Serve, we have done throughout Fiji on this trip.  This by far was our largest and most successful trip to date.  All of this was made possible by several key people.  We are forever grateful to Dr. Lance Hendricks, our medical director, for his guidance, assistance, and undying energy towards the people of Fiji.

 

We would have nothing without Linda Kwasny and Lalati Resort.  Not only do they provide an air conditioned building for our home base the Lalati Free Clinic, but Linda is our eyes, ears, and conscience as to the needs of the people of Fiji.  Linda not only staffs the clinic with doctors trading service in clinic for time at the resort, but is also the number one "consultant" in clinic.

 

This trip was the first time we used a sea container to ship goods to the island, so great was the amount that we collected.  Unloading the 20 foot container in the high heat and humidity was one of the most arduous tasks of the trip.  So much so, the Fijian customs agents grew weary and left us to unload by ourselves.  The amount of goods we were able to get into a twenty foot container was impressive.

 

We did so well in the amount of medication collected, that we were able to send boxes on to Koro Island, Taveuni, and Savu Savu and their bush nursing stations.  Word has leaked out through the "coconut" wire that we have first-rate medication, which we are dispensing for free.  Requests are now constantly coming in for aid.  We also delivered medication and medical equipment to the teaching hospital in the capital of Fiji, Colonial War Memorial Hospital, to Bayly's Clinic, and several other worthwhile agencies and homes.

The government home for the aged was both very touching and heart breaking.  This is a country that spends less than $150 a year on medical care per person with socialized medicine.  Although clean with the exception of the lavatories, the home held only the bare necessities.  The complex is a series of wood buildings with metal roofs and cement floors, no air-conditioning and on the day of our visit, stifling hot.  It is open to the environment and what the weather holds, but it gives a measure of comfort and caring to those who need it most.  It was here that we saw the saddest part of our journey.  In the Indio-Fijian culture, it is believed that if a child is born handicapped or mentally impaired, he is a child of the devil.  They will kill the baby, hide them in closets, or tie them up in the yard. 

We were shown one of these children who is now 28 years old.  Since the age of 8 he has been tied up in the institution, before that we can only guess.  Currently they have him in the corner of a barracks type ward.  His world consists of a metal bed, which he is tied to, and a plastic mattress.  Unable to speak, he only makes animal sounds as he jumps around.  He is able to stand, walk and was aware of us.  He does have a very basic way of communicating through sounds and gestures with the staff. Eating is like watching a chicken feed; first he scratches the ground then grabs at the food with his hand. Needless to say, the conditions with which he lives are less than what you would expect an animal to live with in the US.

Fiji is beginning to address the problem of the handicapped and disabled as is evidenced by another or our "clients" the Early Intervention Center; a school for the disabled.  The school is basic and in great need of both speech and physical therapists to help train their staff.  There exists NO therapist in the entire country.  It was here we gave a child's wheelchair.  It is impossible to express their gratitude for so great a gift.  They were very impressed with the gelled seat.  They had never seen one before.  They are also in great need of special chairs for disabled children, car seats, teaching aides and testing supplies.

The "magic" moment happened at the "Home for Hope," a residence for Unwed Mothers.  We had visited this home last year and were impressed with all that they did for the women they pulled off the streets who were either rape and incest victims, or prostitutes.  In this home, they teach them basic reading and writing, along with job and parenting skills.  After unloading the truck with all goods earmarked for the home, we asked what in the future we could bring them.  The woman who runs the clinic began to tell us about a young girl there with sever curvature of the spine, wheelchair bound.  What she really needed was a walker to strengthen her muscles.  They would be greatly appreciative of a walker next time if there were any way we could obtain one. We then asked her if that would be a walker with or without wheels and brought her out a choice.  The smile on the woman's face made all the months of begging, collecting, and packing worthwhile.

We also visited two of the orphanages.  I was impressed with what I found.  All were neat and clean.  I saw many of the items we have sent in the past being used.  Most importantly, the children seemed very happy and well cared for.  Again, they received clothing and medication with great gratitude.

We met with both the Deputy Chief of Mission to the Ambassador of Fiji and the Minister of Health.  Both are well aware of all of our efforts and successes.  The previous week without us present, the president of the Rotary Club of Suva, asked the Minister of Health what he thought of all the agencies and foundations coming into Fiji offering aid, was this a help or a bother? He stated that there was only one group that was truly making a difference. He was speaking of our group.

On Beqa, we are still seeing much the same in the clinic.  There is still much suffering from scabies and boils.  Flu like symptoms are rampant and many have running stomachs.  Still, we are making headway as they now come soon enough to be treated. 

The school has made great progress as the girl's dormitory is now almost complete.  No longer will they sleep on the floor but will have bunk beds.  They also now have a dining hall, again almost complete.  This is a major improvement over the dirt floors, open fire and fly infested areas in which they would eat before.  They will even have a working toilet!!!  Please don't ask me where the sewage goes, that is a scary thought.

Rakua-Raviravi Primary School is now the most advanced rural school in the country.  The next step is to build the boys dormitory and perhaps find a way to have running water for showering as they are still bathing in the river.

Wanting to avoid the notion that we were creating a "welfare state" on Beqa we held an island wide rummage sale with clothing from all of our donors including; Walmart, Next to New Clothing Shop, Kimberly Mauermann and Gustafson R&D Center.  The money raised was in turn donated back to the school. All items (consisting of some fifty to sixty boxes of donated goods) were sold at 50 cents to a dollar.  This was a sight to behold!  Quadruple the rush of a Macy's after Christmas sale!

$2200 was raised, which when deposited in a government-approved account will be tripled.  There were enough items left over to hold another rummage sale when school started.  This helped empower the Fijian's as instead of accepting "charity" they were instrumental in raising money for the completion of their school building project.

 For those of you who have donated time, equipment and items, cash, or simply sent your blessings along with us; we extend our sincere thanks for making this all possible.  Through the efforts of our small group, we have reached well beyond Beqa Island to improve the health, education, and welfare of this wonderful country. This is the first trip that I could actually see the huge difference in the direction of Fiji and its people we have made.  "From The Heart" we have reached out and truly made a difference.  Loloma!

We are currently planning for our ongoing shipments and medical clinics.  Any help is most graciously accepted. You truly can make a difference.  Please contact Allison Batlin at 512-751-7453 or Bob Sykes at 562-418-7638

Vinaka from The Loloma Foundation Board of Directors,