Along the gravelly road at palm-fringed Natuvu, the hushed whispers of nature got disturbed in late August by the lively chattering of people. They flocked from all parts of Cakaudrove, even as far as neighbouring Macuata and Bua (a few travel from Viti Levu), eager to find healing and restoration of health. On this occasion, they were specifically driven by the desire to have their vision fully restored. For almost two decades, The Mission at Natuvu Creek, had attracted a melting pot of people of all shades, sizes and ages from all parts of the globe. Situated on 750 acres of freehold estate, the medical haven encompasses an extinct volcano that reaches an altitude of 1,200 feet, tropical and bamboo forests, and the beautiful shorelines of Buca Bay. The mission was built about 20 years ago on the back of a dream to serve the rural people of Fiji by offering an expanding array of medical services, health and wellness education. It also serves as a base for visiting individuals, families, university students and medical teams seeking to serve the people of Fiji and at the same time enjoy unspoiled beauty.
Everybody is welcome
The Mission at Natuvu Creek is a non-denominational faith-based nonprofit organization and volunteers come from varying religious backgrounds but united by a peculiar spirit of selfless service. The doctors and their medical support staff work tirelessly to bring healing, their hands superbly adept from years of dedicated practice and their incessant smiles as warm as Fiji’s tropical sunshine.
In fact, every year, up to 20 medical teams volunteer at The Mission at Natuvu Creek, giving Fijians a gift of care and healing, and taking back with them unforgettable moments and an appreciation of a new culture. The Sunday Times team spoke to doctors, support team members, founders, locals and fulltime clinic staff during its most recent eye clinic, held last month.
Unforgettable experience
California optometrist and mission volunteer, Dr Randy Edwards, described his visit to Fiji as an eye-opener. “The opportunity to help others is just so rewarding. That’s why I do the work I do,” he said. “I’ve never been in Fiji before. This is paradise, I haven’t had the opportunity to really travel but what impressed me were the people, smiles and the fact that everyone was polite and gracious.”
Sacramento ophthalmologist, Dr Peter Andrews, who specializes in corneal, cataract and refractive surgery said the clinic at Buca Bay was an “oasis” and on par with eye clinics back in the US. “This place is established and has earned the trust of the local population. People who come here know they’ll get the cure they need,” he said. Dr Andrews was accompanied by his wife, Kelye Lotz, and their two children.
Spiritual care
Apart from immersing themselves in the local culture and serving rural communities, volunteer doctors from the US also get a chance to experience a rare closeness to the Divine and the feeling of being embraced. This is what founder, Dr Marta Tooma, said made The Mission at Natuvu Creek unique, distinguished and “like no other”. “To just take away a toothache and not get the taste of eternity, is temporary healing. We want whoever comes here to get the true feeling that we are here because Jesus did this when he was on this earth.” “So that’s what I hope, to help others attain eternity.” To help visitors, staff and patients get healed spiritually, Petero Siwatibau, the mission chaplain, is the man everyone resorts to. He started working at the mission since it opened its doors in 2008 and assumes the demanding role of chaplain, medical assistant and activity coordinator. “I take my roles seriously and view them as positions of influence, for serving God’s creation, no matter who that is,” Mr Siwatibau said.
Natuvu miracle
Since day one, there have been many amazing miracles at Natuvu. The blind have had their vision restored and locals who were once on the brim of doom, are now able to read the Bible again, sew, fish, work in the garden and weave a mat. According to www.arpanglobal.org ten years ago, then St Joseph Hospital of Orange president and CEO Steven C. Moreau traveled to Fiji on his second medical mission, hand-carrying a box of corneas, donated by Tissue Bank International. The cornea was literally a gift of life. It later got transplanted into a 34-year-old local woman who had been blind in one eye by California ophthalmologist Dr Aisha Simjee. The patient came back the next day with her husband to present a painted coconut shell adorned like a turtle to thank the team for her restored eyesight. “Humanitarian missions are an opportunity to take our skills and give back while visiting interesting places around the world…it lifts our spirit to help out,” Mr Moreau noted.
The gift of sight
One local who was happy to undergo surgery at Natuvu in August was Nasiban Bibi of Valebasoga, Labasa. She left home at 4am in order to be at the mission and get the help she needed. “I am happy about the surgery to remove my motiyabind (Hindi word meaning cataract) and I hope to see clearly once my eye patch is removed,” Bibi said while resting in her car. Filomena Tui of Buca Village said free medical services offered at Natuvu were world class and “a gift to the people of Vanua Levu”. “For a few years now, I have been experiencing blurred vision and I haven’t been able to see clearly,” she said. “I wanted my vision restored so that I may continue to weave mats and read the Bible, that’s why I came to the eye clinic.” Ray Kiran, 55, of Korovesi in Savusavu said her right eye had been watery for a while and this caused discomfort when looking at bright light or cooking in the open fire. “I am a widow. I need my eyes fixed so that I can take care of myself…I’d rather be immobile than to be visually impaired because I consider my eyes to be one of the most important parts of my body. ”
Every person is treated equally
Everyone at the clinic is treated with dignity, from the most senior doctor to the chef in the kitchen and the boys who keep the property tidy. This treatment keeps every member of the staff motivated and committed to work and feel valued. “I love my job because I bring happiness to every member of the team through the food I prepare,” said Vika Vakaotia, the mission’s chef. “Before every day begins and after a hard day’s job, everyone gathers at the dining hall where I serve mostly plant-based dishes because we belief in eating and living heathy; there’s always fresh fruits and vegetables for everyone.” Locals benefit not only by receiving medical help. Some use the busy clinic period to earn a few bucks like women from nearby villagers who sell food outside the hospital.
“People come here very early in the morning and because there are no shops or restaurants around, we come in handy. We provide them with affordable food so they can eat during breaks or while waiting for their turn to be seen by the doctors,” said Loa villager, Siteri Rabulukovu. “I have five children who attend school so whatever I earn here from selling pastries and roti will help put food on the table and pay for my family’s needs.”
Legacy of service
Since opening its doors some 20 years ago, The Mission at Natuvu Creek has continued to change people’s lives. More than 10,000 patients from around Fiji, especially Vanua Levu, are cared for annually. The divisional hospital in Labasa has only three eye specialists who take care of a population of over 130,000. The mission’s eye clinics therefore goes a long way in bridging the gap in health service delivery in the north. Its medical and dental volunteers and teams from around the world offer cataract surgery, dental care, head and neck surgery, gynecological care, plastic reconstructive surgery, pediatric and general medical care, as well as health and wellbeing counselling and Christian ministry and outreach. Currently underway is its dental clinic (cleaning, extraction), repair, root canal) which will end on Friday, September 13. Self-funded through the Tooma Family Foundation, the mission also hosts students from Pepperdine University in California who travel every year and spend one month doing volunteer work.
