals and guests.
Would
you participate in another mission in Fiji?
Yes
Should other divers consider participating in a
mission/trip to Matava/Fiji?
I
think divers have a lot to offer in a number of fields… It
is very rewarding to be able to mix pleasure and
contributing to the locals in some way. |
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Jim Jepsen
from Ione, Oregon offers these thoughts:
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What were your expectations about the
mission/trip?
Traveling to an exotic location and
experiencing the people, culture, diving
in tropical waters, experiencing the
flora and fauna of Fiji.
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How did participating in our
mission/trip differ from your
expectations?
The whole experience far exceeded all
expectations. The personal interactions
with the resort staff and people of
Kadavu Koro and the guests there was on
a one to one level. The diving, visually
stunning! Very impressive. I'm
definitely
hooked. The professionalism of
the Matava dive personal was great.
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What impact did participation in the
mission/trip make on you personally?
The most rewarding aspect was being able
to assist the dental staff in providing
dental care to the people of Kadavu
Koro. Especially after finding out what
it costs them and what they have to go
through to receive what dental care they
do get. To donate a little of my time
and what I could do as a non-dental
professional was small in comparison to
how much it helped even one person.
Being able to help so many was
personally rewarding. A very life
enriching experience that few people get
to enjoy. Very cool! Every one that
facilitated and helped in the medical
mission conducted in a level of
professionalism that was very
impressive.
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What surprised you most about your
experience at Kadavu Koro?
Even though we were tourist\outsiders,
the people are so warm, friendly and
honestly open that we felt very welcome.
Lots of smiles. In a lot of the other
countries we have visited we have not
felt as at home as we did when we were
at the clinic and visiting the village
with Maggie (the Matava concierge). To
me personally, this was unique.
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What was most rewarding about your
experience in Fiji ?
After the children of the village were
shown how to brush their teeth. The next
day, while in the village we observed a
group of children ;brushing their teeth
in a fresh water stream. Just knowing
that by showing some thing so simple
could have an impact on so many for
years to come. Just knowing that a few
people can make a difference for so
many. what an experience! Definitely a
reward that I had not anticipated.
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Would you participate in another mission
in Fiji ?
Definitely! When do we leave?
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Should other divers consider
participating in a mission/trip to
Matava/Fiji?
Yes! What an adventure. combining
medical, diving, exotic travel ,
friends: a great combination. Don't let
this be a once in a life time
opportunity.
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Gina Jepsen from Ione, Oregon tells of her experience ...
I was so
looking forward to our trip to Fiji. I was as
excited about being able to help people as I was to
be diving. I couldn't hardly wait!
I was a
little nervous as I looked at the Matava
web-site...very remote. Wasn't quite sure about
being so remote. I was wondering what I was getting
into when we got to the "dock" and loaded up in the
boat to get to the resort. Oh boy! But I found
myself being truly amazed and awe struck. What a
beautiful Resort, wonderful people, and the
remoteness, being off the grid, was actually quite
great. I couldn't have imagined the peace and
wonder before going as being real. But it is real!
I felt so welcome. I know I didn't want to leave!!
Still
find myself thinking about being there. I want to
do more for the people. Just knowing that our
helping them saved them so much time and their hard
earned money and long term pain warmed my heart.
The people were so very appreciative of the help and
anything we did. They did not expect it! Just
appreciated. So different from what I see here in
the US. I want to experience the freedom from
possessions, freedom from technology, and the peace
some more. I think everyone should be able to
experience what I did at least once in their
life. Just an amazing experience.
I loved
the diving. Oh my, how beautiful it was under the
water. Warm, so full of life, clean and seeing the
way our divemasters care. The sparkle in their
eyes. It was a lot of work, no laying in the sun,
no pina coladas on the beach, but in my book and
heart it was the best!! Definitely a life changing
experience, puts things into perspective and made me
look deeper at myself and what is truly important to
me . Yes, I would love to go again. I think it
would be a good place for other diver's (and medical
personnel) to consider.
No, it isn't for everyone,
but they really would be missing out on "heaven on
earth" in my opinion!!
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